Abraham Lincoln

Picture of Abraham Lincoln while he was president. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Abraham_Lincoln_head_on_shoulders_photo_portrait.jpg)

My hero is Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. He faced many personal tragedies and overcame them to change the history and the culture of our country. Even though his life was violently cut short, he is still the most remarkable man in American history to me. Few men have ever have ever accomplished so much change with perseverance, bravery and determination.

The Emacipation Proclamation (http://govbooktalk.gpo.gov/2014/02/05/the-emancipa))

His early life was very difficult, but I believe it helped him become the strong brave man he grew to be. He was born on February 12, 1809 in a log cabin in Kentucky. His mother died when he was 9 years old. His father eventually remarried and his step mom focused on making sure he learned to read and write and gave him his only formal education of about 18 months. In 1830 he moved to Illinois. The Black Hawk War broke out and he was elected to serve as captain. He became very popular due to his physical height and strength. He became a lawyer and got involved in politics. He fell in love but unfortunately his fiance died. Later he married Mary Todd and they had four sons. His sons died at age 4, age 12 and age 18. Only one son survived to adulthood. After serving several political positions he ran for president five times and was finally elected president in 1860. Throughout all of these tragedies, he demonstrated extreme perseverance to go on with his life and become the most popular president.

While serving in politics, he became convinced that slavery was politically, financially and morally wrong. He risked his political career and personal standing to support and pass the Emancipation Proclamation. As a Christian man he always had a tender heart for the poor people including the slaves. He had to fight constant attacks by his his political opponents who did not want slavery abolished. They told lies, bribed others for votes, and tried to ruin his career. During this time, slaves were escaping north to the free states and were showing up in Washington DC with no food, clothes or shelter. Both he and Mrs Lincoln assisted others in providing for the escaped slaves. With extreme determination he continued to fight against all odds to pass the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves.

The Confederates attacked Fort Sumter to start the Civil War that tore our country apart. Many of the battles were some of the most deadliest and bloodiest in history as brother fought brother. President Lincoln frequently visited military camps putting his own life at risk. I believe he led the country with amazing bravery as he continued to attend speeches and rallies amid constant threats. He gave the troops courage to fight on and mend the Union. After one of the worst times in American history, peace was finally declared in 1865.

Sadly, on April 15, six days after peace was declared, John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln at the Ford Theater. President Lincoln faced poverty, death, and war to became one of the most respected, memorable presidents that ever existed. He held onto his personal strength and Christian faith throughout the journey of his life. He will forever be a hero to me.