Benjamin Franklin: Biography and 12 Major Accomplishments
Benjamin Franklin’s Wife and Children
All in all, Franklin had 3 children. His first child, William Franklin (c. 1730-1813), was borne out of wedlock. And even up to this day, William’s mother remains unknown to historians.
From 1763 to 1776, William Franklin served as the colonial governor for New Jersey. It is believed that Benjamin Franklin facilitated his appointment. Unlike his father, William Franklin fought to preserve the British crown’s interests in America. Due to his staunch support for Britain, he had no option than to commit himself into exile in London after he was deposed by the colonies in 1776. Prior to his exile, William briefly fought in a guerrilla movement against the American colonies. The movement was based in New York and they were called the Board of Associated Loyalists. The group’s activities often brought William into direct confrontation with Benjamin Franklin- a supporter of the American Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin’s other two children were the product of a common marriage to Deborah Read. His second son, Francis Folger Franklin, was born in 1732; however, 4 years after his birth, Francis sadly died due to smallpox infection. Seven years later, Benjamin and Deborah had a daughter called Sarah (1743-1808).
Benjamin Franklin in Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1733
Due to his numerous trips abroad, Franklin and his wife (Deborah Read) spent long periods of time away from each other. Furthermore, Read’s phobia of the sea prevented her from joining her husband in Europe. This, as well as many other marital disputes, hampered their marriage. During one of Franklin’s trips abroad, Deborah Read Franklin passed away at the age of 66. The cause of death was a stroke.
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