Historians In Awe Over Discovery At Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Property

Benjamin Franklin Owned Slaves But Freed Them From Servitude

Benjamin Franklin lived in Philadelphia where slavery was incredibly common during his formative years. Early on, Franklin owned up to seven slaves, including several who worked in his shop. When a slave would run away, Franklin would take out paid ads offering rewards for recapturing his “property.” He would also allow slaves to be sold in his general store.

Later in life, Franklin became a “cautious abolitionist” and a critic of landed gentry slavery. His turnaround continued in 1758 when he fought to open a school for the education of black slaves in Philadelphia. After returning from England in 1762, Franklin became even more anti-slavery focused and by 1770, Franklin had freed his slaves and attacked the system of slavery on an international level.