Great Presidents

Great Presidents

Franklin, Ben

Ben Franklin is one of the founding fathers of America. He was born in Boston On January 17th 1706. Ben started his life as a Bookman after only two years of schooling. He did later however end up going to the University of Pennsylvania. In 1752 Franklin was elected to the Penn. Assembly thus began nearly 40 years as a public official. The stamp act of 1765 compelled Ben to become his new role as chief Defender of American Rights. He opposed the Townshend Acts of 1767 because such “acts of oppression” would “sour American tempers” and “hasten their final revolt.” In October of 1776 Ben and his two grandsons sailed for France, where he gained critical aid from France in the Revolutionary war. Franklins Final Public pronouncements urged ratification of the constitution and approve the inauguration of the new federal government under George Washington. Ben Franklin died in Philadelphia on April 17th, 1790.

Jefferson, Thomas

Jefferson was born at Shadwell in Albemarle County, Virginia, on April 13, 1743. He attended the College of William and Mary and read law with George Wythe. From the beginning of the struggle with Britain, Jefferson stood with the more advanced Patriots. Jefferson was part of the contential congress and was chosen to do most of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. He did have help but he did most of it. Jefferson left Congress in the fall of 1776 and served in the Virginia legislature until his election as governor in 1779. He was governor from 1779 to 1781. Jefferson's stay in France, where he was first a commissioner to negotiate treaties and When Ben Franklin left as minister Thomas took over. This was probably the best part In Thomas’s life. Jefferson became secretary of state from 1790 to 1793. He was supported by the Republicans for president in 1796, and running second to John Adams by three electoral votes, he became vice president. Jefferson and his running mate Aaron Burr defeated John Adams in the elections of 1800. He served two terms as President. Jefferson was succeeded as president in 1809 by James Madison. Jefferson's last great public service was the founding of the University of Virginia in 1819. He died at Monticello on July 4, 1826 on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Washington, George

George Washington was Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia On February 22 1732.By 1753 the growing rivalry between the British and French over control of the Ohio Valley, soon to become the French and Indian War, created new opportunities for young Washington.