ABRAHAM LINCOLN

*Abraham Lincoln – Biography

*Early Life*
Abraham Lincoln was born on *12 February 1809* in a one‑room log cabin in *Hardin County, Kentucky* (now LaRue County). He was the second child of *Thomas Lincoln*, a farmer and carpenter, and *Nancy Hanks Lincoln*, a homemaker. The family moved to *Indiana* in 1816 due to land disputes and later to *Illinois* (1830) seeking better farming ground. Lincoln’s formal schooling amounted to *under a year*, but he was an avid reader, borrowing books from neighbors and teaching himself law, geometry, and history.

*Young Adulthood*
In 1831, Lincoln left home, working as a *rail‑splitter*, *store clerk*, and *boatman*. He enlisted in the *Black Hawk War* (1832) as a captain, though he saw no combat. In 1832 he opened a *general store* that failed, prompting him to study law. By 1836 he earned his law license and entered politics.

*Political Rise*
- *1834–1842:* Served four terms in the *Illinois House of Representatives* as a Whig, championing internal improvements (roads, canals).
- *1846–1848:* One term in the *U.S. House of Representatives*, where he opposed the Mexican‑American War and criticized President Polk.
- *1854:* Joined the newly formed *Republican Party* after the Kansas‑Nebraska Act (which allowed territories to decide on slavery).
- *1858:* Engaged in the historic *Lincoln–Douglas debates* for U.S. Senate (lost, but gained national fame).

*Presidency*
Elected *16th President of the United States* on *6 November 1860*, taking office *4 March 1861*. His victory triggered the secession of Southern states and formation of the *Confederacy*. Key milestones:

- *Emancipation Proclamation (1 Jan 1863):* Declared freedom for slaves in rebel territories, reframing the war as a moral struggle.
- *Gettysburg Address (19 Nov 1863):* 272‑word speech reaffirming “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
- *13th Amendment (ratified Dec 1865):* Abolished slavery permanently (passed by Congress Jan 1865).

Lincoln’s leadership during the *Civil War (1861‑1865)* preserved the Union. He balanced firmness (e.g., suspending habeas corpus) with reconciliation (Second Inaugural: “with malice toward none, with charity for all”).

*Personal Life*
Married *Mary Todd* in 1842; they had four sons, only *Robert Todd* survived to adulthood. Lincoln’s family life was marred by tragedy (son *Eddie* died 1850, son *Willie* 1862) and Mary’s mental health struggles. Lincoln himself suffered from *depression* (often called “melancholy”).

*Assassination*
On *14 April 1865*, while attending *“Our American Cousin”* at Ford’s Theatre, Lincoln was shot by *John Wilkes Booth*, a Confederate sympathizer. He died the next morning (15 April 1865) at *Petersen House*, Washington, D.C., aged 56.

*Legacy*
- *Moral leadership:* Symbol of unity, emancipation, and democratic ideals.
- *Iconic imagery:* Tall, bearded “Honest Abe”; the *Lincoln Memorial* (Washington, D.C.) and *U.S. penny*, $5 bill feature his portrait.
- *Enduring influence:* Civil rights leaders (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.) invoked his legacy; *“Gettysburg Address”* remains a benchmark for eloquence.

*Quick Reference*
Item Detail
Birth 12 Feb 1809, Hardin Co., KY
Death 15 Apr 1865, Washington, D.C.
Presidency 1861‑1865 (16th)
Major Acts Emancipation Proclamation, 13th Amendment, Gettysburg Address
Family Mary Todd (wife), 4 sons (Robert survived)
Notable Traits Self‑educated, homespun humor, strong moral conviction
Symbolism “Abe” of log cabin, rail‑splitter myth, “with malice toward none”

Sources: [National Park Service]((link unavailable)), _[Abraham Lincoln: A Life_ (by Michael Burlingame)]((link unavailable)).