Anna LorizHistory 146Prof. Triebs10/11/2020First Book Report: Autobiography of Benjamin FranklinThere is no doubt that Benjamin Franklin can be considered one of the biggestinfluencers of present-day America, with his role in ending the Revolutionary War and draftingthe Declaration of Independence & the United States Constitution. He has altered the course ofAmerican history and his accomplishments are rooted deeply in the U.S. government.Franklin starts his autobiography with a bit of background history about his family,explaining how they hail from Ecton, Northamptonshire. He talks about going togrammar-school at eight years old and how he exhibited an eagerness to read, showing promiseas a scholar. Reading became his favorite pastime, and Franklin got his hands on as many booksas he could. In 1720, Franklin’s brother began the second American newspaper, called the NewEngland Courant. Franklin sneakily left anonymous articles to be published, and it was clear hegreatly enjoyed the printing press. His brother hires him, but they get into a fight and Franklinquits his job. Upon finding out, his brother made sure no other paper would hire him andFranklin was forced to move to New York at only 17. He learns of a printing job under AndrewBradford in Philadelphia and journeys there to apply for it. Although Bradford is unable to givehim work, Franklin is offered a job under another printer, Keimer. He moves in with the Readsand meets his future wife, Deborah Read. Franklin’s brother-in-law Robert Holmes wanted himback in Boston, but Franklin politely sent a letter detailing his reasons for leaving. The lettercaught the eye of Governor William Keith who was impressed by the writing skills of such a
