Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about our namesake, Benjamin Franklin. When was Benjamin Franklin born? Who were Benjamin Franklin's parents? Did Benjamin Franklin have any siblings? Where did Benjamin Franklin go to school? What did Benjamin Franklin want to be when he grew up? Was Benjamin Franklin a Quaker? Did Benjamin Franklin get married? Did Benjamin Franklin have children? Did Benjamin Franklin have grandchildren? Where did Benjamin Franklin live as an adult? What did Benjamin Franklin look like? "No certain early likeness of him survives, but what he outwardly was when he returned to Philadelphia may be imagined backwards from later portraits and various chance notes on his personal appearance. Strongly built, rounded like a swimmer or a wrestler, not angular like a runner, he was five feet nine or ten inches tall, with a large head and square, deft hands. His hair was blond or light brown, his eyes grey, full, and steady, his mouth wide and humorous with a pointed upper lip. His clothing was as clean as it was plain. Though he and others say he was hesitant in speech, he was prompt in action." What jobs did Benjamin Franklin hold? What did Benjamin Franklin invent?
What publications did Benjamin Franklin author? Did Benjamin Franklin really fly a kite in a thunderstorm? Which institutions did Benjamin Franklin found? What countries did Benjamin Franklin visit?
What awards did Benjamin Franklin receive? What were Benjamin Franklin's pseudonyms? Which political documents did Benjamin Franklin sign? Who were Benjamin Franklin's friends? What did Benjamin Franklin eat? Did Benjamin Franklin have a dog? Was Benjamin Franklin musical? Did Benjamin Franklin really want the turkey to be the symbol of the United States of America? "For my own part I wish the Eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead tree near the river, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the labor of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a fish, and is bearing it to his nest for the support of his mate and young ones, the Eagle pursues him and takes it from him. With all this injustice, he is never in good case but like those among men who live by sharping & robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district. He is therefore by no means a proper emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our country...I am on this account not displeased that the figure is not known as a Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the truth the Turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on." When did Benjamin Franklin die? Where is Benjamin Franklin buried? Is Benjamin Franklin on any American money? What else is Benjamin Franklin known for?
Did Benjamin Franklin discover electricity? Did Benjamin Franklin really fly a kite in a thunderstorm? What was Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment? Was Benjamin Franklin’s kite struck by lightning? Did Benjamin Franklin invent daylight saving time? |