Abraham Lincoln Family Tree: The Story Behind the 16th US President

Abraham Lincoln, born 12 February 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky, USA, was the 16th President of the United States (1861–1865) — issued the Emancipation Proclamation (1 January 1863), led the US through the American Civil War, and was assassinated 15 April 1865 at Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C.

The Family's Roots: A Kentucky-Indiana Frontier Family

The Lincoln family was an English-American frontier family, descended from settlers who arrived in Massachusetts in 1637.

His Parents

Father: Thomas Lincoln (1778–1851) — frontier farmer; carpenter; illiterate; moved the family from Kentucky to Indiana to Illinois.

Mother: Nancy Hanks Lincoln (1784–1818) — died of "milk sickness" when Abraham was 9 years old.

His Stepmother: Sarah Bush Johnston

Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln (1788–1869) — Thomas Lincoln's second wife from December 1819; brought three children of her own; Abraham loved her deeply and called her "Mother."

His Siblings

Sarah Lincoln Grigsby (1807–1828) — elder sister; died in childbirth at age 20.

Thomas Lincoln (1812, died in infancy) — younger brother.

His Wife: Mary Todd

Mary Ann Todd Lincoln (1818–1882) — Kentucky-born; from a prominent Lexington family; married Abraham in November 1842. Hospitalised for mental illness in 1875, three years after losing her third son.

Their Sons

Robert Todd Lincoln (1843–1926) — only son to reach adulthood; US Secretary of War (1881–1885); US Minister to UK (1889–1893); president of Pullman Company.

Edward "Eddie" Lincoln (1846–1850) — died at age 3 (probably tuberculosis).

William "Willie" Lincoln (1850–1862) — died of typhoid in the White House at age 11; Mary never recovered.

Thomas "Tad" Lincoln (1853–1871) — died at age 18 (probably tuberculosis).

The Lincoln Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: Kentucky-Indiana-Illinois frontier family; English-American.

Father: Thomas Lincoln (1778–1851) — frontier farmer; illiterate.

Mother: Nancy Hanks Lincoln (1784–1818) — died when Abraham was 9.

Stepmother: Sarah Bush Johnston (1788–1869; m. December 1819).

Sister: Sarah Lincoln Grigsby (1807–1828) — died in childbirth at 20.

Wife: Mary Todd Lincoln (1818–1882; m. November 1842).

Sons: Robert (1843–1926) — only one to survive to adulthood; Eddie (1846–1850); Willie (1850–1862); Tad (1853–1871).

Abraham Lincoln:

  • Born 12 February 1809, Hodgenville
  • Self-educated frontier youth; only about 1 year of formal schooling
  • New Salem, Illinois (1831); Springfield (1837)
  • Lawyer (admitted to bar 1836)
  • Illinois House of Representatives: 1834–1842; US House of Representatives: 1847–1849
  • Senate candidate: 1858 (Lincoln-Douglas debates; lost)
  • Republican Party candidate for President: 1860
  • 16th US President: 4 March 1861 – 15 April 1865
  • Emancipation Proclamation: 1 January 1863
  • Gettysburg Address: 19 November 1863
  • 13th Amendment: passed 31 January 1865 (abolishing slavery)
  • Reelected: 1864
  • Assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre, 14 April 1865; died 15 April 1865

What the Lincoln Family Story Teaches Us

An illiterate frontier-farmer father. A mother who died when Abraham was 9. A stepmother he loved. A sister who died in childbirth at 20. A wife from a prominent Southern family. Four sons — three of whom died young; only one survived to adulthood. A presidency that abolished slavery and ended in assassination.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Lincoln story carries the same lesson. Loss after loss runs through the Lincoln family record. Mary Todd never recovered from losing Willie in 1862; she lost Tad in 1871 and Abraham in 1865. The historical family record holds every grief alongside every achievement. Write down what each family member lost.

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📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available historical sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.