by Susan Groves - Center Street Elementary - El Segundo Unified

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Benjamin Franklin was born on April 17, 1706 in Boston. He was the youngest son of 17 children. Since Ben’s father was married more than once, several of his brothers and sisters were his half brothers and sisters.

Ben taught himself to read at an early age, so he was sent to grammar school when he was eight years old. He only stayed for two years, though, when his father brought him home to work in his candle and soap making business. Ben did not enjoy working in the candle shop. After two years he was sent to be an apprentice to his older brother, James, in his
print shop.

An apprentice is someone who signs a contract and agrees to live, work, and learn with someone who works in a trade making something. Ben was supposed to work for his brother until he was 21 years old.

Ben liked printing better than candle making, and spent five years working for hisbrother. James was not always kind to Ben and sometimes beat him. Ben loved books and reading and spent his free time teaching himself by reading books.

By the age of 16 Ben was an accomplished writer as well as a printer. While serving an apprentice, he had written for his brother’s newspaper. After five years Ben ran away and took a ship from Boston to New York. From New York he made his way to Philadelphia.