Final answer:
Thomas Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's father, was a farmer who influenced Abraham's early decisions, including the choice not to follow in farming. Thomas's life underscores the challenges of frontier families. Abraham Lincoln exhibited leadership traits such as resilience and integrity, which were essential during his presidency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's father, was primarily a farmer by trade. The family's working of the land in the Kentucky wilderness and subsequent relocation to Indiana due to a land dispute, highlights the typical challenges faced by many frontier families during that period. Thomas's role in Abraham Lincoln’s life is suggested indirectly through Abraham's decision not to follow in his father’s footsteps as a farmer. Instead, Abraham Lincoln sought to become involved in more modern, capitalist endeavors such as working as a storekeeper, surveyor, and eventually a lawyer. From the information provided, we can infer that Thomas Lincoln's livelihood and choices had a significant impact on Abraham Lincoln's early life, influencing his desires to seek different opportunities.
As for character traits that made Abraham Lincoln an effective leader, it is known that he was deeply committed to the principles of liberty and equality which is evident through his actions like the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. His personality traits include resilience, integrity, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively, attributes that were crucial for his leadership during the tumultuous Civil War era.