The Story of Ben Franklin Author:Eve Merriam He proved that lighning was electricity. — He wrote a book of wise and funny sayings. — He invented many useful things. — In the city of Philadelphia, he started a library, a fire department, a police department, and a hospital. — He signed the Declaration of Independence and helped write the laws of the United States. — This biography tells you abou... more »t many things Benjamin Franklin did to help his country and his fellow men.« less