Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky (now LaRue County).¹⁾

He was largely self-educated and had only about 18 months of formal schooling throughout his life.²⁾

Lincoln worked various jobs, including a rail-splitter, store clerk, and postmaster, before entering politics.³⁾

His nickname “Honest Abe” originated from his reputation for integrity and honesty in business dealings.⁴⁾

Lincoln served in the Illinois State Legislature from 1834 to 1842.⁵⁾

He had a wrestling career and was only defeated once in approximately 300 matches.⁶⁾

In 1842, Lincoln married Mary Todd, and they had four sons: Robert, Edward, William, and Thomas.⁷⁾

Lincoln's son, Willie, died of typhoid fever at the age of 11 while Lincoln was in office.⁸⁾

Abraham Lincoln was a self-taught lawyer and gained a reputation as an effective and eloquent courtroom speaker.⁹⁾

Lincoln served as a one-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849.¹⁰⁾

He opposed the Mexican-American War and introduced the “Spot Resolutions” to challenge President James K. Polk's justification for the war.¹¹⁾

Lincoln's debates with Stephen A. Douglas during the 1858 Illinois Senate race brought him national attention.¹²⁾

The Lincoln-Douglas debates focused on the issue of slavery, with Lincoln expressing anti-slavery sentiments.¹³⁾

Lincoln was a member of the newly-formed Republican Party and ran as its candidate in the 1860 presidential election.¹⁴⁾

He won the presidency in 1860 with a significant electoral majority but without a single Southern electoral vote.¹⁵⁾