Apart from being one of the most recognized American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln was also a celebrated orator. It is curious to know how his first ever speech happened.
At the end of a political meeting when a typical stump speaker finished his speech, Dennis Hanks, his childhood friend asked little Abe to give a reply to the speaker. He was just a little boy. Standing on a dry goods box, barefoot and in shabby clothes he gave a speech. It won him considerable applause and even the seasoned campaign orator congratulated him.
The innate talent of Abraham Lincoln was brought out by his supportive and admiring friend Dennis Hanks. In order to achieve great feats we may also need the support of others, be it friends, family, teachers or any other. The incident also tells us to be supportive of others. Our faith in them, and our positive gestures can make people go a long way and accomplish their potential more easily.
About Abraham Lincoln
He was the 16th president of the United States of America from 1861 to 1865. He succeeded in abolishing slavery and steering the country through the most tumultuous years of Civil War. Dennis Hanks who was 10 years older than Lincoln was an orphan cousin of Lincoln's mother Nancy Hanks.
Words and Phrases
Abe: Nickname of Abraham Lincoln
Suspenders: A pair of straps that pass over the shoulders and fasten to the waistband of a pair of trousers or a skirt at the front and back to hold it up.
Shock of hair: Bushy thick mass of hair.
Rail splitter: Refers to a person who splits logs into rails for making fences. Rail-splitter is also a nickname of Abraham Lincoln.
Stump speaker: Public speaker in a political campaign.
Orator: Eloquent and skilled public speaker.
Get the better of: Gain an advantage over or defeat (someone) by superior strength or ability.
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