Born: January 17 [Jan. 6, Old Style], 1706
Died: April 17, 1790

Benjamin Franklin was many things: a printer, writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, civic leader, and diplomat.

As a scientist, he is best known for his experiments with electricity. As a writer, he is known for Poor Richard's Almanac and his autobiography. He was the oldest figure of the American Revolution. Franklin also was the only person to sign the three documents that established the United States: the Declaration of Independence, the peace treaty with Britain that ended the Revolutionary War, and the Constitution.

This information was provided courtesy of America's Story from America's Library, Library of Congress.