Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American scientist, inventor, author, diplomat, philosopher, statesman, and philanderer. He served on the First and Second Continental Congresses and, with John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, co-authored the Declaration of Independence. During the American Revolution, he negotiated an alliance with France that won the US recognition and military aid from that country. He also participated in the Constitutional Convention in which the US Constitution was written.

In his own lifetime, Franklin was legendary for his sharp wit, his political acumen, his great intelligence, and his skill with the ladies.

Benjamin Franklin in Southern Victory
A Pennsylvania man, Benjamin Franklin remained a favorite Founding Father in the United States after the War of Secession. A profile view of Franklin's face was printed on stamps issued in occupied Canada during and after the Great War.

Flora Hamburger once quoted Franklin's warning "Those who would trade essential liberty for a little temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security" in a floor debate in the House of Representatives--which, incidentally, met in Franklin's own Liberty Hall.

Abraham Lincoln quoted Franklin to his host when he visited Salt Lake City in 1881.

Benjamin Franklin in The Two Georges
Benjamin Franklin was part of the delegation that ended the escalating conflict that threatened to tear North America from the British Empire. He was one of those depicted in the background of the painting The Two Georges. Thomas Gainsborough succeeded in subtlety capturing Franklin's character by depicting him one eye on the ceremony and another on a serving girl.

Benjamin Franklin in The Disunited States of America
Benjamin Franklin was still remembered in North America for his role in the Revolution, even though the United States ultimately failed.

Beckie Royer remembered Franklin's exhortation to the colonies that they must "hang together" or they would "hang separately" in the lead up to the Revolution. She wondered if perhaps that lesson should have been remembered beyond independence.

Benjamin Franklin in Atlantis
See Custis Cawthorne.