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Abraham Lincoln
Source: James D. Richardson, A
Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents "Abraham Lincoln was born in Hardin County, Ky.,
February 12, 1809. His earliest ancestor in America was Samuel Lincoln,
of Norwich, England, who settled in Hingham, Mass., where he died,
leaving a son, Mordecai, whose son of the same name removed to Monmouth,
N.J., and thence to Berks County, Pa., where he died in 1735. One
of his sons, John removed to Rockingham County, Va., and died there,
leaving five sons, one of whom, named Abraham, emigrated to Kentucky
about 1780. About 1784 he was killed by Indians, leaving three sons,
Mordecai, Josiah, and Thomas, and two daughters. Their mother then
located in Washington County, Ky., and there brought up her family.
The youngest son, Thomas, learned the trade of a carpenter, and
in 1806 married Nancy Hanks, a niece of the man with whom he learned
his trade. They had three children, the second being Abraham, the
future President of the United States. In 1816 Thomas Lincoln removed
to Indiana, and settled on Little Pigeon Creek, not far distant
from the Ohio River, where Abraham grew to manhood. He made the
best use of his limited opportunities to acquire an education and
at the same time prepare himself for business. At the age of 19
years he was entrusted with a cargo of farm products, which he took
to New Orleans and sold. In 1830 his father again emigrated, and
located in Macon County, Ill. Abraham by this time had attained
the unusual stature of 6 feet 4 inches, and was of great muscular
strength; joined with his father in building his cabin, clearing
the field, and splitting the rails for fencing the farm. It was
not long, however, before his father again changed his home, locating
this time in Coles County, where he died in 1851 at the age of 73
years. Abraham left his father as soon as his farm was fenced and
cleared and hired himself to a man named Denton Offutt, in Sangamon
County, whom he assisted to build a flatboat; accompanied him to
New Orleans on a trading voyage and returned with him to New Salem,
Menard County, where Offutt opened a store for the sale of general
merchandise. Mr. Lincoln remained with him for a time, during which
he employed his leisure in constant reading and study. Learned the
elements of English grammar and made a beginning in the study of
surveying and the principles of law. But the next year an Indian
war began and Lincoln volunteered in a company raised in Sangamon
County and was immediately elected captain. His company was organized
at Richland April 21, 1832; but his service in command of it was
brief, for it was mustered out on May 27. Mr. Lincoln immediately
reenlisted as a private and served for several weeks, being finally
mustered out on June 16, 1832, by Lieutenant Robert Anderson, who
afterwards commanded Fort Sumter at the beginning of the civil war.
He returned to his home and made a brief but active canvass for
the legislature, but was defeated. At this time he thought seriously
of learning the blacksmith's trade, but an opportunity was offered
him to buy a store, which he did, giving his notes for the purchase
money. He was unfortunate in his selection of a partner, and the
business soon went to wreck, leaving him burdened with a heavy debt,
which he finally paid in full. He then applied himself earnestly
to the study of the law. Was appointed postmaster of New Salem in
1833, and filled the office for three years. At the same time was
appointed deputy county surveyor. In 1834 was elected to the legislature,
and was reelected in 1836, 1838, and 1840, after which he declined
further election. In his last two terms he was the candidate of
his party for the speakership of the house of representatives. In
1837 removed to Springfield, where he entered into partnership with
John T. Stuart and began the practice of the law. November 4, 1842,
married Miss Mary Todd, daughter of Robert S. Todd, of Kentucky.
In 1846 was elected to Congress over Rev. Peter Cartwright. Served
only one term, and was not a candidate for reelection. While a member
he advocated the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.
Was an unsuccessful application for Commissioner of the General
Land Office under President Taylor; was tendered the office of governor
of Oregon Territory, which he declined. Was an able and influential
exponent of the principles of the Whig party in Illinois, and did
active campaign work. Was voted for by the Whig minority in the
State legislature for United States Senator in 1855. As soon as
the Republican party was fully organized throughout the country
he became its leader in Illinois. In 1858 he was chosen by his party
to oppose Stephen A. Douglas for the Senate, and challenged him
to a joint debate. The challenge was accepted, and a most exciting
debate followed, which attracted national attention. The legislature
chosen was favorable to Mr. Douglas, and he was elected. In May,
1860, when the Republican convention met in Chicago, Mr. Lincoln
was nominated for the Presidency, on the third ballot, over William
H. Seward, who was his principal competitor. Was elected on November
6, receiving 180 electoral votes to 72 for John C. Breckinridge,
39 for John Bell, and 12 for Stephen A. Douglas. Was inaugurated
March 4, 1861. On June 8, 1864, was unanimously renominated for
the Presidency by the Republican convention at Baltimore, and at
the election in November received 212 electoral votes to 21 for
General McClellan. Was inaugurated for his second term March 4,
1865. Was shot by an assassin at Ford's Theater, in Washington,
April 14, 1865, and died the next day. Was buried at Oak Ridge,
near Springfield, Ill." [James D. Richardson,
A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents
3204-3206 Abraham
Lincoln he Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: A Narrative Overview Abraham Lincoln Digitalization Project Lincoln's
Personal Life The
Boys' Life of Abraham Lincoln Bob Dylan: I'll Let You Be In My Dreams, If I Can Be In Yours
Photograph by Alexander Hesler Poems My
Childhood Home I See Again Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight Writings Roy P. Basler (ed.), The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1953)(8 vols.)[online text] Bibliography George Anastaplo, Abraham Lincoln: A Constitutional Biography (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. 1999)(includes a chapter on Lincoln's poetry) Paul M. Angle, Lincoln's Power With Words, 3 (1) Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association (1981) [online text] William W. Betts (ed.), Lincoln and the Poets (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1965) Mark E. Neely, Jr. The Lincoln Theme Since Randall's Call: The Promises and Perils of Professionalism, 1 (1) Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association (1979) [online text] James A. Stevenson, "Lincoln's Poetry and Prose," in Frank J. Williams, William D. Pederson and Vincent J. Marsala (eds.), Abraham Lincoln: Sources and Style of Leadership 71-85 (Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1994)
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