The town of Lincoln takes its name from a circuit-riding preacher by the name John Lincoln, who lived nearby. Lincoln was part of what is called the “Restoration Movement,” which more or less originated in the Second Great Awakening and sought to return the church to first-century Christian practices. Churches in the Christian Church, Church of Christ, and Disciples of Christ traditions trace their origins back to this movement.
In 1890, the Texas and New Orleans Railroad laid tracks through the area. There was already an existing settlement, and folks decided to then name the community after Rev. Lincoln. Soon businesses in Dime Box, Fedor, and Manheim were having their freight shipped to Lincoln and then brought to town by wagon.
At some point, railroad service was discontinued and the tracks were pulled up, though I’m not sure when that happened.
Lincoln once supported several churches; the Restorationist church met in the school for some time (I’m not sure what specific variety it was), and for some time St. Peter’s Lutheran Church met on the east side of SH 21 (St. Peter’s cemetery is all that remains today). Today the only remaining church (that I am aware of) is St. John’s Lutheran Church.