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"Behind every great man stands a woman, and behind every great nation, there are wise and courageous women who shape its destiny."
—Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin is renowned for his achievements in science and politics and is one of America’s most celebrated founding fathers.
However, Franklin’s life had another exciting aspect: his reputation as a womanizer and his love of the ladies.
In 1730, Benjamin Franklin, 25, arrived in Philadelphia from Boston, looking to start a new career in the growing city.
There, he met a young lady named Deborah Read. He would soon start a very close relationship with her.
Later, Franklin and Read would enter into a common-law marriage. Read was still legally married to her previous husband, who had abandoned her and fled to the West Indies.
Franklin would never be able to legally marry Read.
Benjamin Franklin was a known member of the infamous Hellfire Club in London.
This secretive society was known for its scandalous gatherings, including famous politicians and socialites in 18th-century England.
We are still determining what Franklin was doing in the club. Still, his membership reveals a more complex side to his character. It suggests he was exploring societal boundaries and probably engaging in some hedonistic pursuits.
In 1776, Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first ambassador to France. Due to his scientific and political achievements in America, he quickly became the talk of the town.
In Paris, Franklin formed close relationships with several French women.
He had a rumored love affair with Madame Helvétius. She was a widow known for her intelligence and beauty.
His popularity would extend to the top of French society. Queen Marie Antoinette reportedly nicknamed him “L’ambassadeur électrique” (The Electric Ambassador) for his magnetic personality and electric breakthroughs.
In 1777, Benjamin Franklin met Madame Brillon of Passy.
Madame Brillon was a talented French musician and socialite. The two began their friendship by writing letters with witty and flirtatious correspondence.
Franklin would have had no issue with today’s modern text messaging with flirty heart emojis.
Their letters were full of a rich exchange of ideas, including Franklin’s suggestion that she take up his “air bath” routine, in which one should sit naked in the morning, allowing the fresh, cool air to encircle the body.
Madame Brillon adored her correspondence and relationship with Franklin. She loved his wit and womanizing appeal.
We do not know the full extent of their relationship, but it’s possible that things did get physical.
Upon returning to America from France, Benjamin Franklin met Anne Catherine Hoof Green. Green was a widow who had taken over her dead husband’s printing business.
Impressed by her determination and skill in a male-dominated field, Franklin develops a close friendship with Mrs. Green.
Franklin offered his expertise and mentorship in all things publishing.
The two were united by their shared passion for the written word and printing industry.
Benjamin Franklin developed a close friendship with Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson in old age.
She was a younger woman, and the two had exchanged affectionate letters for many years.
In his letters, Franklin addressed her as his “Dear and much Esteemed Friend.” Revealing a more tender and romantic side of the aging statesman.
Though their relationship remained platonic.
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