This Day in History:, Abraham Lincoln Is Born.
February 12, 1809.
One of America’s most admired presidents,
Lincoln was born to a poor family in Hodgenville, KY.
He attended school for only one year,
but continued to read on his own in an
unending effort to improve his mind.
As a young man of 6'4," Lincoln impressed
others with his sheer physical strength
and was a legendary wrestler.
Before entering politics,
Lincoln performed a variety of jobs including
stints as a postmaster, surveyor and shopkeeper.
His folksy wit is thought to have helped
him hide intense, recurring bouts of depression
he experienced for most of his adult life.
Remembered as The Great Emancipator,
Lincoln was politically moderate
for much of his career.
His greatest legacy was his work to
preserve the Union and his signing
of the Emancipation Proclamation