Franklin had been wise enough to connect a ground wire to his key... two other scientists attempting to copy the experiment but neglecting the ground wire they were killed when they were actually struck by lightning. He was also self educated so think how scared he was.
He also created glasses. About half of you would be affected or maybe not even able to work. He didn't just do it for you, he also did it for himself. He couldn't see far distance.
Franklin also writes books and that could change the way people think. Its putting them in a different setting