Harry S. Truman, who was born in 1884 in the small town of Lamar, Missouri, never dreamed of becoming President. As a boy, he came to love the simple farm life of western Missouri and later started a career as a farmer. Then suddenly things happened that led him to turn to politics and ultimately to become President.

Harry spent most of his early life on his grandfather's farm near Grandview and in the small city of Independence, Missouri. His mother taught him to read at home, and he was eight years old before he started to school. His early school work was interrupted by a serious attack of diphtheria, which left him temporarily paralyzed. Later, through the help of a tutor, he made up his work and even advanced to a higher grade.

Early in life he developed poor vision and had to wear thick glasses. At school, he couldn’t participate in strenuous play, but often served as umpire or referee. His inability to play led him to become an ardent student of history. When he graduated from Independence High School, he lacked funds to go to college, but he faced the future with great confidence.

After holding several jobs, young Mr. Truman managed the family farm. When our country entered World War I, he promptly helped to organize a field artillery regiment and served as captain in actual combat in Europe. Following the war, he married Bess Wallace, a longtime schoolmate and friend.

Mr. Truman now bought an interest in a haberdashery, which failed and led him to enter politics. First, he was elected district judge, then presiding judge, of Jackson County. Next, he was elected to the United States Senate and finally, in 1944, Vice-President, as a running mate of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Early in 1945, following the sudden death of Roosevelt, he became President. At once he established himself as a fearless leader. He helped to found the United Nations and boldly fought the spread of communism in both Europe and Asia. Here at home he took a variety of steps to improve education, health, and welfare.

The author, Wilma J. Hudson, a teacher-librarian in Indiana, is a native of Missouri. She began writing this book while Mr. Truman was still living and she conducted research at the Truman Library to procure facts. She is the author of two other popular books in the Childhood of Famous Americans series.

From the dust jacket