A Homely baby was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, a town 50 miles from Louisville,Kentucky, His mother was a very gentle woman who liked to read the Bible, sing, who loved helping others and who opposed slavery with an intense passion.She also was an intense lover of learning and education.
His father was a farmer but tended to be a bit of a drifter, years later he would be describes as a "rolling stone". He tended to like to do anything to get people to laugh and he also enjoyed entertaining people by telling involved and fascinating stories.
The boy grew up very poor and moved several times. His mother encouraged him to read and study and to walk to school when he could. Sometimes the weather or the needs of the farm kept him away from school- but not from reading and studying!He would read any chance he could get and would walk for miles both to borrow - and return books !
His mother died when he was but 9- from drinking contaminated milk. He worked hard by his father's side as hard as he could and was very fond of his step-mother Sarah, who his father married a short time after his mother died.
At 21, He went on to seek his fortune and never returned . He believed that he and his father both need to be separated from each other.
He often spoke of his mother and how much she had taught him and how thoroughly she had influenced him. He seldom said anything about his father ! Yet, He was well -known for his engaging sense of humor and his amazing and spell-binding story ability- something gained as he listened carefully and skillfully listened throughout his boyhood!
Nancy and Tom's Son used The Love of Learning and Being Steeped in The Bible along with his humor and storytelling ability to become a man that others wished to trust and follow. In his early 20's, He taught himself how to wrestle and this helped him to be tough and disciplined throughout the rest of his life.
He was once asked if , "God is on our side in this war" by a pastor. The son of Nancy and Tom said " I'm not worried about that. However, I'm greatly concerned as to whether we are on God's side !"
He gave a speech in March of 1865 where he also addressed this issue. This Speech was his Second Inaugural Address. Happy 202ND Birthday to you, President Lincoln!
- Johnny -
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