Author: Brogen Jensen
Abraham Lincoln is often remembered as one of America’s greatest presidents. However, before he led the country through its greatest crisis, he worked a wide variety of jobs. Exploring Abraham Lincoln’s previous jobs helps us understand how his early experiences shaped his leadership, values, and drive.
A Hard Start: Life on the Frontier
Lincoln’s career began far from politics. Born in a Kentucky log cabin in 1809, he grew up doing tough, physical work. From a young age, he helped his family with farming and chores. Although he had little formal schooling, he developed a strong work ethic early in life (Burlingame, 2008).
Rail-Splitter: Lincoln’s First Symbolic Job
One of his most famous early roles was as a rail-splitter. He cut logs into fence rails—an exhausting and repetitive job. Yet, this work became a powerful symbol of Lincoln’s strength and humble roots (National Park Service, n.d.). Because he came from a working-class background, many Americans felt he understood their struggles.
Learning on the Job as a Store Clerk
Next, Lincoln worked as a store clerk in New Salem, Illinois. This job gave him opportunities to meet people, practice honesty, and sharpen his communication skills. Even more importantly, he spent his spare time reading books. These quiet hours of study helped prepare him for a future in law and politics (History.com Editors, 2022).
Surveyor: A New Set of Skills
After his time as a clerk, Lincoln learned surveying. This required strong math and observation skills. While the job was short-lived, it allowed him to earn money, gain confidence, and travel throughout Illinois (Library of Congress, n.d.). Along the way, he built relationships and expanded his understanding of the land and its people.
A Small Role with Big Lessons: Postmaster
Soon after, he became the postmaster of New Salem. Though the job was small, it taught him record-keeping and the basics of government work. It also showed he could be trusted by his community—an important trait for any leader (Burlingame, 2008).
The Lawyer Years: Building a Reputation
Eventually, Lincoln studied law on his own and passed the bar exam. He became a traveling lawyer, riding from town to town on horseback to argue cases. This job helped him improve his speaking skills and gain public respect (Kearns Goodwin, 2005). As he built a legal career, he also made connections that later helped him enter politics.
Political Beginnings in the State Legislature
Lincoln’s public service began in the Illinois State Legislature. He served from 1834 to 1842. While this was technically a political position, it marked the turning point from worker to statesman. His time in office helped him understand policy, government systems, and public needs (National Park Service, n.d.).
Why Lincoln’s Jobs Still Matter
Looking at Abraham Lincoln’s previous jobs reveals how hard work and persistence shaped his success. Each role—whether it was splitting rails, running a store, or arguing a case—gave him tools he used as president. More importantly, these jobs kept him close to the people he would one day lead.
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Sources:
- Burlingame, Michael. Abraham Lincoln: A Life. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008. https://archive.org/details/abrahamlincolnli0000burl
- National Park Service. “Abraham Lincoln: The Man.” https://www.nps.gov/linc/learn/historyculture/abraham-lincoln-the-man.htm
- History.com Editors. “Abraham Lincoln.” History.com, 2022.
- Library of Congress. “Abraham Lincoln Papers.” https://www.loc.gov/collections/abraham-lincoln-papers/about-this-collection/
- Kearns Goodwin, Doris. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. Simon & Schuster, 2005. https://archive.org/details/teamofrivalspoli0000good_f2e0
