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