The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1865-04-28
Sketch of President LincOln's Life.

Sketch of President LincOln's Life.
Abraham Lincoln, whose terrible death
paralyzes the whole land with grief and
mourning, was of English ancestry, and
born in Hardin county, Kentucky, on the
18th of February, 1909, and was, there
fore, at his death, a little over fifty-six
years ofage.
When he was seven years old his father
removed TO Indiana, where he lived thir-
teen years. Here he obtained all the ed
ucation which the frontier then afforded
amounting to very little in respect to
schools, but much in lessons fself-reliance,
industry and energy. Of these he made
the most, as his subsequent life showed,
Whether working on the farm. or serving
as fiatboatman on the Mississippi. he
was always learning. and training his
powers.
In 1880 Mr.. Lincoln removed to Illi-
noi>. and turned his attention at first TO
agricultural pursuits. Then he served
for brief period as Captain in the Black
Hawk wars; became postmaster in a
small village; began the study of law.
gave ii up for time; was elected to the
Illinois legislature. where he served four
years; resumed his professional studies,
and settled down at Springfield. which
continued 10 be his residence till he was
called TO Washington by the voice of the
people
But while devoting himself to the prae-
tice of his profession, he could not fail 10
exhibit his superior powers 70 the people.
whose respect and confidence were often
manifested. He was chosen a member of
the National Convention which nominated
Gen. TAYLOR for the Presidency. He was
chosen Representative in Congress, serv-
ing from 1S41 TO lS49. being active on
the committees, but making only few
speeches. Such, however, was the i'm
preston he made upon those agreeing
with him in politics. that. but for consid-
erationS oflocalitv. he would have been
selected for Vice President on the ticket
with Gen. Fremont in 1856.
In 1858 occurred his famous stumping
campaign with Senator Douglas. In which
his rare qualities As debater and popular
orator first became known TO the country
at large In the following year, he de-
livered an address in New York. which
greatly enhanced his reputation.
/ In 1860 he was nominated for Pre>i-
dent in the Chicago Convention, on the
third ballot, his competitors being MIR.
Seward. Mr.. Chase and Mr. Bates. Af-
ter an animated canvass he was elected.
) receiving $50 electoral votes. 10 - for
; JohnC. Breckenridge, 80 for John Bell.
and II for Stephen A. Douglas.
, In the winter of 1861 the secession
movement began some months before Mr..
Lincoln was inanguraied. OF that event
} and OF the four years that followed we do moi
: write. They are engraven deep upon the
, memories of the American people.
: Through them all President Lincoln stead
: lily rose in the appreciation of the LOYAL
} country. Not only did his admirable as.
semblage of qualities for such a crisis be-
come better understood, but he was alway:
: growing. Under the guise often of mirth-
iuiness. TO which he was wont 10 resort a:
/ relief from heart-breaking cares and per
: plexities, he was ever acquiring clearer
deeper and more solemn views OF his po
t sition. He became sincere and humhl'
: Christian. His affections embraced tn
e the whole land, lis erring as well rs ii
a loyal children; and we have no doub
: that the one wish of his heart was TO liy'
TO see his country once more unif>d. peace
e full and happy.
Y In his reelection with such unprece
Y dented unanimity, and in the since glori
r ouS triumphs of our arms, ii seemed tina
Providence was surely about TO gratii,
+ that wish. But it was not so to be-an
:. We bow 10 the dispens;ation- 1t Is har
S and terrible, but He who has never ye
e deserted US as people, surely will not d
d il in this hour of bitter sorrow.-Boso
is Journal