Of the things that Ben started to help all people, one was a volunteer military. The military had to protect its province from the Indians because England wouldn't send any help. Another thing that was proposed by Franklin was a volunteer fire company. This fire company was able to put out many fires really fast, and they saved many lives that normally would've died. Franklin was also an inventor, and some of his inventions have revolutionized life, as we know it. After being fascinated by electricity, Ben decided to study it himself. He performed many experiments on electricity, one of which was the famous kite and lightning experiment. These experiments led Franklin to a new theory on electricity and its principals. Franklin was known over the world after that and was respected by most scientists. Because most of the other theories on electricity were wrong, Franklin came up with one that was true, and has helped with the future study of electricity that plays a major part in all our lives. Ben also played a huge part in creating this country too. He helped create the Declaration of Independence and signed it too. Another thing he did was he helped get France as our ally during the revolution; he also helped with the treaty of France. After the war, he took part in congress, and Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. He also proposed The Great Compromise, which settled a huge argument between New Jersey and another state. After the death of his wife Deborah, the elderly Ben lived with his daughter Sarah's family. Sarah nursed him as his health weakened. Finally, Ben died peacefully in his sleep on April 17, 1790. He was 84 years old. .
His funeral in Philadelphia attracted the largest crowd of mourners ever known. An estimated 20,000 people crowded around the Christ Church Burial Ground where he was buried beside his wife Deborah Read Rogers Franklin who had died sixteen years before him.