Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln, 1809-1865, was an American politician who served as the 16th president of the United States 1861-1865, and as the first president of the republican party.  He is best remembered for his efforts to end slavery and for preserving the union by overseeing the war effort during the American Civil War. Packaged Recycled PETE Plastic Sleeve with Provenance Card