Benjamin Franklin Autobiography

Benjamin Franklin Autobiography

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 6, 1706 to Josiah Franklin and Abiah Folger. His father was a tallow chandler who relocated his family to the New England Colonies about 1682 in search of religious freedom. Benjamin Franklin started working for his father at a very early age which he hated. At age twelve he was bound as an apprentice to his brother, James, who owned a print shop where they quarreled often. His brother published the New England Courant and treated him as though he was a slave and often times beat him. During this period in his life a desire to improve himself and be free of the restraining ties which bound him was born within him.

Through the help of a friend he was able to secure passage on a ship bound for New York. Thus began his journey of seeking to improve his circumstances in life and himself. Benjamin Franklin never received much of a formal education. He started school at the age of eight and ended at ten years old. His father intended to send him to college for an education and then dedicate him to the service of the church, but because of the financial difficulties of raising such a large family this proved impossible. Benjamin Franklin had developed a love of reading at an early age and therefore he began to educate himself through books. After arriving at his destination he went to the printer's office seeking employment. While there he met Mr. William Bradford. He did not have any work for him, but sent him to Philadelphia where his son owned a print shop and needed help. Upon arriving in Philadelphia he walked past the woman who would become his future wife. Then he made his way to the printer's office and found they did not need any help. Mr. William Bradford took him to another printer where he gained employment. After working for about a year for Mr. Keimer, the governor persuaded him to open his own print shop there after sending him to London to buy type. After this endeavor falls through he returns to work at Mr. Keimer's print shop to resume his employment.

After working at the printing shop for two years, he and a man named Hugh Meredith open their own printing office. Meredith's father advanced them the money they needed to get the business ...