Abraham Lincoln
By Austin Popovici and Logan Kinner
Early Years
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He started going to school at seven years of age. At nineteen he co-owned a general store for several years. He enlisted as a militia captain in 1832 for the Black Hawk War. He ran for the Illinois Senate seat twice. He lost the first time but won in 1834. He married Mary Todd in 1842.
Contribution to the Civil War
Lincoln was inaugurated president in 1861 when several southern states had already succeeded because they thought he would abolish slavery from the U.S. The Civil War started when Lincoln was in the presidency. The Union won in 1865 preserving the United States.
Life after the Civil War
Lincoln didn't have much of a life after the war. He was assassinated 15 days after the Civil War's end by John Wilkes Booth. He was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery at Springfield, IL. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. is a 19 foot statue made of white Georgia marble that symbolizes the " Man Who Saved The Union and is enshrined forever". There is also a memorial in Birmingham, Alabama.
Interesting Facts about Abraham Lincoln
1. His father wanted him to work on a farm rather than receive an education.
2. He was a wrestler, but he didn't wear a mask or have a manager.
3. He hated being called Abe but preferred to be called Lincoln.
4. Lincoln loved animals, if he was alive today he would own an animal shelter.
5. Grave robbers were foiled in 1876 when they tried to steal Lincoln's body.
6. He was the first president with a beard.
7. Lincoln failed his first business.
8. Lincoln was photographed with John Wilkes Booth at his second inauguration.
9. Lincoln was seemingly obsessed with cats.
10. Lincoln kept his important documents inside his hat.