Josiah Franklin !!top!! -

Born in 1657 in Ecton, Northamptonshire, England, Josiah Franklin was the fifth of seven children to Thomas Franklin and his wife. Growing up in a family of modest means, Josiah received limited formal education, but his parents ensured he learned a trade. At 16, he began an apprenticeship with a local candlemaker, eventually becoming a skilled craftsman.

Several key aspects of Josiah’s character directly influenced Benjamin: josiah franklin

Benjamin Franklin revered his father. In his famous Autobiography , Benjamin credits Josiah with shaping his character, specifically his commitment to truth, industry, and humility. Benjamin wrote that Josiah’s greatest gift was his ability to provide a "good education" in the school of life, teaching his children how to think rather than merely what to think. Born in 1657 in Ecton, Northamptonshire, England, Josiah

He was a devout Puritan. Seeking religious freedom from the restrictions imposed by the Church of England, he made the monumental decision to emigrate to the American colonies. He was a devout Puritan

In 1682, Josiah married Abiah Folger, a member of a prominent Massachusetts family. The couple had 17 children, with Benjamin Franklin, born on January 17, 1706, being their 15th child. When Josiah and his family immigrated to Boston in 1685, he established himself as a successful candlemaker and entrepreneur.