Ann Smith Franklin America's First Female Newspaper Editor

Ann Smith Franklin (October 2, 1696 – April 16, 1763) was a trailblazing figure in early American media. As a colonial newspaper printer and publisher, she broke significant gender barriers to become the country's first female newspaper editor and the first woman to write an almanac.

Early Life and Family

Ann was married to James Franklin, the brother of the renowned Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. Together, they had five children, including daughters Mary and Elizabeth and a son, James Jr. The family's connection to the printing trade was deep, with James Jr. eventually apprenticing under his uncle Benjamin in Philadelphia.

The trajectory of Ann's life changed drastically in 1735 when her husband, James, died in Newport. At the age of 39, Ann was left as a widow with three young children to support, forcing her to step into the professional world of printing to ensure her family's survival.

A Career of Firsts

In 1736, Ann took the bold step of petitioning the General Assembly of Rhode Island for printing work. Her request was granted, and she was appointed the official printer to the colony, a prestigious position she held until her death. In this capacity, she printed essential documents, including the colony's charter granted by King Charles II of England.

Diversifying the Press

To supplement her income, Ann expanded her business offerings. She printed a wide variety of materials, including:

• Sermons for local ministers
• Advertisements for merchants
• Popular British novels
• The Acts and Laws of Rhode Island (a massive folio edition of 500 copies printed in 1745)

One of her most enduring contributions was the compilation and publication of five editions of the Rhode Island Almanack between 1737 and 1741. Later, she also distributed her brother-in-law Benjamin's famous Poor Richard's Almanack.

The Newport Mercury

Ann worked closely with her children, Mary, Elizabeth, and James Jr., in the family business. While the daughters handled typesetting, James Jr. managed operations under the imprint "Ann and James Franklin." In 1758, they published The Newport Mercury, which stands as Rhode Island's first newspaper.

Later Years and Legacy

As she aged, Ann transitioned more responsibility to her son. However, after the loss of her remaining children, the 65-year-old Ann returned to the press. In 1761, she partnered with her son-in-law, Samuel Hall, forming the firm "Franklin & Hall," through which they printed Rhode Island schedules.

Ann Smith Franklin passed away in 1763, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and professional achievement. Her contributions to journalism and printing have been recognized posthumously through several prestigious honors, including induction into the University of Rhode Island's Journalism Hall of Fame, the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame (1998), and the Yankee Quill Award (2008).