Ann Smith Franklin

Ann Smith Franklin
Born
Ann Smith

(1696-10-02)October 2, 1696
DiedApril 16, 1763(1763-04-16) (aged 66)
Other names"Widow Franklin"
OccupationNewspaper/Almanac Printer/Publisher
Notable creditAmerica's first woman newspaper editor
SpouseJames Franklin
Children5

Ann Smith Franklin (October 2, 1696 – April 16, 1763) was an American colonial newspaper printer and publisher. She inherited the business from her husband, James Franklin, brother of Benjamin Franklin. She published the Newport Mercury, printed an almanac series, and printed Rhode Island paper currency. She was the country’s first female newspaper editor, the first woman to write an almanac, and the first woman inducted into the University of Rhode Island's Journalism Hall of Fame.