Ben Franklin started America's first _______________. One of the most important Americans in history Benjamin Franklin was an inventor and businessperson in the early part of his life. The Pennsylvania Gazette(newspaper) was run by him and he also published the Poor Poor Richard�s Almanac which forecasted the future and included astute sayings. As an inventor he is credited for the invention of Franklin stove, bifocals and lightening rod. He was also behind opening the first library in America. However, his achievement which gained him the maximum popularity was the kite experiment which demonstrated and proved the it was possible to harness electricity from lightening. In the later part of his life , Franklin was drawn towards politics. He facilitated Jefferson in writing the Declaration of Independence. He joined hands with the Continental Congress and signed the Constitution. His picture appears on the dollar note today and he is honored on highways, schools and businesses all over America.