Declaration of Independence Signer, Continental Congressman, U.S. Diplomat, Printer and Inventor. Published the "Pennsylvania Gazette" and "Poor Richard's Almanack." Famous for confirming lightning is electricity by flying a kite in a thunderstorm. Invented bifocals, Franklin Stove and other inventions. Served as a Delegate from PA to the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776. Signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Served as U.S. Minister to France during the Revolutionary War. Instrumental in encouraging France to side with the U.S. One of the main negotiators of the peace treaty with Britain. Signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783. His son William Franklin was the last Royalist Governor of New Jersey, remained loyal to England and died in London. Uncle of Revolutionary War New Jersey Militia Major General and U.S. Senator Franklin Davenport. Twenty-three U.S. States have counties named after him. One of the most famous and well known 18th Century thinkers, Renaissance men and Revolutionary Patriots. His life and legacy of scientific and political achievement, and his status as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, have seen Franklin honored more than two centuries after his death on coinage and the $100 bill, warships, and the names of many towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations, as well as countless cultural references.
Declaration of Independence Signer, Continental Congressman, U.S. Diplomat, Printer and Inventor. Published the "Pennsylvania Gazette" and "Poor Richard's Almanack." Famous for confirming lightning is electricity by flying a kite in a thunderstorm. Invented bifocals, Franklin Stove and other inventions. Served as a Delegate from PA to the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776. Signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Served as U.S. Minister to France during the Revolutionary War. Instrumental in encouraging France to side with the U.S. One of the main negotiators of the peace treaty with Britain. Signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783. His son William Franklin was the last Royalist Governor of New Jersey, remained loyal to England and died in London. Uncle of Revolutionary War New Jersey Militia Major General and U.S. Senator Franklin Davenport. Twenty-three U.S. States have counties named after him. One of the most famous and well known 18th Century thinkers, Renaissance men and Revolutionary Patriots. His life and legacy of scientific and political achievement, and his status as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, have seen Franklin honored more than two centuries after his death on coinage and the $100 bill, warships, and the names of many towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations, as well as countless cultural references.
Bio by: RPD2
Inscription
The Body of
B. Franklin, Printer.
Like the Cover of an old Book.
Its Contents torn out.
And Stript of its Lettering & Gilding.
Lies here, Food for Worms.
But the Work shall not be wholly lost.
For it will, as he believ'd,
appear once more
In a new & more perfect Edition,
Corrected and Improved
By The Author.
-
(This epitaph written by Franklin as a young
man, was not intended to be used. His nearby
gravestone was prepared in exact accordance
with the instructions contained in his will.)
-
This gravesite restored
by the Poor Richard Club
of Philadelphia
trough the generosity
of Howard C. Story
in memory of his parents
Edward A. and Mary Elizabeth Story.
Family Members
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