Benjamin Franklin was very smart. Ben only went to school for a year or two. But he loved to read. At a young age, Benjamin began working for an older brother, James, as a printer.

When Ben was 16, he sent letters to the paper. He signed them, Silence Dogood. People loved the letters. He was so good, many people began reading his papers.

Ben liked to do new things. In 1733, he started to write and print Poor Richard’s Almanac. It was published once a year. It was fun to read. He drew the first political cartoon. Ben started the first public library and the first fire department. Franklin even started an insurance company. It helped people after fires. He also started a hospital. He enjoyed finding ways to help people live better.

Franklin also liked to experiment with things. Benjamin Franklin invented the lightning rod and bifocal glasses. Ben also invented a stove and a musical instrument. Benjamin made swim fins. He helped prove that electricity made lightning. He enjoyed finding ways to help people live better.

Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General. He helped write the Declaration of Independence. Franklin signed the United States Constitution. He is known as one of America’s founding fathers. The founding fathers helped make America its own country. Ben did NOT like slavery.

Benjamin Franklin died at home when he was 84.