Printer, Writer and Businessman Franklin’s Rise to Prominence (1723-1750s)

This chapter begins with Franklin’s breach of his indentures, his escape from Boston at the age of seventeen, and his early adventures in Philadelphia, where he embarked on his career as a journeyman printer. Thanks to his keen intellect and breadth of knowledge, he formed powerful acquaintances and friendships from the outset of his stay. This, in turn, led to his first stay in London, where he spent eighteen months not only honing his skills as a printer but also socializing with luminaries and free thinkers in venues such as Batson’s Coffeehouse in Cornhill. This period was also marked by instability, both in his personal and professional life.Upon his return to Philadelphia, Franklin began to question seriously the merits of his deist beliefs and the problems his unruly lifestyle in London had incurred. Shortly thereafter his return to Philadelphia, he wrote two treatises on religion, morality, and virtue (cf. Chapter 4). The aim of these works was to construct a personal philosophy and code of conduct that would serve as a moral guide throughout his life. From this point onward, he strove for financial independence, his goal being to free himself to pursue other passions, notably natural philosophy and the study of electricity.What is particularly striking about this early period is Franklin’s meteoric rise to prominence after 1730, first as a successful printer, businessman, and writer, and later as clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly. Over the next two decades, the connections he established there catapulted him to becoming one of the most influential political figures in the British North American colonies.