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Meanings of rail-splitter in English

A laborer who splits logs to build split-rail fences.

Usage of rail-splitter in English
1
With the triumph of the rail-splitter, Lincoln, the seat of power is transferred to the North.
The Guns of Bull Run: A Story of the Civil War's Eve
2
The rail-splitter became President of the United States, and Senator Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, Vice President.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume 12: American Leaders
3
The next November Abraham Lincoln, "the Illinois rail-splitter," was elected President of the United States.
The Beginner's American History
4
As a rail-splitter he had no equal.
Historic Boyhoods
5
This rail-splitter, a true-born king of men.
The Bay State Monthly, Volume 3, No. 3
6
It seemed to him quite an improvement on being a farm- hand, a flat-boatman, or a rail-splitter.
Heroes Every Child Should Know
7
The young rail-splitter had also a knack of slaughtering hogs, for which he received thirty cents a day.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume 12: American Leaders
8
He looked like a common rail-splitter.
"Co. Aytch," Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment / Or, A Side ...
9
What they seemed proudest of was that he had been a rail-splitter, for nearly all bore a fence-rail.
The Crisis — Volume 03
10
They disliked to hear so much about "honest Old Abe," "the rail-splitter," "the flat-boatman," "the pioneer."
The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln, Complete
11
James Buchanan was now a private citizen and the pioneer rail-splitter was at the head of the United States.
The Life of Abraham Lincoln
12
Butler was a farmer, Hugh Miller a stone-cutter, Abraham Lincoln a rail-splitter, and James Garfield was a canal boy.
A Fleece of Gold; Five Lessons from the Fable of Jason and the G...
13
This rail-splitter, this postmaster, this flat-boatman, whom he had not credited with a knowledge of the New Code, was talking Astronomy.
The Crisis — Volume 03
14
No more illustrious example of success won by the exercise of common virtues can be offered than Abraham Lincoln, rail-splitter and president.
Pushing to the Front
15
Many, no doubt, were full of curiosity to see the now famous rail-splitter, but all were outspoken and earnest in their assurances of support.
The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln, Complete
16
Thunderous cheers for "the rail-splitter" resounded, for this slur on the statesman had recoiled on aspersers and was used as a title of honor.
Public Speaking: Principles and Practice
Frequent collocations
Rail-splitter through the time