Family Tree Tuesday – Abraham Lincoln

On April 12, 1861, South Carolina used force remove the U.S. army from their facilities in Charleston. Known as the Battle of Fort Sumter, it marked the beginning of the American Civil War.  Two days after the battle, President Abraham Lincoln called for thousands of volunteers to crush the Southern rebellion.  Four years later, the Confederate forces were defeated by the Union army. Through his leadership and resolve, Lincoln successfully preserved the Union and brought an end to slavery.

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. His father was a farmer and both of his parents were active in their Church’s community. When Lincoln was 9, his mother died of milk sickness. He had one older sister Sarah, who died at the age of 20 during childbirth.

In 1842, Lincoln married Mary Todd, who came from a wealthy, slave-holding family in Kentucky. Like many families during the Civil War, Mary found herself on the opposing side of her family. Several of her brothers served in the Confederate Army and a few died in action.

Abraham and Mary had a total of four children, however, their first born, Robert Todd Lincoln, was the only son to live past the age of 18. Robert became a lawyer and in 1881, he was appointed the Secretary of War in President James Garfield‘s administration.

Fun fact: Did you know award winning actor Tom Hanks is a directed descendant of Mary Todd Lincoln? Tom Hanks is Mary Todd Lincoln’s 12th cousin five times removed! Check out Abraham Lincoln’s family tree and see how you’re related!