Josiah Franklin

Josiah Franklin
Born(1657-12-23)December 23, 1657
DiedJanuary 16, 1745(1745-01-16) (aged 87)
Resting placeGranary Burying Ground on Tremont Street in Boston
Occupation(s)Businessman, tallow chandler, soap boiler
Known forFather of Benjamin Franklin
Spouse(s)Anne Child (1677–1689)
Abiah Folger (1689–1744)
Children17, including James, Benjamin, and Jane
Parents
  • Thomas Franklin (father)
  • Jane White (mother)
Franklin's gravesite
Monument designating the grave of the parents of Benjamin Franklin, adorned with coins from visitors.

Josiah Franklin Sr. (December 23, 1657 – January 16, 1745) was an English businessman and the father of Benjamin Franklin. Born in the village of Ecton, Northamptonshire, England, Josiah was the ninth child of blacksmith Thomas Franklin (1598–1682), and his first wife, Jane White (1617–1662).

Thomas was the son of Henry Franckline (1573–1631) and Agnes Joanes. Thomas Franklin remarried and had more children. Josiah Franklin worked as a fabric dyer in Ecton. Franklin immigrated to the American colonies in 1682. He married twice and had 17 children: ten boys and seven girls. In Boston, he was a member of the Congregational Old South Church where he served as a tithingman.[1]

  1. ^ Dictionary definition of "Tithing" Archived 2013-04-16 at archive.today and Dictionary definition of "Tithingman". Webster's Online Dictionary. Retrieved June 9, 2008

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