Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) – 16TH President of the United States, 1861-1865
Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer, an Illinois state legislator, and a Whig Party leader. Lincoln is best known for his constant battle to preserve the Union while abolishing slavery. Raised in a one-room log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky, to become the leader that would motivate the Union to victory in the American Civil War, Lincoln portrayed the American Dream.
Yet, Lincoln is also a notable example of someone dying without a Will. After his death, Lincoln’s oldest son, Robert, sent a telegram to Justice David Davis of the United States Supreme Court, requesting Davis take over his father’s affairs. Mary and Robert Lincoln wrote a letter to the Judge of the Sangamon County Court in Illinois, requesting that he assign Davis as the administrator of Lincoln’s estate. Davis first ensured that the estate would be divided between Mary and Lincoln’s two sons, Robert and Thomas. Also, Congress voted to give Lincoln’s wife a donation of $25,000; therefore, it was paid tax free. The estate was eventually settled in November 1867, with the final total of $110,296.80 to be divided into three equal shares.
Abraham Lincoln was a great president, but even great presidents can fail to plan properly. If you want to minimize the consequences of failing to properly plan your estate, then contact The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. for a free initial consultation on estate planning, trust planning, and/or probate issues.
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