May 5, 2013
Social Study Research Paper
Ms. Yassin
Abraham Lincoln On February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of United States came into the world in a poor family in Hardin County, Kentucky. When Lincoln was born, he was given his paternal grandfather's name. His father, Thomas Lincoln was a farmer and shoemaker with only a little amount of knowledge. However, Abraham's father gained respect of the community because he purchased his own land twice. His religious beliefs against slavery deeply influenced Abraham in his childhood. Abraham Lincoln's childhood life was rough. His family moved three times, crossing states. Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks, died from "milk sickness" caused by drinking the milk of cows feeding on poisonous plants when Lincoln was only nine years old. Thomas Lincoln soon remarried after his wife's death. However, Abraham's stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston, encouraged Abraham's education and she always stood on Abraham's side when his and his father argued with each other frequently. As a result, Sarah was highly affected by Abraham's favorite. Abraham lacked in knowledge because he was only formally educated for 18 months. However, his enthusiasm on learning never decreased. From 1830, he left his home and worked on his own in Illinois. His talent on storytelling made him become a popular person and a good worker around town. He ran for several elections, but the loss of some of those political contests didn't stop him from being successful. After In 1834, Abraham declared himself a candidate for the Illinois state legislature. He won because of his extensive popularity in his district and was able to be reelected in the terms of 1836, 1838 and 1840. Proved himself as a solid Whig, Abraham, a twenty-five year old representative voted for a state bank and was in favor of the massive Illinois and Michigan Canal project during his terms. Besides his job as a representative, Lincoln taught himself law and