Is there any evidence that suggests Benjamin Franklin (founding father) was ever a "womanizer" ?

Answer 1

Actually, no. During his time as an ambassador to France he was apparently very popular at parties, being very educated and witty, and since his wife stayed behind in America, many people simply assumed he was playing around on her. While he might possibly have had some dalliances during this time, there are at least a couple of reasons to suggest otherwise. One was that he was in his seventies at the time, and plagued by gout, so even if the spirit might have been willing, the body would probably have been weak, so to speak. The other reason is that, from what we know about him, he appeared to be devoted to his family.

Addendum: Despite what WilliamH10 says, I stick by my answer. True, Franklin never officially married Deborah Read, but they were together for 44 years, so he was clearly devoted to her. And yes, he became estranged from his son, but that was because his son was a loyalist during the American Revolution, supporting the Crown rather than the revolutionaries. Finally, I stress again that the stories of his womanizing are more legend than fact. This is not my opinion but that of most historians.

Answer 2

Yes, he was a womanizer, and he and his wife were not married, they had what is known as a common law marriage, meaning they lived together for many years.

As to his family values, after the beginning of the American Revolution, he never again talked to his son, the son who as a young boy was with him during his kite experiment.

whale

Answer 3

i support that- with all my past men experience......