Linda,
I think someone already answered you about the Todd family. Thought I would add this too. Lincoln in his early years was simply too poor to own slaves, whether he would have wanted them or not. I'm not sure when (or even if) he ever became wealthy. He did have some "clout" with important political people in Illinois and elsewhere though.

Also, he had a friend who was an African American (can't recall his name). The friend was a barber and owned his own shop. Many believe that it was because of this friend that Lincoln realized freed slaves could live on their own if properly trained, educated, etc.

Lincoln (in the 1850's) became a member of the Illinois Colonization Society (I think that's the full name). He was also one of it's officers, manager or treasurer. He fought hard in Illinois to have slaves freed (in other states of course) and have them colonized in different areas. Panama was one of the places.

While he was against slavery, he wasn't an Abolitionist. He felt morally they should not be "owned" by others as property, but also felt that socially, politically, etc. they were not equal to whites.

He even tried his colonization theory a couple of times after he was elected President. One time most of those sent away died of disease, and the 2nd time a couple of politicians stole the money that was appropriated for this.

Ann