Public Service

Franklin became involved in a number of civic projects in Philadelphia. He was active in starting a city hospital in 1751 and in establishing the Academy of Philadelphia, which later became the University of Pennsylvania. He worked to get the streets paved and street lighting improved, and helped to organize the first police force and fire company in the colonies. He was Philadelphia's postmaster, 1737–53.

Franklin served Pennsylvania as clerk of its assembly, 1736–51, and as a member of the assembly, 1751–64. He represented Pennsylvania at a meeting of the colonies at Albany, New York, in 1754. In the French and Indian War (1754–60) Franklin organized militia companies and bought military supplies at his own expense. He was deputy postmaster general for the colonies, 1753–74.

The Pennsylvania colony had been organized by William Penn. His descendants, who lived in England, thought they should not have to pay taxes on their lands. The colony needed the tax money, however, and in 1757 Franklin was sent to England to put the matter before the government. He remained for five years, and succeeded in having the Penn estates declared taxable. Soon there were new disputes with the Penn heirs, and in 1764 Franklin was again sent to England to discuss a new form of government for Pennsylvania. New problems concerning all the American colonies changed the nature of his mission.

The Stamp Act was passed by the Parliament in 1765 as a means of taxing the colonies. Franklin did not regard the act as illegal, but in an appearance before the House of Commons he explained with great clarity why it was undesirable. His arguments were widely read, and were a central factor in the decision to repeal the Stamp Act in 1766. Franklin was asked to remain in England as agent for Pennsylvania.

In America, resentment against British rule was becoming more intense. Franklin worked steadily to improve relations between Britain and the American colonies, but they grew worse year by year. At last he saw that his efforts were hopeless. He returned to America in May, 1775.