Benjamin biography franklin philadelphia gazette

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, O.S January 6, – April 17, ) was an American polymath who was active as a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher[1†].

He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the first postmaster general[1†].

Franklin became a successful newspaper editor and printer in Philadelphia, the leading city in the colonies, publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette at age 23[1†].

He became wealthy publishing this and Poor Richard’s Almanack, which he wrote under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders"[1†]. After , he was associated with the Pennsylvania Chronicle, a newspaper that was known for its revolutionary sentiments and criticisms of the policies of the British Parliament and the Crown[1†].

He pioneered and was the first president of the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which opened in and later became