Although abolitionists, such as Susan Anthony, and abolitionist groups such as those in the article had an important role in lobbying for the 13th amendment, it is stretching (a lot) to say they had a greater role than Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln's 1864 party platform resolved to abolish slavery by Constitutional Amendment. After winning the election, Lincoln made the passage of the 13th amendment his top legislative priority. He urged congress to pass the amendment in his state of the Union speech. He instructed Secretary of State Seward and allies in Congress to secure the votes to pass the amendment by any means possible (a lot of deal making, bribery and corruption was said to have ensued, though not necessarily with Lincoln's direct knowledge).

In January, Speaker of the House Colfax estimated that he was 5 votes short of passage, and the vote was delayed to find time to rustle up more supporters. Lincoln took advantage of this time to make direct personal appeals to wavering congressmen. When the vote was finally called, the required two thirds majority was narrowly reached (119 to 56) and black spectators cheered wildly from the balcony. The amendment was then ratified by the requisite number of States.

Although popular support rallied by the abolitionists was helpful in passing the 13th amendment, it was Lincoln, that canny leader and politician who pushed it through and steered it safely home. His role in freeing the slaves was certainly greater than that of the feminist abolition groups.