Father of Benjamin Franklin.

Learned the silk-dyer’s trade as an apprentice of his brother John in Banbury. Migrated to Boston (1683). Became a tallow- chandler and maker of Crown soap.

Born in Ecton, Northamptonshire, England. Married Ann(e) Child (d. July 1689); issue seven children. Married Abiah Folger (November 25, 1689), Franklin’s mother; issue ten children.