Ben Franklin's Favorite Sister - The Tragic Life of Jane Mecom
After yesterday’s article on Benjamin Franklin’s most important brother, I thought it would be fitting to take a look at his favorite sister.
Jane Franklin Mecom was this younger sister.
Although the two siblings’ lives differed dramatically, they always kept in touch and had an enduring fondness for one another.
Jane Franklin
When Jane Franklin was 11 years old, her older brother, Benjamin, left Boston for Philadelphia.
Throughout the ensuing 67 years, the two would correspond regularly...but they would only be in the same room seven more times.
Benjamin Franklin would go on to receive fame and fortune.
Jame would end up living a poor and tragic life.
Edward Mecom
At just 15 years of age, Jane Franklin married Edward Mecom.
There is much confusion as to the reason for their wedding.
Jane was significantly younger than most people of Boston were married at the time (the legal age was 16) and Edward was below even the Franklin Family’s modest station in the community.
The decision seems to have been a poor one, as Edward would battle mental health issues throughout his life and struggle to hold down a job.
Tough Times
Now going by the name Jane Mecom, our protagonist would have twelve children with Edward.
Unfortunately, only one of these offspring would outlive Jane and many of them struggled with mental health as their father had.
Mecom was forced to work in her husband’s stead. She carried on several jobs throughout her life, including soap-making, hat and bonnet sewing, and taking in boarders in her house.
Beloved Sibling
Despite their differences in lifestyle, Jane kept up a correspondence with Benjamin until the day he died.
Ben would keep her updated about his world travels and Jane would respond with information from back home.
Mecom’s beloved older brother often helped her financially in her later years and when he passed away, his will allotted Jane a healthy stipend for the rest of her days.
Want more articles about BENJAMIN FRANKLIN?
Check out these fun stories:
Poor Richard’s Hoax - Making Ben Franklin Famous
The French Mourn Franklin - And Hilarity Ensues
5 Strange Facts About Benjamin Franklin
Although James Franklin does not have a biography of his own, he factors heavily into most works about Benjamin.
‘Young Benjamin Franklin’ recounts details about Benjamin’s early life and is a good source of info on James.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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