Ben Franklin was one of America’s Founding Fathers, and he was also a talented inventor. But he achieved his first success as the writer and publisher of a very popular once-a-year book entitled Poor Richard’s Almanac.
When Franklin got his start in publishing, almanacs were some of the most popular books on the market. In those days, almanacs often contained seasonal weather forecasts and farming advice. Franklin used his writing skills to beef up Poor Richard’s Almanac with common-sense advice, memorable quotes, and timely tips. His books were a hit, and as a result, Franklin became a wealthy man.
With only two years of formal education, Ben Franklin made the most of his God-given talents, and he worked his way to the top. You can, too.
Fun Fact: When Ben Franklin arrived in Philadelphia in 1723, he was practically penniless. But over the next two decades he became very wealthy as a print shop owner, a land speculator, and the publisher of the popular Poor Richard’s Almanack.
Fun Fact: Ben was largely self-taught. In fact, he only had two years of formal education. To make up for his lack of time in the classroom, he read lots of books.
Fun Fact: Franklin was the first person to ask Congress to abolish slavery. He did it in 1790, two months before his death.
Fun Fact: Ben Fanklin was the oldest Founding Father to sign the United States Constitution. He was 81 when he signed it.
Fun Fact: Ben Franklin also discovered a huge current of warm water that flows in the Atlantic Ocean up the east coast of America from
Florida to New England. He named that current the Gulf Stream, and that’s what it’s still called today.
Fun Fact: Ben Franklin was the first person to serve as the United States Postmaster General. That means Franklin was in charge of entire U.S. Postal Service.
Ben Franklin One-Cent Stamp, Issued in 1861.