In my opinion Ben Franklin was the most influential of the founding fathers. He did a lot more than just help found our nation though. He was also a scientist, diplomat, businessman, and philosopher. I can't think of any person who is more quoted than he is, and he lived 200 years ago! Benjamin Franklin, born January 17, 1706, was the 10th son of 17 children. He was born and grew up in Boston. Even though he was considered …showed first 75 words of 1339 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1339 total…Bedridden at the ripe age of 84, Ben Franklin passed away. Over 20,000 people attended his funeral ("Benjamin Franklin"). Why not? He was and still is one of the greatest people to ever live. In my mind, there is no other person is history as versatile as he was. Throughout his life he was a diplomat, scientist, "rebel," business man, an author, and a founder of our country. I don't know what more you could ask for!