Show benj benjamin amin franklin won popularity with french benjamin franklin born january 17 1706 of humble parentage became a foremost philosopher and statesman but he never lost his simplicity of manner which coupled with ready wit won not only the esteem of americans but the hearts of the french when he was sent to paris to represent his country during the revolutionary jr war writes leslie hartley in the washington star one of 17 children franklin was compelled to work at an early age when only seventeen he ran away from home to philadelphia where he married and became the quaker cites outstanding citizen of a practical turn of mind franklin who was a success successful ij printer and journalist developed numerous inventions his philosophy also was practical and his quaint sayings and homely wisdom published for years in poor richards almanac are quoted still when the revolutionary war began in earnest he was sent to france to win the sympathy of that nation for the cause of the colonies not only did he persuade the king to openly aid the americans but he won such personal popularity that crowds followed him through the streets upon his departure the king presented him with handsome gifts and gave him the use of the queens litter to bear him to the coast i |