On This Date January 8,1776-Benjamin Franklin’s son arrested…

January 8, 1776 – Not all of the population of New Jersey advocated independence. Governor
William Franklin, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin, was a loyalist who supported the
Stamp Act. Many of the colonists had emigrated from England and felt a sense of loyalty to the
King of England and the English government. On this date, Governor Franklin was arrested for
opposing the Revolution. Others, such as slaves, joined sides with the British in return for
promises of freedom.