Biography of Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin is no doubt one of the greatest men in the history of America. He was a statesman, a father, an author, a scientist, a philosopher, a printer, an activist, a peacemaker, a postmaster, a musician, an inventor and a politician (“National Archives”). He is revered as one of the founding fathers of the United States due to his contribution towards the independence of our great nation. He is a man who preached water and drank the same water. In this research paper we look into his life, the characteristics that made him successful, and his contribution towards independence and why he is still relevant to today’s American society. Benjamin was born in Milk Street Boston as the tenth son of Josiah Franklin, a soap maker, on January 17, 1706.