The young man, now 20, returned to the printing trade and in 1728 was able to set up a partnership with a friend. Benjamin Franklin Biography. Benjamin Franklin was a lover of knowledge; after all, he was the quintessential Renaissance man. By describing the religious life of Benjamin Franklin in detail over the course of his life, Thomas S. Kidd helps us better understand Franklin’s faith, which as much as American evangelicals love Franklin, was not our own. This review was written for Influence … Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a scientist, ambassador, philosopher, statesmen, writer, businessman and celebrated free thinker and wit. P.S. Early Life. Benjamin Franklin - Benjamin Franklin - Achievement of security and fame (1726–53): Denham died, however, a few months after Franklin entered his store. Benjamin Franklin was born the 10th son of the 17 children of a man who made soap and candles , one of the lowliest of the artisan crafts. Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, in what was then known as the Massachusetts Bay Colony. What was Benjamin Franklin’s early life like? Two years later he borrowed money to become sole proprietor. “The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Written by Himself”, p.82, Cambridge University Press Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom to a man in the course of his life. Franklin is often referred to as ‘America’s Renaissance Man’ and he played a pivotal role in forging a united American identity during the American Revolution. His private life at this time was extremely complicated. He learned to read very early and had one year in grammar school and another under a private teacher, but his formal education ended at age 10.