Abraham Lincoln: A Life 1837-1842

A Righteous Lawyer Deals With an Unhappy Marriage (1837-1842). "We must fight the devil with fire" - Slasher Gaff Politico in Springfield (1837-1841). Lincoln's studies lead to him becoming a successful lawyer in Illinois. He is often published anonymously during the political campaign of 1837 and his works include detailed rebuttals against opposing politicians. As a pivotal member of the Whig party, Lincoln openly begins to condemn mob violence and lynching, and begins to publicly denounce slavery in his speeches. This chapter details much of the wrongdoings and disorderly conduct that mark the political landscape of the time. "It would just kill me to marry Mary Todd" - Courtship and Marriage (1840-1842). This chapter is entirely dedicated to Lincoln's courtship and marriage to his wife, Mary Todd. His complete opposite, she is abusive, spiteful, argumentative and extremely thrifty. Many attribute Lincoln's drive to become president to her, as even before their marriage, she referred to herself as a president's wife and her disagreeable temperament often drove him out of the domestic realm and into the streets with the common people, making him extremely popular in the community.