# XIII: Public Services and Duties (1749–1753) explained — The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

> Chapter companion for The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin.

## What happens

Franklin turns his attention to establishing an academy in Philadelphia, publishing proposals and organizing subscriptions. He negotiates the acquisition of a large building originally built for George Whitefield's followers, converting it into the academy that later becomes the University of Philadelphia. With a new partner, David Hall, managing his printing business, Franklin devotes himself to philosophical studies and electrical experiments, but is soon drawn into public service as a justice of the peace, common councilman, alderman, and assemblyman. He also serves as a commissioner for a treaty with Native Americans at Carlisle, and initiates civic improvements such as street paving and lamp design.

## Themes in this chapter

### Public Service and Civic Duty

Franklin's extensive involvement in founding the academy, serving as justice, councilman, alderman, and assemblyman, and initiating street paving and lamp improvements.

### Education and Self-Learning

The establishment of the academy and later the University of Philadelphia reflects Franklin's lifelong commitment to education.

### Practical Wisdom and Common Sense

Franklin's pragmatic approach to civic projects, such as designing improved street lamps and negotiating the acquisition of the Whitefield building.

### Social Mobility and the American Dream

Franklin reflects on his rise from a low beginning to positions of honor and public trust, unsolicited by him.

## Character check-ins

### Benjamin Franklin

Drives the establishment of the academy, negotiates the building acquisition, enters public service, and proposes civic improvements.

### George Whitefield

His former hearers built the large house that Franklin later acquired for the academy.

### David Hall

Becomes Franklin's printing partner, taking over the business to allow Franklin more leisure.

### Deborah Franklin

Mentioned implicitly as Franklin's wife during this period of his life.

### William Franklin

Appointed clerk of the Assembly when Franklin takes his seat.

### John Fothergill

Franklin proposes street-sweeping improvements to Dr. Fothergill in London.

## Key lines

> The first step I took was to associate in the design a number of active friends, of whom the Junto furnished a good part; the next was to write and publish a pamphlet, entitled 'Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania.'

Franklin first gathered a group of supportive friends, many from the Junto, and then wrote and distributed a pamphlet proposing a new educational institution.

_Highlights Franklin's method of building consensus before launching a public project._

> The care and trouble of agreeing with the workmen, purchasing materials, and superintending the work, fell upon me; and I went through it the more cheerfully, as it did not then interfere with my private business, having the year before taken a very able, industrious, and honest partner, Mr. David Hall.

Franklin personally managed the construction and renovations for the academy, made easier because his new partner David Hall handled the printing business.

_Shows Franklin's hands-on approach and the importance of delegation._

> I purchased all Dr. Spence’s apparatus, who had come from England to lecture here, and I proceeded in my electrical experiments with great alacrity; but the public, now considering me as a man of leisure, laid hold of me for their purposes.

Franklin bought scientific equipment and eagerly resumed electrical experiments, but was soon drafted into multiple public offices.

_Illustrates the tension between Franklin's scientific interests and civic obligations._

## Links

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