American. Most of the
larger figures of the eighteenth century, when we look back to them now,
seem a little remote in their way of thinking and acting. They carry the
peculiar flavor of their period. But Franklin, as we know him, might be a
man of the present day--of any day in American history.

In the course of his life he worked his way up through every social
stratum. A self-made man, he was virtually unassisted in his efforts to
advance himself. He was the fifteenth child of a poor tallow-chandler and
soap-maker. All his public-school education was received before his
eleventh year.

A Manager of Men.

Yet we see him in his later life the idol of the French court, pitted
against the shrewdest diplomats of the Old World to plead for the
struggling American colonies, and gaining his ends almost as much through
social tact and charm as by the power of a well-trained mind. He did not
lead men--he managed them.

The contrasts in his career can be seen in this condensed biography:

1706--Born in Boston, January 17.

1716--Taken from school and put to work
in his father's tallow-chandler's shop.

1718--Apprenticed to his brother in the
printing trade.

1723--Ran away to Philadelphia, where he
worked as a printer.

1725--Stranded in London and forced to
work at his trade.

1729--Began publication of the _Pennsylvania
Gazette._

1732--First appearance of "Poor Richard's
Almanac." Founded a Philadelphia
library, first circulating library in
America.

1737--Appointed postmaster of Philadelphia.
Organized first fire company in America.

1742--Invented the first stove used in this
country.

1743--Founded the American Philosophical Society
and the University of Pennsylvania.

1748--Retired from active business with an
estimated fortune of $75,000.

1752--The kite demonstration to prove that
lightning is electricity.

1755--Led in the defense of Pennsylvania
against the Indians.

1757--Sent to London as agent of the
Colonial Assembly of Pennsylvania.

1763--Traveled sixteen hundred miles, extending
and improving postal system.

1766--Gave testimony on the Stamp Act and spoke
for the colonies before the House of Commons.

1775--After eleven years in England returned to
America to take part in the contest for