Abe Lincoln and THE Log Cabin
When Abraham Lincoln was seven years old, his family moved
from Kentucky to Indiana. Abe’s family lived in a three-sided
shelter while Abe and his father built a log cabin.
The family ate dinner on their new table. Everything tasted so
good. Abe and Sarah began to like their new mother.
While their father was gone, they had not paid much attention
to washing themselves. But with their new mother around,
forgetting to clean up just didn’t seem right!
When Abe lived in Kentucky, he and Sarah attended school for
a couple of months. Abe learned how to read, write, and do
arithmetic. His teacher also taught him how to meet people,
how to write a letter, and how to behave in public.
Mrs. Lincoln asked Abe to teach her son and daughters
what he had learned. Abe taught them to write the letters
of the alphabet on pieces of wood, using charcoal. They also
pretended to meet kings and queens as they played in the
woods. “Thank you for letting me visit your castle,” one said.
“I am pleased to meet you,” said another.
They kept a fire in the shelter, and at night, the fire kept away
bears and wolves. When winter came, however, even a big fire
could not keep Abe warm, but the Lincolns made use of what
they had until Abe and his father finished the cabin.
After Abe and his father finished building the cabin, Abe’s aunt,
uncle, and cousin came to build a home nearby and live in the
three-sided shelter while building their log cabin.
Several years later, Sarah married a neighbor and was
expecting her first baby. However, both Sarah and the baby
died before the birth.
Abe was in shock. He loved his sister and would miss her
terribly. But instead of becoming bitter, Abe was grateful for the
years they had together. More tragedy would come to Abe’s
life, but he found things to be grateful for and made the most
of each situation.
When Abe was ten years old, his aunt and uncle died, and their
son, Dennis, came to live with Abe’s family. One month later,
Abe’s mother became ill and she also died.
After Abe’s mother died, his father went back to Kentucky,
leaving Abe, Dennis, and Abe’s older sister, Sarah, to take care of
themselves. Weeks later, they heard the sound of horses pulling
a wagon. Their father was home!
But he was not alone—he brought a new wife, two new sisters,
and a new brother with him!
Abe and Sarah were not sure if they would like this or not. They
watched the new Mrs. Lincoln. She brought fine furniture, steal
pots and pans, and thick quilts.
Abe used the fire for light and charcoal for a pencil.