Abraham Lincoln - Biography.

Abraham Lincoln - Biography. 16th president of the United States Birth February 12, 1809 Death April 15, 1865 Home State Illinois Party Republican Terms In Office 1861-1865 March 4, 1865-April 15, 1865 Vice Presidents Hannibal Hamlin Andrew Johnson Significant Acts Led the Union in the Civil War (1861-1865) to prevent the Southern states from seceding from the United States. Averted Britain's involvement in the Civil War during the Trent Affair in November 1861. Signed the Homestead Act in 1862, which awarded 65 hectares (160 acres) to settlers who agreed to farm the land for five years. Issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, abolishing slavery in states rebelling against the United States. Created a national banking system and standardized currency with the National Banking Act in February 1863. Career 1830 Served in the Black Hawk War. 1847-1849 Represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives. 1858 Debated Stephen Douglas during the campaign for U.S. senator. 1861-1865 Served as President of the United States. 1865 Assassinated at Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C. Did You Know Lincoln was known as a storyteller and jokester, but he also suffered from deep depression. Lincoln was the first president to be assassinated. Lincoln received a patent in 1849 for a system he designed to adjust the buoyancy of steamboats. Lincoln carried letters, bills, and notes in his tall stovepipe hat. At 6 feet, 4 inches, Lincoln was the tallest president. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.