Learn little-known facts about Lincoln

It's safe to say the entire world knows Abraham Lincoln.

It knows he was born in a Kentucky log cabin, taught himself to read, taught himself about the law, was elected president, spent every waking hour of his term holding the Union together and was shot in Ford's Theater on April 1865.

Few people know, though, that on the road to the White House and into history books, the most-written about 16th President of the United States was considered a failure by many of his peers.

They had good reason, too, said Marge Edwards, president-elect of the Dundee Township Historical Society. Many ventures he put his hand to, crumbled.

For example:

• In 1831, he failed in business.

• In 1832, he ran for the (Illinois) legislature and was defeated.

• In 1833, he failed again in business.

• In 1836, he suffered a breakdown.

• In 1838, he ran for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and was defeated.

• In 1840, he ran for the position of elector and was defeated.

• In 1843, he ran for U.S. Congress and was defeated.

• In 1846, he was elected to Congress, but defeated two years later.

• In 1855, he was defeated in the race for the U.S. Senate.

•In 1856, he was defeated as a candidate for vice president of the United States.

• And in 1858, he was again defeated in the run for the Senate.

To tell the other side of Lincoln's story, society members will host the "Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln" at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8 at the museum, 426 Highland Ave. in West Dundee,

"We'll share parts of his speeches, his quotes and stories that have been told for more than a century about President Lincoln," Edwards said. "We all know he was president and what he did in office. We also know the end of his story. But few people know about his wit and wisdom."

His views on God, war, men, women, and himself will all be discussed. Music from the era will be played and a member of the society will be dressed as Lincoln.

The program is free, but donations for the museum will be requested.

For more information, call the museum at (847) 428-6996.

"We're hosting this program because this year is the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth," Edwards said. "He was a profound and witty man. One of his less memorable quotes was, 'I laugh so I will not weep.'"