Benjamin Franklin History: April 17, 1790 - Benjamin Franklin, statesman and inventor, dies at 84 May 23, 1785 - Benjamin Franklin announces his invention of bifocals July 26, 1775 - 1st Postmaster General: Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania takes office September 11, 1773 - Benjamin Franklin writes "There never was a good war or bad peace" November 30, 1753 - Benjamin Franklin receives Godfrey Copley-Penny May 10, 1752 - Benjamin Franklins 1st tests the lightning rod June 11, 1742 - Benjamin Franklin invents his Franklin stove February 16, 1741 - Benjamin Franklin's General Magazine, 2nd U.S. magazine begins publishing December 19, 1732 - Benjamin Franklin under the name Richard Saunders begins publication of "Poor Richard's Almanack" November 8, 1731 - In Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin opens 1st U.S. library September 1, 1730 - Benjamin Franklin marries Miss Read October 11, 1726 - Benjamin Franklin returns to Philadelphia from England July 23, 1726 - Benjamin Franklin sails back to Philadelphia January 4, 1725 - Benjamin Franklin arrives in London December 24, 1724 - Benjamin Franklin arrives in London
More Notable Birthdays on January 17:
1962 - Jim Carrey, born in Ontario, Canada, actor, Living Color, Dumb and Dumber, Mask
1955 - Steve Earle, born in San Antonio, Texas, country singer, Guitar Town
1949 - Andy Kaufman, born in New York City, comedian/actor, Latka Gravas-Taxi
1942 - Muhammad Ali, heavyweight champ boxer, 1964 - 1967 1974 - 1978
1925 - Rock Hudson, born in Winnetka, Illinois, actor, McMillian and Wife