Boston-born statesman Benjamin Franklin was a man of achievement as an author, diplomat, inventor, philosopher, and scientist. Born in 1706, by age fifteen he was writing anonymous (unsigned) observations about New England that were popular and rankled (continually annoyed) colonial authorities. After moving to Philadelphia, he bought the Pennsylvania Gazette, a weekly newspaper he made successful. He also began a series of other projects. He founded what was probably the first public library in America. He published Poor Richard's Almanack (which contained humorous, but useful, advice), became clerk of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and organized the first fire company in Philadelphia. He invented the Franklin stove, which furnished greater heat with less fuel.

During the American Revolution, Franklin helped edit the Declaration of Independence and was one of the signers. At one point during the convention, he said to the delegates, "We must all hang together, or...