Ben Franklin Slave Owner...

[5fish]

We are informed Ben Franklin was against slavery but in truth he was a slave owner, as well. I found this article that follows Ben Franklin's growth from slave owner to abolitionist...

Benjamin Franklin and Slavery – Benjamin Franklin House

benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Like many other American Founders, Benjamin Franklin was an active participant in the slave trade and is known to have benefited financially from it for much of his early life. However, it was during his time in London that Franklin’s views changed significantly. By the 1780s he was a vocal abolitionist writing a famous public address condemning slavery and urging Congress to act.

The Franklin household owned slaves as early as 1735 until 1790, and was reported to have purchased at least seven slaves: Joseph, Jemima, Peter, King, Othello, George & Bob

 

[5fish]

Here this link is the slaves themselves...

Franklin and Slavery: The Philadelphia Household 1735-1790 – Benjamin Franklin House

benjaminfranklinhouse.org

As far as we know, Franklin first purchased a slave in 1735. Throughout his lifetime there were up to 7 named slaves in the Franklin household. By the late 1780s, Franklin had become a staunch abolitionist and as part of his will, all remaining slaves were freed upon his death in 1790.

 

[5fish]

Ben Franklin lived in London for many years and brought two slaves with him. One of them named King ran away and it's a good story...

Benjamin Franklin stayed in Liverpool (with one of his slaves)

Chances are most people know Benjamin Franklin either as a Founding Father of the United States or a discoverer of Electricity (with a key connected to a kite). Less known was that he travelled to …

bygoneliverpool.wordpress.com