William Booth was born into a middle-class family, but did not aspire to wealth or prosperity and amassed no personal fortune. He adopted a simple lifestyle, lived in modest but comfortable surroundings and worked tirelessly for others, rather than himself. During his long life, he played many parts: wilful youth – reluctant student – pawnbroker's apprentice – passionate convert – Methodist minister – ardent lover and devoted husband – independent evangelist – father of three sons and five daughters – mission superintendent. Thirty-four years after his conversion to Christ, he became the General of The Salvation Army a few months before his 50th birthday.