Who were Lincoln’s siblings?
Abraham Lincoln, the famous President of the United States, had three brothers and two sisters. It is important to note that during his time, children’s mortality rates were high, and many did not survive past childhood. Therefore, not all of Lincoln’s siblings lived to adulthood.
In this article, we will discuss each of Lincoln’s siblings, their lives, and the impact they had on the future President.
Sarah Lincoln: The oldest sibling
Sarah Lincoln was the eldest of the Lincoln siblings. She was born in 1807 and was eleven years older than Abraham. Sarah was known to be hardworking, and she helped her mother with household chores. She married Aaron Grigsby in 1826, but unfortunately, she died the same year of childbirth. She was only 19 years old at the time.
The tragic loss of Lincoln’s brother
The second son of the Lincoln family, Mordecai, was born in 1802. Unfortunately, he died at the young age of three in 1805. The loss of a child is always a tragedy, and it must have been tough for the Lincoln family to lose Mordecai.
Thomas Lincoln Jr.: The second oldest
Thomas was the second oldest of the Lincoln siblings and was born in 1812. He was known to be clever and hardworking. He moved to Shelby County, Kentucky, in 1830, where he started a family and worked as a carpenter. Unfortunately, Thomas died in 1861, before his brother was inaugurated as President.
The short life of Lincoln’s sister
Lincoln’s second sister, also named Sarah, was born in 1809 and only lived for two years. She died in 1812, which must have been a challenging time for the Lincoln family.
Elizabeth Lincoln: The middle child
Elizabeth was the third oldest of the Lincoln siblings and was born in 1813. She was known to have a good sense of humor and a kind heart. She married Daniel Johnston in 1832 and had three children. Unfortunately, Elizabeth died in 1848 at the young age of 35.
Mordecai Lincoln: Lincoln’s cousin sibling
Mordecai Lincoln was the cousin of Abraham Lincoln. He was born in 1801 and lived on a farm near the Lincoln family. Mordecai’s father was a brother of Abraham Lincoln’s grandfather, making them first cousins. Mordecai was known to be a kind and helpful person.
Josiah Lincoln: The youngest sibling
Josiah was the youngest of the Lincoln siblings, born in 1828. He was known for his easy-going personality and love of books. He moved to California in 1850 during the Gold Rush and lived there for the rest of his life. Josiah was the only sibling to outlive Abraham Lincoln.
Who was Lincoln closest to among his siblings?
There is no definitive answer to who Lincoln was closest to amongst his siblings. However, some historians suggest that he was closest to his sister Sarah, who died at the young age of 19. As the eldest sibling, she would have been the one to help him take care of their younger siblings.
Did Lincoln’s siblings play a role in his life?
Lincoln’s siblings may not have played a significant role in his political life. Still, they likely influenced his character development and values. Growing up with a large family in a rural environment would have taught him about the importance of hard work, family, and community.
Conclusion: What did Lincoln’s siblings teach us?
Lincoln’s siblings teach us that family is essential, and the loss of a loved one is a tragedy. They also remind us that our family members may play a significant role in shaping our character and values, even if they do not have a direct influence on our career or public life. Lastly, Lincoln’s siblings remind us that the mortality rate of children in the past was high, and we should cherish the time we have with our family members.
