42. Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born into dire poverty and was self-educated before he became a lawyer. He ran for president of the United States at a time of deep division that threatened to tear the country apart. Indeed, shortly after he was elected, Southern states began seceding from the Union. Abraham Lincoln led the country through four years of the most tumultuous time in American History. More importantly, he emancipated all of the enslaved people in the South. However, he did not initially plan to abolish slavery. John Wilkes Booth assassinated him shortly before the end of the way. Today, people remember Lincoln as one of the greatest presidents in American history.
Also Read: Manhunt for John Wilkes Booth.