I have had the great pleasure of passing information on to students in elementary, middle, high school and college courses. I have spoken historical society's, genealogical groups, library sessions, at historical reenactments and also community groups.
I portray Benjamin Franklin in the first person, I feel I present him as I see him, a simple man with many layers, a wise man, with a wicked sense of humor, an intelligent man, always seeking simple solutions to problems. His many writings have given us a picture of an incredible individual. How ever todays average person only see's him as the man who flew a kite in a thunder storm or is on the $100 bill. I would like to change that perception.
Benjamin Franklin was never fully paid for his time in France. He submitted bills to congress in 1786 for his expenses (in the sever ice of the congress) but did not receive full payment. All of his expenses in France were paid for by him. to this day the bills are outstanding.
Father of modern Dentistry. Many tools used today are from his designs
Developed engravings and printed money for many colonies (which was never counterfeited). Put phrase "To Counterfeit Is Death" on money he printed.
Met his wife (Deborah) when he was 17. Married her when he was 24 and they had three children, William ( who he had influence enough to have him made royal Governor of New Jersey, and was disowned by Benjamin in1784) Frances (his son who died at the age of 4 of small pox, Benjamin always blamed himself for the boys death) Sarah (they called her Sally) she became the mistress of Benjamin's home after the death of his loving wife Deborah in 1774.
Invented a musical instrument call the Armonica (which means beautiful music in Latin)
Challenged the Royal Scientific Society of London to develop a pill to make bodily gas smell like a flower garden (his has as of yet never been accomplished)
He was the first storm chaser. Charting storms in the northern Colonies.
He wrote poetry (very badly).
In his will he set up a program to help new Journeyman in Boston and Philadelphia to be able to borrow money to set themselves up in business
He retired from daily business at age 46
Only Founding Father to sign all 4 Document's that started our country. Can you name them?
Franklins views on virtue comes from one of his favorite Bible passages: Philippians 4:8
"Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things"
I try to followmin his footsteps. For he truly is a great man.
