Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- FranklinFranklin recalls his childhood, schooling, and family while writing memories for his son.First seen in part 1
- James FranklinJames Franklin is Franklin’s brother and printing master, whose treatment leads to disputes.First seen in part 2
- KeimerKeimer gives Franklin printing work after his difficult arrival in Philadelphia.First seen in part 3
- Sir William KeithSir William Keith encourages Franklin to establish a printing business and promises to finance equipment.First seen in part 4
- Miss ReadMiss Read is courted by Franklin, but her mother restrains their courtship before his expected journey.First seen in part 5
- RalphRalph shares literary interests with Franklin and becomes more determined to pursue poetry.First seen in part 5
- Mr. DenhamMr. Denham offers Franklin work in Philadelphia after Keith’s promised support proves worthless.First seen in part 6
- Hugh MeredithHugh Meredith joins Franklin in a printing partnership after Franklin quarrels with Keimer.First seen in part 7
- Mr. WhitefieldMr. Whitefield is a preacher whose enormous audiences attract Franklin’s attention.First seen in part 11
- Mr. MorrisMr. Morris is a governor whose disputes with the Assembly concern proprietary tax exemptions.First seen in part 15
- Dr. FothergillDr. Fothergill encourages publication of Franklin’s electrical findings despite the Royal Society’s initial dismissal.First seen in part 18
- Part 1
Franklin recalls his ancestry and childhood as his father redirects him from church preparation toward practical work.
- Part 2
Franklin develops his writing as a printer’s apprentice, then leaves Boston after disputes with his brother.
- Part 3
Franklin reaches Philadelphia after a difficult journey and finds printing work with Keimer.
- Part 4
Franklin’s father refuses business funding, but Keith promises support for equipment and a journey to England.
- Part 5
Franklin courts Miss Read and presents Ralph’s poem as his own to test Osborne’s judgment.
- Part 6
Keith’s promised support fails, so Franklin works in London printing houses before accepting Denham’s offer of employment.
- Part 7
After Denham dies, Franklin returns to printing and opens a shop with Hugh Meredith.
- Part 8
Franklin gains profitable printing contracts, marries Miss Read, and helps establish a subscription library.
- Part 9
Franklin practices thirteen virtues through weekly exercises and recorded faults, finding improvement without achieving perfection.
- Part 10
Franklin spreads practical advice through his almanac and newspaper while expanding his business and public connections.
- Part 11
Franklin proposes paid watchmen and helps organize a fire company through voluntary cooperation.
- Part 12
Franklin organizes a voluntary defense association and helps finance and arm a battery.
- Part 13
Franklin helps establish an academy and hospital while taking public offices and promoting street improvements.
- Part 14
Commissioners approve Franklin’s colonial union plan, but colonial assemblies and British officials reject it.
- Part 15
Franklin challenges Morris over proprietary tax exemptions and devises interest-bearing orders to fund military provisions.
- Part 16
Franklin obtains transport for Braddock, whose defeat leaves Franklin facing enormous compensation claims.
- Part 17
Franklin commands frontier troops, completes three protective forts, and transfers command before returning to political duties.
- Part 18
Franklin’s electrical experiments gain recognition despite early dismissal, while successful lightning tests attract international attention.
- Part 19
Franklin travels to England as the Assembly’s agent and helps secure approval for taxing the proprietors’ estate.
- Part 20
Franklin describes a silk kite experiment that draws electricity from clouds and connects lightning with experimental electricity.
- Part 21
An unnamed speaker uses Poor Richard’s sayings to recommend diligence, careful business management, and thrift.
- Part 22
Franklin recalls a childhood whistle purchase and applies its lesson to mistaken choices and unnecessary unhappiness.
- Part 23
Franklin recalls striking his head on a beam and receiving advice about humility from Samuel Mather’s father.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- BostonBoston is the setting of Franklin’s childhood, schooling, and early search for a trade.First seen in part 1
- PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia is the city where Franklin arrives hungry and finds printing work.First seen in part 3
- LondonLondon is the city where Franklin finds printing work after Keith’s support fails.First seen in part 6
- PennsylvaniaPennsylvania supplies farmers from whom Franklin obtains transport for Braddock’s expedition.First seen in part 16
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