Smyrna times., 1928-03-21
SMYRNA PUPIL WINS AWARD
Miss Shannon Gets First HOnOrs
in Autobiography of Benz. Franklin"

MISS toIlSHAtOn UtIS EITSL IOHOTS
in Autobiography of Benz. Franklin"
The ninth grade, section one, wrote
essays after completing the study Of
'The Autobiography Of Benjamin
Franklin in the literature class. The
judges awarded first honors to Franc
es Shannon, whose essay we print:
Franklin, the Scholar, Citizen and
Patriot-What sould stirred by beau
ty, romance, and reverential love for
all mankind would study upon the
scientific and patriotic betterment, as
did Franklin? Who, in idle moments
and spare time would write letters,
books, and pamphlets for the benefit
Of his native land and fellowmen? ?
Born in 1706, amid struggles and pow
erty, raised as one of large family,
Benjamin Franklin, through two years
Of hard study became one of the coun-
try's most learned and honored men.
He, however, was forced to leave
school in order that he might help to
support the family.
Franklin's family wanted him to be-
come a minister "But," thought he,
''if | become a minister, it will be
necessary for me to spend most of my
time on preparing sermons. Even
though / would be beneftting the
spiritual life of the people, feel that
it is intended for me to aid my fellow
citizens through other interests" And
he, indeed, aided mankind through the
Literary and Scientific worlds. Upon
learning that he did not wish to be-
come a minister, his family, though
somewhat disappointed apprenticed
him to his brother, James, who was a
printer James started the New
England Courant" and Benjamin
wrote many articles and left them un-
der his brothers door. His brother
printed them and commented upon
their originality, although he did not
know that the Intelligent author"
was his brother, Benjamin. If he had
known, he would not have published
them, as he did not want his brother
to have the sometimes helpful, but Of
ten harmful quality Of egotism.
James was arrested for having print
ed political paper giving offense to
the assembly. The case was dismiss
ed, but he was no longer allowed to
print the "New England Courant."
The paper was then printed under the
name of Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin decided to leave his broth
er as he was very mean and quarrel
some to him. He ran away and went
to Philadelphia, a lean, lanky lad of
AZ. He looked very queer, indeed. He
wore old clothing and bought some
rolls when he reached there. Then
his future wife sa whim, he was walk
ing down the street, his pockets stuff
ed with stockings and shirts, eating a
roll and also carrying one under each
arm. Who would have recognized
him as the future valuable patriot and
citiben that he later became?
At Philadelphia he met with Gov
ernor Keith, the Governor Of Pennsyl
vania at that time. Franklin was led
to suppose through Keith's deception,
that he was to be set up in business
By him. Governor Keith wrote to
Franklin's father concerning the mat
ter, but when Franklin returned home
he discovered that his father would
not help Set him Up in business.
Though at the time he considered it
a poor way for his father to treat
him, he later was thankful because
his father forsaw the outcome Of his
ambition at that time. Governor
Keith Immediately sent Franklin to
England, where he was to set him up
in business with number Of letters
Of recommendation. Franklin discOv-
cred, however, that Keith was de-
ceiver. He then secured position at
a printing house called Palmer's.
During his life, he dabbled in Mety-
physics, theology, and established