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William Franklin FRSE (22 February 1730 – 17 November 1813) was an American-born attorney, soldier, politician, and colonial administrator. He was the acknowledged extra-marital son of Benjamin Franklin. William Franklin was the last colonial Governor of New Jersey (1763–1776), and a steadfast Loyalist throughout the American Revolutionary War.
- Soldier, colonial administrator, politician
- George III
Apr 19, 2016 · Learn how William Franklin, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin, refused to join the patriot cause and was imprisoned by the rebels in Connecticut. Find out how he suffered, communicated with George Washington and was eventually exchanged for other prisoners.
Apr 14, 2024 · Despite his birth status, William Franklin rose to prominence in Colonial America as a lawyer, and was even the final governor of New Jersey when it was still a colony of Great Britain at the behest of the British Prime Minister Lord Bute.
- Bill Dubiel
- Contributing Writer
Learn about William Franklin, the loyalist son of Benjamin Franklin and the royal governor of New Jersey during the Revolutionary War. Find out how he opposed the American rebellion, supported the British, and was imprisoned and exiled by his father.
May 14, 2018 · William Franklin was the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin and a royal governor of New Jersey. He supported the British during the American Revolution and was imprisoned by the Patriots, but later reconciled with his father.
Mar 21, 2021 · Benjamin Franklin and his son, William Franklin, prominently exemplified these divided loyalties. How did this rift occur, and were they ever reconciled? Judging from their early years together, no one would imagine they would end up in opposition to one another.
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Learn about the life and career of William Franklin, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin and a loyalist to the British crown. Find out how he became the last royal governor of New Jersey, why he was arrested by the rebels, and what happened to him after the Revolution.