His parents knew early on that their first-born was not growing at a normal pace and sought to cash in on the Nation's craze and willingness to pay to gape at extra-ordinary looking people.
One reporter who saw him then, stated: "He is smaller than anyone can conceive who has not actually seen him. Baby shoes were too large for him. His wrist is of the size of an ordinary man's thumb. He stands 23 inches in his shoes and weighs, clothes and all, 12 pounds. He is no larger than he was when one year old."
Master Franky Flynn became quite a success. In the space of two short years he reportedly earned $20,00 USD - a huge sum of money.
In 1879, a rumour was started in the press that Francis was to marry the Mexican Lilliput Lucia Zarate, a rumour no doubt started by Lucia's manager Frank Uffner. Lucia had appeared at the Centennial celebration also and consequent upon the success of Francis, who was now known as "General Mite", Mr. Uffner saw an opportunity to create a huge draw but the "nuptials" never took place.
In 1880, however, General Mite and Lucia Zarate did travel to the United Kingdom appearing together as the "American Midgets" and are even documented by Windsor Castle as having met Her Majesty, Queen Victoria the following year. In fact, a marriage did take place for the General - but the betrothed was not Lucia.
