Abraham Lincoln 
Lincoln’s Autobiography 
Reproduced From the Original Manuscript in Facsimile

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. I was born Feb. 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky. My parents were both born incess which igave7me more pleasure than anyl’ have had since. Iwent the campaign, was slated, ran for the Legislature the same year (1832) and was beaten – the only time I ever have been beaten by the people. The next and three succeeding biennial elections 1 was elected to the Legislature. I was not a candidate afterwards. During this Legislative period I had studied law, and removed to Springfield to practice it. In 1846 I was once elected to the lower House of Congress. Was not a candidate for re election. From 1849 to 1854, both inclusive, practiced law more assiduously than ever before. Always a whig in politics, and generally on the Whig electoral tickets, making active canvasses. I was losing interest in politics, , when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise aroused me again. What I have done since then is pretty well known.