Father of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. The migrations of Thomas were extensive. 1802 found him in Hardin County, Kentucky, where he married Nancy Hanks. That was the birthplace of their three children. In 1816, a move was made to southern Indiana onto a homestead claim where Nancy died and was buried. 1830 saw him on the move again, this time to Macon County, Illinois, with his second wife Sarah. He stayed only one year before moving to Coles County, Illinois. At this point Abraham, experiencing a strained relationship with his father, went out on his own. In terms of education Thomas lacked ambition, and never fully understood Abraham's desire to read and learn. Here Thomas stayed for the rest of his life until his death at age 73. During his life, he was a farmer, a carpenter, and even worked for a time as a guard for county prisoners. After the future President parted company with his father, he did have some contact. By 1841, Thomas owned 120 acres of land, but eventually sold a third of his land to Abraham (now a successful lawyer) to get out of financial difficulty. Abe held on to this land for the purpose of providing a living place for his devoted stepmother in the event of his father's death. In 1848, Thomas again received money from his son to save the rest of the land from a forced sale. Abraham did not attend the funeral of his father, but did visit the grave during a visit with his stepmother, with whom he kept a close relationship until his death.
Father of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. The migrations of Thomas were extensive. 1802 found him in Hardin County, Kentucky, where he married Nancy Hanks. That was the birthplace of their three children. In 1816, a move was made to southern Indiana onto a homestead claim where Nancy died and was buried. 1830 saw him on the move again, this time to Macon County, Illinois, with his second wife Sarah. He stayed only one year before moving to Coles County, Illinois. At this point Abraham, experiencing a strained relationship with his father, went out on his own. In terms of education Thomas lacked ambition, and never fully understood Abraham's desire to read and learn. Here Thomas stayed for the rest of his life until his death at age 73. During his life, he was a farmer, a carpenter, and even worked for a time as a guard for county prisoners. After the future President parted company with his father, he did have some contact. By 1841, Thomas owned 120 acres of land, but eventually sold a third of his land to Abraham (now a successful lawyer) to get out of financial difficulty. Abe held on to this land for the purpose of providing a living place for his devoted stepmother in the event of his father's death. In 1848, Thomas again received money from his son to save the rest of the land from a forced sale. Abraham did not attend the funeral of his father, but did visit the grave during a visit with his stepmother, with whom he kept a close relationship until his death.
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