Franklin and his family owned up to seven human beings. Franklin called them servants, which I think was typical of urban Americans at that time. He died as the president of the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery. In his will, his son-in-law,. Sally's husband owed him a great deal of money. And he said, that debt is forgiven if upon my death you release your, what he called, your servant.
If you want someone to manage your money then you better pay them. That’s just one lesson from Ben Franklin’s complicated financial life. Robert Brokamp talks with Michael Meyer, author of “Benjamin Franklin's Last Bet: The Favorite Founder's Divisive Death, Enduring Afterlife, and Blueprint for American Prosperity” about: - Franklin's mistakes in estate planning - The power of small, anonymous donations - Other fun facts about America's first celebrity Host: Robert Brokamp Guest: Michael Meyer Producer: Ricky Mulvey Engineer: Rick Engdahl
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