Often the most uow information can be taken from a simple history lesson. Franklin was the youngest son of 17 children. His father was a poor candle-maker. Franklin decided that it was up to him to make his own way in the world. First, he spent five unhappy years toiling as a printing apprentice for his older brother, James. Back in those days, printing was hard work. Franklin was responsible for managing and moving the printing press plates which was tedious and extremely heavy. In frustration and despair, Ben broke the law of the colonies and ran away from his apprenticeship. He had to bribe a ship captain to take him to Philadelphia.