The Personal Life of Benjamin Franklin: Key Aspects to Note

Benjamin Franklin is renowned for his contributions to science, politics, and society. However, his personal life is equally fascinating and provides valuable insights into the man behind the many achievements. This article delves into the key aspects of Franklin’s personal life, highlighting his relationships, interests, and the experiences that shaped him.

Early Life and Family

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Josiah Franklin, a candle maker, and Abiah Folger. He was the fifteenth of seventeen children. His modest upbringing in a large family instilled in him the values of hard work and frugality.

Education and Apprenticeship

Franklin’s formal education ended when he was ten years old. Despite this, his love for reading and self-education never waned. At the age of 12, he became an apprentice to his brother James, a printer. This experience provided Franklin with access to a wealth of books and a platform to hone his writing skills.

Marriage and Children

In 1730, Franklin entered a common-law marriage with Deborah Read, the daughter of his former landlady. Their relationship was a significant part of Franklin’s personal life.

Deborah Read

Deborah Read and Franklin had two children together: Francis Folger Franklin, who died of smallpox at age four, and Sarah Franklin, who later married Richard Bache. Deborah played a crucial role in Franklin’s business endeavors, managing their printing shop and household during his frequent absences.

William Franklin

Before his marriage to Deborah, Franklin had an illegitimate son, William Franklin, born around 1730. William was raised in Franklin’s household and later became the Royal Governor of New Jersey. Despite their close relationship, the American Revolution caused a rift between them, as William remained loyal to the British Crown.

Intellectual Pursuits and Social Life

Franklin was a polymath with a wide range of interests. His intellectual pursuits and social engagements were central to his personal life.

Junto Club

In 1727, Franklin founded the Junto Club, a group of like-minded individuals who met regularly to discuss philosophy, politics, and business. The Junto Club was instrumental in fostering Franklin’s intellectual growth and community involvement.

The Library Company of Philadelphia

In 1731, Franklin established the Library Company of Philadelphia, the first subscription library in America. This institution reflected his belief in the importance of knowledge and education and provided public access to books and information.

Health and Lifestyle

Franklin’s approach to health and lifestyle was progressive for his time. He believed in moderation and self-discipline, as evidenced by his writings and personal habits.

Vegetarianism

During his youth, Franklin adopted a vegetarian diet for a period, influenced by his reading of Thomas Tryon’s works on vegetarianism. Although he later abandoned strict vegetarianism, this experience influenced his views on diet and health.

Daily Schedule and Virtues

Franklin was known for his structured daily schedule and his commitment to self-improvement. He devised a plan to cultivate 13 virtues, including temperance, silence, order, and frugality, which he meticulously tracked and practiced.

Travels and Diplomacy

Franklin’s personal life was marked by extensive travel, both within the American colonies and abroad. His diplomatic missions to England and France were pivotal in his life and career.

London

Franklin lived in London from 1757 to 1775, representing Pennsylvania and other colonies in their disputes with the British government. His time in London exposed him to a broader intellectual and cultural milieu, further shaping his views on politics and society.

Paris

During the American Revolution, Franklin served as the United States’ ambassador to France. His charm and wit endeared him to the French court, playing a crucial role in securing French support for the American cause.

Later Years and Legacy

Franklin’s later years were spent in Philadelphia, where he continued to contribute to public life and scientific inquiry.

Abolitionism

In his final years, Franklin became an outspoken abolitionist. As president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, he petitioned Congress to end slavery and promote education for freed slaves, reflecting his evolving views on human rights.

Autobiography

Franklin began writing his autobiography, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, in 1771. Published posthumously, it remains one of the most famous autobiographies in American literature, offering valuable insights into his life and times.

Conclusion

Benjamin Franklin’s personal life was as rich and multifaceted as his public achievements. From his early education and family relationships to his intellectual pursuits and diplomatic missions, Franklin’s experiences and values shaped him into one of the most influential figures in American history. Understanding his personal life provides a deeper appreciation of the man behind the many contributions that continue to impact society today.

References

1. Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Various editions.
2. Brands, H.W. The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. Anchor Books, 2002.
3. Isaacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. Simon & Schuster, 2003.
4. Van Doren, Carl. Benjamin Franklin. Viking Press, 1938.
5. Morgan, Edmund S. Benjamin Franklin. Yale University Press, 2002.

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