Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
01.C.91 |
Object Name |
Iron, Branding |
Title |
Branding Iron |
Artist |
Unknown |
Description |
Branding iron with "W.T. Franklin" on branding iron head. |
Label |
This branding iron was owned by William Temple Franklin, grandson of Benjamin Franklin. William Temple was the illegitimate son of Franklin’s illegitimate son William, who had a tense relationship with his father. Benjamin and William ultimately broke off relations, largely because of William’s declaration of loyalty to the British crown. William Temple was introduced into the Franklin household, but was kept ignorant of his lineage until 1775. Temple eventually became Benjamin Franklin’s personal aide, traveling with him to France. In 1782 he became Secretary to the Peace Commission, but jealousy regarding his position, which had undoubtedly been procured by the elder Franklin, stalled his prospects. Upon Benjamin Franklin’s death, Temple organized his writings and letters, published in 1817. This branding iron came to the APS from Joseph Wharton, who owned the Philadelphia home Champlost. In the 18th century Champlost was in the possession of the Fox family. George Fox was a good friend of William Temple. When Temple traveled to Europe in 1792, he left some of his grandfather’s papers at Fox’s estate. Most of these papers were donated to the APS in 1840 after being passed on to Fox’s son, Charles Pemberton Fox. It is possible that this branding iron was also left in the possession of George Fox, but remained at Champlost until the 20th century. |
Material |
Iron |
Dimensions |
W-4.5 L-25 D-1 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of Joseph Wharton, 18 January 1907. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century Founding Father |