Background on Abisha Lincoln
Born in Raynham, Mass., on Feb. 27, 1800, as the son of Ambrose and Lois Lincoln. After marrying Lettice Green in Easthampton, Mass., at the age of 25, Abisha settled in Raynham and operated a general store from which he sold groceries, hardware, dry goods, shoes, and many other items to residents of the north end.
As his business prospered and his family grew, Lincoln emerged into local prominence. During the 1840s, he was elected a town selectman and to the state General Court. By 1850 he was worth about $3,000 and had three sons -- Edward H. (23), Charles D. (16), and Elmer (14) -- living on his farm, which Edward worked. A decade later, Abisha's real property was valued at $6,000 and personal property at an additional $2,100. Soon to inherit the store with his brothers, Edward took charge of the farm at that time while caring for his wife and three-year-old daughter. The younger sons also had married, each with a one-year-old child, and lived in their own homes. By 1872, according to the Beer's atlas, Edward and Charles had taken over the store in the north end, while Elmer operated his own store in the center of Raynham.
