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 In March, 1830, the family moved to Mason County, Illinois, five miles southwest of Decatur.

Lincoln was now twenty-one years old and upon him fell the task of building the new home.

He left the Lincoln family to "strike out for himself." In 1831, together with two companions, he built a boat, loaded it with pork, hogs and corn. This was floated down the Mississippi to New Orleans where it was sold. A short time later Lincoln and a fellow named Berry, under the firm name of Lincoln and Berry, bought out a general store at New Salem. The business was unprofitable and when it was discontinued Lincoln was left with a burden of debts.