James Franklin (printer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Franklin
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| Born | February 4, 1697 |
| Died | February 4, 1735 (aged 38) |
| Other names | "Poor Robin" |
| Occupation | Newspaper/Almanac Printer/Publisher |
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Notable credit(s)
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Publisher, New England Courant, one of the oldest and the first truly independent American newspaper |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Smith Franklin |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents |
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James Franklin (born February 4, 1697, in Boston; died February 4, 1735, in Newport, Rhode Island) was an important figure in early America. He was a writer, a printer, and a publisher of newspapers and almanacs. James Franklin is best known for publishing New England Courant. This was one of the very first truly independent newspapers in America.
Contents
Early Life and Family
James Franklin was the older brother of the famous Benjamin Franklin. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a businessman who made candles. His mother, Abiah Folger Franklin, came from a Puritan family in Nantucket.
James had many brothers and sisters. Some of his siblings included John, Peter, Mary, Sarah, and Benjamin. He also had seven other siblings from his father's first marriage.
In 1717, James returned to Boston from England. He brought a printing press and type letters to start his own printing business. His younger brother, Benjamin, became his apprentice. This meant Benjamin worked for James to learn the printing trade.
In 1723, James married Ann Smith in Boston. She also came from a Puritan family. They got married on James's 26th birthday.
Starting a Printing Career
James began publishing the Courant newspaper in Boston in 1721. His wife, Ann, and brother, Benjamin, worked with him. The Courant was known for being quite controversial.
In 1722, James was put in prison for four weeks. This happened because he wrote something that was considered "scandalous libel." The newspaper was eventually stopped in 1727. James and Ann then left Boston that same year.
Moving to Newport
James and Ann moved to Newport, Rhode Island. They were invited by James's brother, John, who made candles there. In Newport, James and Ann had five children, including Mary, Elizabeth, and James Jr.
They also set up the very first printing press in the Rhode Island colony. This was a big step for the area.
Publishing Almanacs
Starting in 1727, James printed and published eight editions of the Rhode-Island Almanack. Sometimes, he used the fake name "Poor Robin" for these almanacs. They were printed at his shop in Newport. These almanacs were sold in places as far away as Boston.
On September 27, 1732, James published the first issue of the Rhode Island Gazette. This newspaper was about 12 inches by 8.5 inches in size. However, it did not last very long. Its last issue was on May 24, 1733, and it was not published regularly.
Later Years and Legacy
James Franklin became ill while living in Newport. Before he passed away, his brother Benjamin Franklin came to visit him. When Benjamin left for Philadelphia, he took his nephew, James Jr., with him. Benjamin then gave James Jr. an apprenticeship in printing.
James Franklin died in Newport in 1735. He was 38 years old and passed away on his birthday and 12th wedding anniversary. He was buried in the Newport Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery. James left behind his wife, Ann, and four young children. One of their children had already passed away.
Ann Smith Franklin bravely continued to run the printing business after James's death. She published books, almanacs, and other documents under the name "The Widow Franklin." She continued this work until her own death in 1763.
