Carla J. Mulford
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- June 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199384198
- eISBN:
- 9780199384211
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199384198.003.0002
- Subject:
- Literature, American, 18th Century and Early American Literature
This chapter discusses Franklin’s family history, especially the family’s background in England. Franklin’s grandparents were trying to develop their family in England’s Midlands during the era of ...
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This chapter discusses Franklin’s family history, especially the family’s background in England. Franklin’s grandparents were trying to develop their family in England’s Midlands during the era of the civil wars, and several major battles took place in their midst. Family stories about those times came down to Benjamin Franklin through his father and his favorite uncle, also named Benjamin. These were stories Franklin reflected upon all his life, including in his autobiography written when he was a mature man. The family always embraced the ideals of liberty of conscience in matters of faith, and they admired leaders (such as John Rogers and Samuel Wells) who challenged government authority. Franklin would go on to use the story of John Rogers as an exemplary model of martyrdom for freedom of conscience when he published the New England Primer.Less
This chapter discusses Franklin’s family history, especially the family’s background in England. Franklin’s grandparents were trying to develop their family in England’s Midlands during the era of the civil wars, and several major battles took place in their midst. Family stories about those times came down to Benjamin Franklin through his father and his favorite uncle, also named Benjamin. These were stories Franklin reflected upon all his life, including in his autobiography written when he was a mature man. The family always embraced the ideals of liberty of conscience in matters of faith, and they admired leaders (such as John Rogers and Samuel Wells) who challenged government authority. Franklin would go on to use the story of John Rogers as an exemplary model of martyrdom for freedom of conscience when he published the New England Primer.
