The Benjamin Franklin Will: As Interesting as the Man Who Wrote It

Benjamin Franklin, the polymath who basically invented multitasking before it was cool, passed away at his home on April 17, 1790, at the respectable age of 84. His death marked the end of an era, but Franklin wasn’t about to go quietly into the annals of history. He had one last show-stopping act: a will that was as fascinating as the man himself. With a funeral that drew an estimated 20,000 attendees—practically a rock star send-off—Franklin left behind not just a legacy of innovation and diplomacy but also some eyebrow-raising provisions in his Last Will and Testament.

Let’s take a look at the final masterpiece that is the Benjamin Franklin will. It is a master class of quirky and interesting bequests, a bold gamble on America’s future, and enough drama to earn it a place among America’s historical wills.

The 200-Year Gamble: Betting on the American Dream

Franklin’s estate plan (read the whole document here) wasn’t just one more in a list of historical wills, nor was it a list of “who gets what.” It was a manifesto of hope.

Among the most intriguing provisions was his bequest of £1,000 sterling (about $150,000 in today’s money) to both Boston and Philadelphia. But this wasn’t just free cash. Oh no. Franklin had a very specific plan: the money was to be loaned to young tradesmen in the cities, helping them start their own businesses.

He also wanted the funds to accumulate for 200 years to show the value of compound interest.

Beyond the economic principles of this experiment, this particular bequest demonstrated Franklin’s optimism about the country he helped build. In 1790, the United States was barely a teenager, and whether it would survive wasn’t exactly a sure thing. Franklin, ever the optimist, bet on the resilience and ingenuity of his fellow Americans.

Was he wrong? You can read about that 200-year-old experiment and its surprising outcome here.

Family Drama and Quirky Bequests

Franklin’s will was also a study in family dynamics—and a gentle exercise in revenge. Here are a few of the ways he provided for the next generations:

• William Franklin, the Prodigal Son: Franklin’s only legitimate son, William, received some land in Nova Scotia, a collection of books and papers, and forgiveness for debts owed to his father. Don’t let the generosity fool you. Franklin made it clear that William’s allegiance to the British during the Revolutionary War had cost him a much larger inheritance: “The part he acted against me in the late war, which is of public notoriety, will account for my leaving him no more of an estate he endeavoured to deprive me of.” In short: betray the revolution, and you get table scraps.
• Sarah Bache and Richard Bache, the Golden Couple: Franklin clearly adored his daughter, Sarah, and her husband. They inherited the family home in Philadelphia, several other properties, household goods, and silver plate. Richard also got lands near the Ohio River, some bonds, and Franklin’s musical instruments. But there was one catch: Richard had to immediately free his enslaved man, Bob.
• Sarah’s Sparkly Inheritance: Franklin bequeathed Sarah a portrait of the King of France—adorned with 408 diamonds. However, he had one very specific instruction: do not turn the diamonds into jewelry. Franklin didn’t want to encourage what he called “the expensive, vain, and useless fashion of wearing jewels in this country.” Basically, Franklin was saying, “We fought a war to escape monarchies, so let’s not start acting like one.”

Printing, Public Works, and Old Friends

Franklin also used his will to keep his entrepreneurial spirit alive. He left his printing press business to Sarah, a nod to the trade that launched his career. His love for public works was evident in his numerous gifts to Boston and Philadelphia, as well as his provision for artisans to receive loans—a recognition of the tradespeople who build nations, one hammer strike at a time.

Franklin, being one of the most brilliant chaps of all time, had high praise for one his pals with the way he left one particular bequest. He wrote, “The philosophical instruments I have in Philadelphia I give to my ingenious friend, Francis Hopkinson.”

Why Benjamin Franklin’s Will Matters

Franklin’s will wasn’t just a distribution of wealth; it was a reflection of his philosophy. He believed in empowering others, fostering innovation, and investing in the future. He understood that while monuments crumble, ideas endure.

So the next time you pass a public works project or see a bustling small business, tip your hat to Benjamin Franklin. He wasn’t just the guy on the $100 bill—he was the man who bet on America and won. And if you’re wearing diamonds, well, just don’t let him know about it.

---