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 British Empire Loyalist …

May 1, 2025 · The relationship between Benjamin Franklin and his son, William, deteriorated due to their opposing loyalties during the American Revolution. While Benjamin embraced …

Ironically, William Franklin was a staunch loyalist, while his father, Benjamin Franklin, was one of the founding fathers of the upcoming revolution. Franklin was born in Philadelphia, …

Jun 4, 2025 · Loyalists came from all walks of life: wealthy merchants and landowners, everyday laborers and shopkeepers, and both free and enslaved Black people. They were especially …

Oct 8, 2025 · William was struck by Franklin’s “shameful injustice” but also furious for practical reasons, having made little progress with the British administration in securing reparations.

Apr 19, 2016 · The American Revolution created rifts in many families with both patriots and loyalists among their members, none more disruptive than the divide between William Franklin …

When Benjamin Franklin decided to reestablish communication with his estranged Loyalist son, with whom he had had no contact since 1775, he did so by planting a hint in the ear of a …

William's position as a leading Loyalist was a constant embarrassment, a convenient target for Benjamin's enemies, a public reminder of the elder Franklin's past ties to King and empire.

William Franklin, the loyalist governor of New Jersey and son of Benjamin Franklin, remained devoted to Britain throughout the American Revolution, even as his father supported the …

A selection of 8 primary documents - including writings by Benjamin and William Franklin - will enrich students' understanding of the events and issues of this period.