Abraham Lincoln is considered to be one of the most revered figures in American history because of his immense influence on the country and his distinct charm. His story is truly extraordinary, starting from a modest background and eventually reaching the highest position in the nation. However, his life was cut short by a sudden and tragic death, leaving his country in need of his leadership to fulfill the important work that still lay ahead. Lincoln’s unique and compassionate character, along with his significant role in saving the Union and freeing the slaves, leaves a lasting impact. His ability to express democratic values and his unwavering belief in the importance of preserving the Union reflect the ideals of self-governance that every country aspires to attain.

Childhood

Abraham Lincoln, a famous historical figure, was actually born in a humble log cabin located in Hardin County, Kentucky. His parents, Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, were hardworking individuals. Thomas, in particular, was a determined pioneer who managed to achieve a decent level of prosperity and gained respect within the community. Apart from Abraham, the couple had two other children: an older sister named Sarah and a younger brother named Thomas, who unfortunately passed away during infancy. However, the family’s peaceful life took a turn when they were compelled to relocate from Kentucky to Perry County, Indiana in 1817 due to a land dispute. In their new location, they resorted to squatting on public land and lived in a simple shelter. They survived by hunting game and cultivating a small plot of land. Eventually, Thomas was able to purchase the land, bringing some stability to their lives.

When Abraham was just 9 years old, his mother passed away from milk sickness at the young age of 34. This was a heartbreaking event for him. As he grew older, he felt more distant from his father and resented the heavy workload he had to take on at such a young age. A few months after his mother’s death, his father remarried to Sarah Bush Johnston, a kind and caring woman with three children of her own. Sarah was illiterate, like Abraham’s parents, but she encouraged him to read. Despite only receiving about 18 months of formal education, Abraham was eager to learn. He would walk long distances to borrow books since reading material was scarce in the Indiana wilderness. It’s likely that he read the family Bible, along with popular books of the time like Robinson Crusoe, Pilgrim’s Progress, and Aesop’s Fables.