Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

A self-taught writer with avidity towards writing, Benjamin Franklin launched himself in the printing process at the young age of 12, becoming an apprentice for his brother James’s print shop in Boston.

By 1721, James had successfully founded the colonies’ first independent newspaper, The New England Courant, which was known for the brutal criticism of the Massachusetts Colony authority. The newspaper gave Benjamin the opportunity to have his letters published under the secret alias Silence Dogood, a middle-aged widow. James quickly ceased the “Silence Dogood” series once he discovered his brother was the true author.

At the age of 17, Franklin left the Courant and Boston to pursue further printing opportunities in Philadelphia.  After a year of working with the printer Samuel Keimer, Franklin sailed off to England to advance his printing abilities.

In 1729, Franklin and friend, Hugh Meredith, started their own printing business, along with the publication of The Pennsylvania Gazette. The only newspaper at the time in Philadelphia was Andrew Bradford’s American Weekly Mercury, which Franklin believed was poorly executed and lacking entertainment.

The Pennsylvania Gazette successfully appealed to the colony’s political leaders, who further encouraged more and more people to subscribe.

The newspaper was revolutionary as it published America’s first political cartoon: Franklin’s renowned “Join or Die” cartoon, emphasizing the significance of colonial unity.

Although the newspaper made him well known throughout the colony, his true claim to fame came with his publication of Poor Richard’s Almanac, written under the pseudonym of Richard Saunders. He wrote a series of 26 almanacs, starting from 1732-1757), which were essentially annual books comprising of weather forecasts, tide charts, and other helpful information.

Wealth from his printing business in Philadelphia allowed Franklin to pursue the realm of inventions, public affairs, and scientific experiments.

Benjamin Franklin enriched the field as he created a stable foundation for the printing and production of successful newspapers. His many contributions to American journalism make him one of the most influential men in our history.