Born into poverty, Lincoln was
faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business
and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times - but he didn’t,
becoming one of the greatest presidents in history. Here is a sketch of Lincoln’s
road to the White House:
1816 His family was forced out of their home.
He had to work to support them. 1818 His mother died.
1831 Failed in business. 1832
Ran for state legislature - lost. Lost his job, wanted
to go to law school but he couldn’t get in. 1833
Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year was
bankrupt. He spent the next seventeen years paying his debt. 1834 Ran for state legislature - won. 1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was
broken. 1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in
bed for six months. 1838 Sought to become speaker of the
state legislature - defeated. 1840 Sought to become
elector - defeated. 1843 Ran for Congress - lost.
1846 Ran for Congress - won - went to Washington and did a good
job. 1848 Ran for re-election to Congress - lost.
1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state -
rejected. 1854 Ran for Senate of the United States -
lost. 1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at
his party’s national convention- got less than 100 votes. 1858 Ran for the U.S. Senate again - again he lost. 1860 Elected president of the United States.
The path was worn and slippery. My
foot slipped from under me,knocking the other out of the way, but I recovered and said to
myself, “It’s a slip and not a
fall.” Abraham Lincoln - after losing a senate
race.
