Profile of the Day: Abraham Lincoln
On this day 215 years ago, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born.
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Image: Abraham Lincoln / Library of Congress
Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in a one-room log cabin at Sinking Spring Farm in Hardin County, Kentucky. He was the second child born to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. His paternal grandfather, Captain Abraham Lincoln, served in the American Revolutionary War and was a pioneer settler of Kentucky.
In 1861, Lincoln was sworn in as the 16th President of the United States. Regarded as one of the greatest presidents in the history of the United States, Lincoln successfully led the country through the American Civil War and brought an end to slavery.
Sadly, on April 14, 1865, Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre. He died of his wounds the following day at the age of 56.
Explore Abraham Lincoln’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related!