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