Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 378

1886 · 32 pages

This issue of the Frank Reade Library (No. 8 of 8, January 20, 1886) contains the opening chapters of a serialized story titled "From the Bottom to the Top of the Ladder: A Story of How a Man Can Rise in America" by Capt. Fred. Whittaker. The narrative follows John Armstrong, a poor country-born mechanic who arrives at the Excelsior Iron Works in New York seeking employment. Despite his humble origins and initial awkwardness, Armstrong impresses the superintendent with his work experience at Springfield Arsenal and Hartford's Colt's Company. He accepts low-wage positions—day work as a riveter and night work cleaning the shop—hoping to earn money for his ailing father's recovery. Three educated "gentleman hands" training to become civil engineers—Munson, Wheeler, and Stryker—befriend Armstrong and offer him boarding. The story emphasizes Armstrong's diligence and moral character, particularly his refusal of alcohol and commitment to honest labor.

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