BEN And ME (1)

BEN And ME (1)

IF YOU should ever visit the fair city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, very likely you will see a fine statue to the memory of Bejami Franklin.

He was one of our country's first great leaders.
Benjamin Franklin was a philosopher, an inventor, and a patriot.

If you are fortunate enough to have a good view of the statue's  broad-brimmed hat, you may see there a tiny statue to one of our country's unsung great, a chap by the name of Amos Mouse.

It was Amos, you see, who was really responsible for many of the great deeds credited to Franklin.

And here is the story in his own word:

I was born and raised in Phikdelphia, in the old church on Second Street.
Our home was in the vestry, behind the paneling.

There were twenty-six children in the family.
With that many mouths to feed, we were naturally poor.
In fact, we were as poor as church mice.

Since I was the oldest, I decided to set out into the world and make my own way.
If I were successful, I could help the others; but in any case, it left one less mouse to feed.

It was the winter of 1745.
Those were difficult times.
Jobs were scarce, especially for a mouse.

All day I tramped through the snow, dodging icicles, brooms, and cats.

By nightfall, I did not know where to turn.
If I did find shelter soon I'd be done for.
 
My last hope was an old run-down shop out near the edge of town.
A sign just over the door read, " Benjamin Flanklin, Printer & Bookbinder. "

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