The vision for the village of Lincoln, located in Alcona County Michigan, began with its settlement in 1885. It is believed that the site was chosen because of the twin lakes, Brownlee and Lincoln, which surround the village. Lincoln Lake would eventually serve as an integral instrument for the logging industry, as it was used to transport lumber to a nearby train depot for the Detroit and Mackinac Railroad. The area was platted in 1886 by A.J. Freer, a surveyor hired by Alger Smith and Company.

The platting was unique in that it contained property in both Hawes and Gustin Township, with the village originally called West Harrisville. With the Local Act of 1907-No. 575, Gustin and Hawes Township incorporated the north half of section one, in town twenty-six north, range eight east, and the s ½ of section 36, town twenty-seven north, range eight east, as the newly named Village of Lincoln.

The first election to establish a village government was held on March 19, 1908. The council consisted of W.G. Anderson, president; Charles W. Schram, clerk; Peter LeCuyer, treasurer; Lorenzo L. Mills, assessor; Mack Apsey and T. A. Ferris, trustees. One week later the first council meeting was held with meetings to follow on the first Monday of each month. The council strove to make many improvements in the village; such as generating funds for a dock structure on Lincoln Lake, creating a village park for camping and picnics, and installing sidewalks in the business district.