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"My father, Josiah Franklin, was a tallow-chandler and soap-boiler; a business he was not bred to, but had assumed on his arrival in New England, and on finding his dying trade would not maintain his family, being in little request.
He was, in many respects, a remarkable man. He had an excellent constitution of body, was of middle stature, but well set, and very strong; he was ingenious, could draw prettily, was skilled a little in music, and had a clear, pleasing voice, so that when he played psalm tunes on his violin and sung withal, as he sometimes did in an evening after the business of the day was over, it was extremely agreeable to hear.
He had a mechanical genius too, and, on occasion, was very handy in the use of other tradesmen's tools; but his great excellence lay in a sound understanding and solid judgment in prudential matters, both in private and public affairs."
—Benjamin Franklin
Josiah Franklin was a 17th-century English immigrant to colonial Boston.
His greatest legacy lived through his son Benjamin Franklin. Whom he taught his Puritan values that would shape the founding father.
Josiah Franklin was a prolific patriarch of colonial America.
He was the father of an impressive 17 children. His fifteenth child and youngest son being the well known Benjamin Franklin.
The family size was not uncommon for the era. As kids in those days were free labor to help with the economy of the household.
Josiah lived to the remarkable age of 87 years old.
An age considered impressive in those days and an age that outlives most men in the modern age. As life expectancy in that era was significantly shorter because of horrible diseases and lack of modern medicine.
Josiah Franklin was born in Ecton, Northamptonshire, England.
However, he dreamed of a better life. He decided to get on a ship and take a perilous journey to the American colonies.
He decided to relocate to Boston, Massachusetts.
He came well equipped with his craftsman and other industrious skills that would help him immensely in the new world.
Josiah was a devoted Puritan.
He held strong convictions about purifying the Church of England from the evils of Catholic influences.
He was a religious zealot in his head but a sweet father in heart.
Josiah Franklin was a tradesman in colonial America. He specialized in making candles and soap.
While it might seem like a humble career in this day and age. His skills were crucial in a time where artificial light and cleanliness were scarce throughout the land. He was essential for the livelihood of Boston.
Josiah struggled financially to support his large family.
His resilience to face these challenges head on greatly influenced his son Benjamin. Who would inherit these virtues, especially hard work against all odds.
As a child, Benjamin Franklin learned about strong work ethic and resilience from his father. Though Benjamin was not very religious himself, his father gave him a great puritan background on what it means to be a morally righteous individual.
These values laid the foundation for Franklin's future as a leading revolutionary in the USA.
The Franklin Stove was a heating heating device invented by Benjamin Franklin.
Many assume it was named after Benjamin himself. However, Benjamin tells us he named it in honor of his father, Josiah Franklin.
Josiah Franklin rests in Boston's Granary Burying Ground.
His grave is marked only by his relation to his famous son.
Josiah will be remembered for making one of the key founding fathers a reality.
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