Abiah Folger Franklin
Abiah Folger Franklin (August 15, 1667 – May 18, 1752) was a notable figure in early American history, primarily recognized as the mother of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Her life, though overshadowed by her illustrious son, offers a window into the societal and familial structures of early colonial America.
Early Life and Background
Abiah Folger was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts to Peter Folger and Mary Morrell Folger. Her father, Peter Folger, was an English settler who played a significant role in the early development of Nantucket. He was descended from Flemish Protestants who had fled religious persecution and was part of the Puritan exodus to Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635. Abiah's religious upbringing was shaped by her father's conversion to Baptist Christianity.
Marriage and Family
At the age of 21, Abiah Folger relocated to Boston to live with her sister and brother-in-law, both members of the Puritan South Church. It was in Boston that she met and married Josiah Franklin, a candle-maker and widower originally from Ecton, Northamptonshire, England. The couple married on July 9, 1689, at the Old South Church in Boston.
Together, they had ten children, among whom was the renowned Benjamin Franklin. Abiah's role as a mother was instrumental in shaping the early life and values of her children, who were raised in the Presbyterian tradition.
Cultural and Historical Influence
Abiah Folger's life reflects the complexities of gender roles and religious influences in early colonial society. Her sister, Bethshua Folger Pope, was notably involved in the Salem witch trials, highlighting the intersection of family dynamics and historical events.
Abiah was known for her nurturing strength, a trait that Benjamin Franklin himself acknowledged. Despite the limited documentation of her personal life, her influence is woven into Franklin's narrative, demonstrating the impact of maternal figures in historical contexts.
Legacy
Though not as extensively documented as her son, Abiah Folger's life and lineage left a lasting legacy on American history through her children's contributions, particularly Benjamin's. Her story offers insight into the familial and societal frameworks that shaped some of the most influential figures in America's founding era.