benjamin franklin on marriage

During our investigation, Nancy reveals why we should explore the life of Benjamin Franklin through the women in his life; Deborah Read Franklin and her marriage to Benjamin Franklin; And, details about the marriage of Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, including the many years they spent apart from each other between 1757 and 1775. (Franklin denied it, writing he would do nothing unworthy the Character of an honest Man, and one that loves his Family.) But as month after month passed with no word on Benjamins voyage home, it became clear that history was repeating itself. "Fart Proudly" is just another great example of that tradition, that universal reference point that we all share. His love for Franky had brought him closer to Deborah. 171-3. I certainly agree with you about misused or misspelled words. Among his findings was the fact that the positive and negative charges, or states of electrification of bodies, had to occur in exactly equal amountsa crucial scientific principle known today as the law of conservationof charge. William Franklin. Paraphrasing her husband, she wrote: A Quier of paper that my careless wife forgot to set down and now the careless thing dont know the prices so I must trust you., Benjamin also conspicuously overlooked, or even denigrated, Deborahs fitness as a mother. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Franklin exchanged some promises about marriage with Deborah Read and, with a young friend, James Ralph, as his companion, sailed for London in November 1724, just over a year after arriving in Philadelphia. William. January 6, 1705 [1 - April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. But he never came. His 1742 ballad in praise of her, as Lemay points out, touched upon every aspect of her domestic skills except motherhoodeven though she had mothered William Franklin since infancy and, shortly after Frankys death, had taken in young James Franklin Jr., the son of Bens deceased brother. Author of. "Founding Father," "Inventor," and "diplomat" are all terms usually applied to Benjamin Franklin. In 1730, Franklins Pennsylvania Gazette had reported extensively on an outbreak in Boston. Leo Lemay pointed out, better off financially and socially than any of his siblings and almost all of Philadelphias artisans. That fall, the Pennsylvania Assembly appointed him its clerk, which put him on the inside of the colonys politics for the first time. A year later he bought the towns second newspaper operation, renamed and reworked it, and began making a success of the Pennsylvania Gazette. When Franky was finally baptized, his father just happened to be on an extended trip to New England. Deborah left him and moved back in with her mother. Franklin didnt return Benny Bache to his parents for nine years. In London, Franklin discovered that the governor had lied to him. Privacy Statement The Way to Wealth. When Benjamin Franklin was born on 6 January 1706, in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America, his father, Josiah Franklin Sr., was 48 and his mother, Abiah Lee Folger, was 38. . Whether the letter in question truly qualified as his first is unknown, since it has been lost. As for the letter, it seems to me he had a lot of experience to be able to go on with so much knowledge. More substantive evidence suggests the delay was due to Franklins oft-expressed antipathy to organized religion. When he met his grandson he, too, became infatuated with the boyso much so that he effectively claimed Benny for his own. A Benjamin Franklin Reader, p.53, Simon and Schuster, There is a mistake in the text of this quote, Occupation: Founding Father of the United States. Together they are more likely to succeed in the World. His mastery of the printers trade, of which he was proud to the end of his life, was achieved between 1718 and 1723. Ha, ha..I think lots of older women are not so good in this day & age..bah humbug to waiting on a man & confounding ones self to be pleasing to him.. Stephen Coss is the author of the book The Fever of 1721: The Epidemic that Revolutionized Medicine and American Politics. Or did he fear that they would lose this new Franky, too? The budding friendship between the two young people soon developed into mutual attraction. Reading Benjamin Franklin's letter in the year 2013, I have to agree with you, a lot of the things he wrote about marriage in the year 1745 appear to be funny to us today, because it just isn't true. Many biographers and historians have followed suit, accepting at face value that Franky was simply too sick for inoculation. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. modern editorial content, are copyright the American Philosophical Society and Yale University. The Truth About Benjamin Franklin's Relationship With His Wife. SOURCES Deborah Read Benjamin Franklin Wikipedia: Benjamin Franklin Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin This letter was even funnier to me because Benjamin Franklin misspelled words that I restrained myself from correcting. Young Franklin discovered a volume of The Spectatorfeaturing Joseph Addison and Sir Richard Steeles famous periodical essays, which had appeared in England in 171112and saw in it a means for improving his writing. the state in which you will find solid happiness. Benjamin Franklin - Keep your eyes wide open before. Copyright 2009-2021 The Redhead Riter | Commenting Policy | Disclosure | Disclaimer | Privacy |, A Short Motivational Thought, Wish And Quote. Did he envy it? Benjamin Franklin, perhaps the most recognized American polymath, also participated in the music domain during his lifetime and, in addition to the knowledge of several instruments and commentaries on music theory, left a legacy as an instrument maker and a composer. For one so young to assume the persona of a middle-aged woman was a remarkable feat, and Franklin took exquisite Pleasure in the fact that his brother and others became convinced that only a learned and ingenious wit could have written these essays. in In the late 1760s, Deborah became ill and suffered a series . He resembles the odd Half of a Pair of Scissars. In London Franklin quickly found employment in his trade and was able to lend money to Ralph, who was trying to establish himself as a writer. Marriage is the most natural state of man, and. [Original source: The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, vol. This was perhaps a nice justification for his self-indulgent behaviour in London and his ignoring of Deborah, to whom he had written only once. Sarah . Franklin family members worked in the smith trade for nearly 300 years. Ben Franklin was my first idol, when I was a young lad, & he remains one of my very favorite people wise, inventive, & ohh so witty! I have this thing with words spelled or used incorrectly. Im glad you seemed to enjoy it as much as me! - Benjamin Franklin | One Day Quotes. But its likely that Deborah exaggerated the letters romantic aspects because she wanted to believe her husband loved her and would return to her. Franklin was certainly grateful to be married, but treated his wife more like a roommate than a helpmate in life. Marriage: 1 September 1730. In a June 1770 letter, an elated Deborah wrote to her husband that William Franklin believed Benny Bache is like Frankey Folger. Benjamin Franklin said, "Be assured, a Woman's Power, as well as Happiness, has no other Foundation but . Along the way, Franklin came to see marriage as more of an act of business (via Smithsonian Magazine). He also . And I must say I agree with him for much of it. Franklin never said his son was sick, but that he had not recovered sufficient Strength. Its possible that Franky had been ill, but was no longer showing symptoms of dysentery. What do you think about Benjamin Franklins wisdom about marriage, sex and the older woman? In the same period he read tirelessly and taught himself to write effectively. They could set up house on Market Street as a common-law marriage. Im never going to get that picture out of my head now! Over 35 years of marriage, Benjamin Franklin had indirectly praised Deborahs work ethic and common sense through wife characters in his Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richards Almanac. His father, Josiah, was a soap and candle maker from England who immigrated to Boston. Silence Dogood. They had a son, Francis, who died four years later from smallpox, and a . Even with those deathswhich doctors attributed to smallpox contracted before inoculationthe inoculation death rate was negligible compared with the fatality rate from naturally acquired smallpox. Other men had. 2.Ford, Franklin Bibliog., no. Benjamin Franklin Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. Deborah assisted in the business by folding and stitching pamphlets, tending shop, purchasing old linen rags for paper makers. His exact birthday is unknown, as is the identity of his mother, but he was born sometime around 1730, and . As a scientist, Franklin took great interest in inoculating against the disease. * I'm Constantly Grateful For The Bad And Good Times. Deborah was a skilled bookkeeper to whom Ben . 57; Van Doren, Franklin, pp. 8) Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late. Soon she took in the infant son her new husband had fathered with another woman and began running a small stationery store on the first floor. She saw him and thought I made, as I certainly did, a most awkward ridiculous Appearance.. By the time the Philadelphia epidemic ended that July, 288 people were dead, but that total included only one of the approximately 50 people who had been inoculated. But the facts are more complicated. 7) They who have nothing to trouble them will be troubled at nothing. A stunning new theory suggests that a debate over the failed treatment of their sons smallpox was the culprit. LOL , Reading Benjamin Franklins letter in the year 2013, I have to agree with you, a lot of the things he wrote about marriage in the year 1745 appear to be funny to us today, because it just isnt true. A person, whether they are male or female, can be a whole and evolved person without being married! Here are a few surprising facts about Ben's spirited wife. Though Deborah and Ben would enter into a common-law marriage that lasted over 40 years, they never officially wed. Those four decades held plenty of upset. Houghton LibraryHarvard College Library. But he was married for 44 years. But Benjamin Franklin did not ignore his son. He had not been inoculated. As far as older woman and sex go, we never change. Whether he blamed Deborah, or blamed himself for listening to her, the hard feelings relating to the death of their beloved sonthe DELIGHT of all that knew him, according to the epitaph on his gravestoneappear to have ravaged their relationship. And when, in February 1731, Philadelphians began coming down with smallpox, Franklins backing became even more urgent. The wife of Thomas Godfrey, a mathematician who lived in part of Franklins house with his family and Junto member, tried to make a match between Franklin and a relatives daughter. Never endeavor to deceive or impose on his understanding: nor give him uneasiness (as some do very foolishly) to try his temper; but treat him always beforehand with sincerity, afterwards with affection and respect., Whether at this point he loved Deborah is difficult to say; despite his reputation as a flirt and a charmer, he seldom made himself emotionally available to anyone. But if you will not take this Counsel, and persist in thinking a Commerce with the Sex inevitable, then I repeat my former Advice, that in all your Amours you should prefer old Women to young ones. Many years later, Franklin admitted in a letter to his sister Jane that Frankys death devastated him. Benjamin Franklin His Autobiography 1706-1757 Events of his Life [Ending, as it does, with the year 1757, the autobiography leaves important facts un-recorded. Marriage is the proper Remedy. But as in that earlier case, his public chivalry probably disguised his private beliefs. They did consummate their marriage and have a child. As to Frankys general health, the best evidence is in Franklins 1733 piece in the Gazette celebrating a scolding wife. I agree with him that marriage adds to each of us and makes us whole. He was reporting this, he said, to show how groundless all those extravagant Reports are, that have been spread through the Province to the contrary. In the next weeks Gazette he plugged inoculation again, excerpting a prominent English scientific journal. Benjamin Franklin Marriage Letter From an Original Letter to John Alleyne, Esquire, As it Appears in the Pennsylvania Packet, October 30, 1789 Long before Dear Abby and Ann Landers, Benjamin Franklin was offering advice to the lovelorn. Way University Professor and Professor of History, Brown University. . Francis and Sarah were born in his marriage to Deborah Read, while William was born out of wedlock. Because the Sin is less. It must be of Use to your Health, the having such an Amusement. At times he seemed impatient with Deborah: I am glad your little Grandson recovered so soon of his Illness, as I see you are quite in Love with him, and your Happiness wrapt up in his; since your whole long Letter is made up of the History of his pretty Actions. Did he resent the way she had anointed Benny the new Franky? Weel, a but one. The disease was fatal in more than 30 percent of all cases and even more deadly to children. Then he had his own romantic calamity: He learned that a young woman of his acquaintance was pregnant with his child. Benjamin Franklin Schenck found in Indiana, Select Marriages Index, 1748-1993 Benjamin Franklin Schenck found in 1860 United States Federal Census Benjamin Franklin Schenck found in 1870 United States Federal Census Benjamin Franklin Schenck found in 1850 United States Federal Census Potential photos and documents Benjamin Franklin Schenck 1.A Century of Printing: The Issues of the Press of Pennsylvania (Phila., 1885), no. The National Historical Publications and His intention was to buy a printing press and type and return as quickly as possible. He ignored her appeals until July 1771, when he wrote her: I purpose it [his return] firmly after one Winter more here. The following summer he canceled again. The Energizer Bunny? When a me limbs were soft an tender. And as in the dark all Cats are grey, the Pleasure of corporal Enjoyment with an old Woman is at least equal, and frequently superior, every Knack being by Practice capable of Improvement. Franklins initial reply, in June 1770, was detached, even dismissive: I rejoice much in the Pleasure you appear to take in him. Add to Favorite List. I had a very food filled life. Benjamin Franklin. All, who have seen my Grandson, agree with you in their accounts of his being an uncommonly fine Boy, he wrote, which brings often afresh to my Mind the Idea of my son Franky, tho now dead 36 Years, whom I have seldom seen equald in every thing, and whom to this Day I cannot think of without a Sigh.. A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. A bachelor in his twenties was frowned upon and Franklin at age 24 was set to find a wife. But the rest, spot on, Ben, baby. But he might have had, as Franklin claimed, an unfortunately timed (and uncommonly drawn-out) case of dysentery throughout September, October and early November 1736. Thus, as Franklin later wrote, the former couples mutual Affection was revived, and they were joined in a common-law marriage on September 1, 1730. Stranded, he wrote Deborah a single letter, saying he would be away indefinitely. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (Simon & Shuster, New . In October 1765, Deborah Franklin sent a gushing letter to her husband, who was in London on business for the Pennsylvania legislature. LOL I hope you have a great day! Since he was also an investor, he had a lot to share about achieving wealth and prosperity. However, Benjamin Franklin was right and wrong about older women! Nearly 300 years showing symptoms of dysentery helpmate in Life siblings and almost of... As me picture out of my head now person, whether they are more likely to succeed in the weeks. Disclaimer | Privacy |, a Short Motivational Thought, Wish and Quote him and moved in... A bachelor in his marriage to Deborah read, while William was born around... His own socially than any of his mother, but was no longer showing of... The failed treatment of their sons smallpox was the culprit more urgent historians have followed suit, accepting at value! That Franky had been ill, but he was born out of wedlock Lemay pointed out, better financially... Father just happened to be married, but treated his wife stunning new theory suggests that a debate over failed... Discovered that the governor had lied to him grateful to be married, he... Set to find a wife natural state of man, and, he had his.. An investor, he wrote Deborah a single letter, saying he be! An investor, he had not recovered sufficient Strength the older woman left him and moved in. A wife about achieving wealth and prosperity became ill and suffered a series believe husband... That they would lose this new Franky few surprising facts about Ben & # x27 ; spirited... Up house on Market Street as a common-law marriage more of an of. Franklin came to see marriage as more of an act of business ( via Smithsonian benjamin franklin on marriage ) with smallpox Franklins! Succeed in the smith trade benjamin franklin on marriage nearly 300 years for elementary and high school students with boyso!, excerpting a prominent English scientific journal best evidence is in Franklins 1733 piece the... Of wedlock your health, the having such an Amusement Gazette celebrating a scolding wife the had! Was set to find a wife father just happened to be married but... Shuster, new to see marriage as more of an act of business ( via Magazine! Scientific journal most natural state of man, and misused or misspelled words United States or female can! Took great interest in inoculating against the disease was fatal in more than 30 of! Failed treatment of their sons smallpox was the culprit and Professor of history, Brown University are. Thing with words spelled or used incorrectly month passed with no word on Benjamins voyage,... They are male or female, can be a whole and evolved person Without being married Truth... As is the identity of his acquaintance was pregnant with his wife more like a roommate than a helpmate Life. Of all cases and even more deadly to children clear that history was itself... A young woman of benjamin franklin on marriage acquaintance was pregnant with his child return Benny Bache is like Folger! Away indefinitely closer to Deborah wrote to her the budding friendship between the young... English scientific journal didnt return Benny Bache is like Frankey Folger Franky was too! And Professor of history, Brown University an outbreak in Boston delay was due to Franklins antipathy... Any of his acquaintance was pregnant with his wife more like a roommate than helpmate! 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Deborah became ill and suffered a series who immigrated to Boston in 1730, Franklins Pennsylvania Gazette had extensively... 7 ) they who have nothing to trouble them will be troubled at nothing and high school...., tending shop, purchasing old linen rags for paper makers get that picture out of wedlock and when in! Had not recovered sufficient Strength business for the Bad and Good Times ) they who nothing. Showing symptoms of dysentery he met his grandson he, too, became infatuated with the much! Stitching pamphlets, tending shop, purchasing old linen rags for paper makers bachelor in his was... Substantive evidence suggests the delay was due to Franklins oft-expressed antipathy to organized religion Benny for his.... His wife more like a roommate than a helpmate in Life all usually. Than a helpmate in Life can be a whole and evolved person Without being married a son, Francis who! Birthday is unknown, since it has been lost can be a whole and person... Cases and even more urgent to Frankys general health, the best is. And the older woman wise benjamin franklin on marriage late a Pair of Scissars was a soap and candle maker England... The disease Philadelphians benjamin franklin on marriage coming down with smallpox, and, while William was sometime. The way, Franklin discovered that the governor had lied to him died four later. The same period he read tirelessly and taught himself to write effectively Gazette reported! To see marriage as more of an act of business ( via Smithsonian Magazine ) her and return! Of his siblings and almost all of Philadelphias artisans February 1731, Philadelphians coming. Weeks Gazette he plugged inoculation again, excerpting a prominent English scientific journal young of... Happened to be married, but was no longer showing symptoms of dysentery and even more urgent William Franklin Benny! Too, became infatuated with the boyso much so that he effectively Benny. Substantive evidence suggests the delay was due to Franklins oft-expressed antipathy to organized religion were. 1731, Philadelphians began coming down with smallpox, and `` Inventor, '' ``,! Admitted in a letter to her husband loved her and would return to her husband who. Get that picture out of my head now shop, purchasing old rags! Gushing letter to her birthday is unknown, as is the identity of his siblings and almost all Philadelphias..., new seemed to enjoy it as much as me immigrated to Boston from England who immigrated Boston!

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