Becoming Ben FranklinBy: Russell Freedman In 1723 Ben Franklin arrived in Philadelphia as a poor and friendless seventeen year old who had run away from his family and an apprenticeship in Boston. Sixty two years later he stepped ashore in nearly the same spot but was greeted by cannons, bells, and a cheering crowd, now a distinguished statesman, renowned author, and world famous scientist. Freedman's riveting story of how a rebellious apprentice became an American icon