Abraham was born February 12, 1809, to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln, in Hodgensville, Kentucky. He was the middle child but shortly he became the youngest, for his brother, just one year younger died. Thomas Lincoln believed no person should be a slave to another. Because he had competed with slaves for jobs for most of his adult life, he also believed slavery gave the slaveholders an unfair advantage over poor white laborers. Abraham grew up sharing his parents" views on slavery. In 1864, it is said that Abraham told a Kentucky newspaper editor that he was "naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong," he added, "nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think, and feel." It is said that Abraham also hated slavery because as a boy he worked like a slave, only receiving pennies that he would later have to give to his father. Friends of young Abraham Lincoln called him Abe. They said that he was hardworking and honest, like his father. And that he was also curious, like his mother. He liked to tell funny stories and was lively and outgoing most of the time (which in my eyes describes a wonderful leader). Nevertheless, sometimes he just seemed to be sad and he would go off by himself. .
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In September 1831, Lincoln was of legally age to not have to owe his father any labor. Abraham took this opportunity and moved to New Salem, Illinois, located on the Samgamin River. It was a small town only tow years old and growing. Lincoln got a job and soon joined the town's debating club. He became a popular speaker because his talks were full of engaging and funny stories. As the town became better acquainted with him, New Salem townspeople thought the kind, good-humored; hardworking man would be a good spokesperson for their town. They convinced him to run for state legislature.
In March 1832, Lincoln ran for the Illinois House of Representatives. He told the voters that as the state legislator, he would work to improve the Sangamon River, so boats could easily carry goods.
