Abraham Lincoln serves as a great example of why growing up in a wealthy family should not be taken for granted and that it is not a prerequisite to success.
When Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809, his father was a wealthy and affluent Kentucky citizen. Unfortunately, in 1816, his father lost most of his wealth to creditors after an adverse court ruling regarding a defective title. As a result of the unfavorable verdict, the Lincoln family moved away from Kentucky and settled in Perry County, Louisiana. The transition was harsh, and Lincoln was forced into a new life fraught with adversity.Is this new to you? Catch up here
After moving to Perry County, Lincoln spent the majority of his childhood carrying out chores for his father. Lincoln detested the hard labor demanded of him and the poverty stricken life he was forced to live. He yearned for a formal education. Unfortunately, Lincoln never obtained a formal grade school education because of his father’s financial woes and fierce demands.
Lincoln developed a sense of autonomy in response to being deprived of an education as a child. He wished to someday leave his father and find a better life. He taught himself to both read and write. He also became an avid reader. In 1831, Lincoln finally abandoned his father and traveled to Sangamon County, Illinois. Eventually, Lincoln earned a reputation as a great story teller with excellent people skills. His wise, honest demeanor received high praise in the political community. Inevitably, Lincoln became the 16th president of the United States, abolished slavery, and wrote the highly renowned Gettysburg Address.