Chapter 1 discusses the earliest years of Lincoln’s life, starting with his birth on February 12, 1809 in rural central Kentucky. The chapter also traces Lincoln family history, beginning with the immigration from England to Massachusetts in the 17th century, followed by an account of Lincoln's grandfather’s move westward from Pennsylvania to Kentucky in the 18th century. Thomas Lincoln, the future president’s father, had his life upended by the sudden death of his father at the age of 36. Thomas Lincoln was then forced to make his own way in the world in the frontiers of Kentucky. He had no education and had poor luck as a carpenter and farmer. He eventually married Nancy Hanks, Lincoln’s mother.

Lincoln’s mother’s family was a sore spot for him. The Hanks had acquired a disreputable name in the local area and that extended to his mother. Both Lincoln’s parents, Jon Meacham reports, had tendencies to depression (9). This is something that would plague the future president throughout his adult life as well. On the whole, Lincoln thought little of his childhood and never got along well with his father. Lincoln is quoted as having reflected on his early years thusly: “the short and simple annals of the poor.