Free printable easy informational text story for 3rd and 4th grade and up.
Read and test reading comprehension online or print worksheets for offline use.
Lincoln General StoreLaw Office
Honest Abe Lincoln
How did Abraham Lincoln get the nickname Honest Abe? Records show that he was first called Honest Abe when he was working as a young store clerk in New Salem, Illinois. He was known for being very honest. Lincoln always told customers when a product was not good. If he ever made a mistake giving change or weighing something, he would close the shop and deliver the difference to the customer. It didn't matter how far he had to walk or how little he was delivering.
When Lincoln became a lawyer, his fairness and honesty continued. People often asked him to act as a peacemaker when others were fighting or arguing. He was sometimes asked to judge horse races because everyone knew he would always be fair and honest.
Lincoln didn't make much money as a lawyer because he didn't like to charge people who were poor. He sometimes told his clients to settle out of court so they would save his fees. A man once sent Lincoln a payment of $25. Lincoln sent him back $10 and said the man needed it more than he did.
By the time he was 24, Lincoln had begun his life in politics when he was elected to the Illinois state government. Stories of his honesty followed him through his political career, including his 4 years as President.
What was Lincoln's job in the general store? baker butcher store clerk store clerk
At what age was Lincoln first elected to government? before he was 25 35 It doesn't say in the story. before he was 25
For how long was Abraham Lincoln president of the United States? 6 months 4 years 6 years 4 years
In which state was Lincoln first elected to government? Illinois New York Virginia Illinois
What is a "peacemaker"? someone who helps when people are fighting someone who makes pieces of cloth someone who works in a store someone who helps when people are fighting
Why was Lincoln asked to judge horse races? He loved animals. He owned race horses. He was always fair and honest. He was always fair and honest.
Why didn't Lincoln make a lot of money as a lawyer? He didn't spend much time at work. He didn't like to charge people a lot of money. He was not a good lawyer. He didn't like to charge people a lot of money.
As a store clerk, what did Lincoln do when he made a mistake? He ignored it. He gave the customer the difference and delivered it to them. He gave the customers a credit if they ever came in again. He gave the customer the difference and delivered it to them.
Why did Lincoln return $10 to a man who paid him $25 for legal work? It was an easy job. He thought the man needed the money more than he did. The man asked for a discount. He thought the man needed the money more than he did.
