Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. Franklin was the quintessential American, and the classic example of a self-made man. He strived to constantly improve himself and to accomplish his ambitions. Despite being born into a poor family and receiving less than two years of formal schooling, Franklin became a successful writer, inventor, and businessman. In his spare time he played chess, composed music, enjoyed swimming, experimented with electricity, helped found a country, and then served as its diplomat. Read more about his life and times at: http://www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_franklin.html
