Was Benjamin Franklin a postmaster or a statesman?

Answer 1

Benjamin Franklin began his postal career as postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737 under the British Parliamentary Post. By 1753 he had been promoted as one of two Deputy Postmasters of North America along with William Hunter. Franklin and Hunter could not do anything to lower the cost of postage, but they did greatly streamline the system in hopes of discouraging people to send their letters out of the mails. Under Franklin and Hunter, the Parliamentary Post became profitable.

Answer 2

Yes. Franklin actually began his postal career (one of his many careers) in 1737 as Postmaster of Philadelphia as part of the British Parliamentary Post. In 1753, he was promoted to a position as one of two Deputy Postmasters of North America. However, he was dismissed from his position in 1774 for his involvement in the publishing of the Hutchinson letters as well as his lengthy absences. (Franklin was serving as a diplomat in London.) Franklin didn't stay down for long; the following year, he was appointed by the Continental Congress to be the first Postmaster General. He resigned after fifteen months.

Answer 3

He started the US Postal Service.