Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of United States of America, was shot dead on 15th of April 1865, 147 years back, while he was in Ford’s Theatre watching a performance. He is considered as the greatest of the US Presidents for the abolition of slavery in the country and for improving the economical/financial situation at that time.

Born in an ordinary family on 12th February 1809, he rose to the position of the US President by hard work and his high capabilities. He was a great orator. He belonged to the Republican Party. During his first term as President in 1861 Civil War broke between the Government and the Confederates over the issue of abolition of slavery. He gave exemplary leadership in both military and political in facing the civil war. The Civil War continued till 1865 when the government won and the South surrendered. The Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery was issued in 1863. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address 1863 is still considered a masterpiece of his oratory, determination and committment to the cause.

He was re-elected a second term as President in 1864 but was murdered  on 15th April 1865 after six days of the surrender of the South, by a fanatic.