What One Letter Change In A Surname Does

On November 2, 2009, I finally came across my mother's father's parents on the 1900 census records on ancestry.com. I had a feeling that their names where misspelled on the index. And so, that was the case.

I started out to search for my ancestors, page by page on the 1900 census. It took a while. I had an idea where they could have lived.  Their home address was 2413 Edmond Street, St. Joseph, Missouri.

There was a city directory. I checked the 1889-1899 book. Lo and behold my Great Grandpa Robert L. Lankford was listed. So, I began my search.

I later found out that their surnames was indexed with an S. It was an L. There is a big different in that one little letter. It didn't help out in my search. Only if the person in charge of the handwriting interruption could have seem that L.

But it does look like an S. Or maybe the census taker heard the S word when the family surname were pronounced. And as through this discovery, it lead to another mystery.

While On The Journey
What One Letter Change In A Surname Does

Sankford and Lankford...there is a different.
It's good to know things can be found.
But it may take some time in finding out.

Blessings,
Susan

P.S
On that 1900 census all the L's were S's by that census taker.
Here is an example of Letters of the 17th Center Found in Parish Registers

Here was what was written for the Lankford household in 1900

Members: Name         Age

R S Sankford           48

Charlottie Sankford    47

Freddie Sankford       22

Addie S Sankford    19

Sea Sankford           16

Annie A Sankford      14

Charlie Sankford        10

Mymadula Sankford    4

Isabell Sankford          1

Vernon Johnson         21

Video From The LANKFORD Family Reunion July 17, 2010

Some of the Descendants of Leo and Mary (Allen) LANKFORD on July 17, 2010 at Krug Park

The Lankford Family Reunion Logo 2010

Designed by Leo Lankford III

The Lankford Connections

Precious Memories

As clear as a loving word or touch

of a hand so warm and clear

Are the memories of our loved ones that

we treasure and hold near.

A favorite song or picture often causes

us to recall, the many special times

that were the dearest ones of all.

And although time will heal the loss

we will never be far apart

Because God's gift of memory will always

be a treasure in our hearts.

May the special memories of all the deceased members

of the Lankford Family always live in our hearts.

Left photo of

Charlotta "Charlottie" Dade Lankford / Lankfard

1852 - 1924

Right photo of

Robert Louis / Lewis Lankford /Lankfard

1851 - 1919

Robert L. and Charlotta (Dade) Lankfard were buried in Ashland Cemetery

in St. Joseph, Missouri.

                                   

Robert Louis and Charlotta (Dade) Lankford 

The Parents of the Second Generation of Lankfords.

James Andrew LANKFORD, Jennie LANKFORD, Lula May MADISON,

Frederick "Fred" A. LANKFORD, Louis "Ad" Adward LANKFORD,
Leo LANKFORD, Anna Alice SMITH, Charles Edward LANKFORD,
Still born Female LANKFORD,
Nymadula "Nym" LANKFORD and Isabelle V. NICKERSON

The Descendants Of Leo and Mary (Allen) LANKFORD

Leo Lankford

Leo Lankford Sr.

1884 - 1954

Leo was born on May 30, 1884 in Canton, Missouri
Leo Sr. died on September 14, 1954 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Leo married Mary Allen on April 16, 1909 in Savannah, Andrew County MO.

Mary Allen

Mary Frances Allen Lankford

1889 - 1975

Mary was born on Dec 21, 1889 to Anna Laura Washington and William Robert Allen.
Mary died on November 7, 1975 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

When Mary married Leo Lankford in 1909,

her name on the marriage license was Mary Walters.
Leo's surname was spelled LAUKFORD.

Mary's mother remarried to Thornton Walters.
Perhaps Mary took the Walters surname.

Mary had a half sister, Mary (Bonita) WALTERS and
a brother half, Joseph WALTERS.

Leo and Mary had 11 children.
Anna , Robert, Leola, Mary , Lula, Sarah Belle, Leo Jr.,

Addison , Betty, Frederick and Josephine Lankford.

The children were raised at 2616 Locust Street in St. Joseph, Missouri.

All their children were born in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Anna LANKFORD

Anna "Annie" C. Lankford Blakley

1909 -  1974

Anna was born on Sept 27, 1909.

Anna married Isaac "Ike" Blakley.

They move to South Dakota and than later to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Isaac and Anna had two sons.

Richard "Dicky" Blakley and Robert "Bobby" Blakley Sr.

Anna passed away on Feb 4, 1974 in Minnesota.

Isaac and Anna were buried in Minnesota.

Robert LANKFORD

Robert Louis Lankford Sr.

1911 - 2000

Robert was born on July 13, 1911.

Robert married Grace Lee Smith.

In 1941, Grace died leaving a daughter
Roberta Lankford.

Robert remarried to Irene Amanda Blakey.

Robert and Irene had two children:

Robert L. Lankford Jr. and Patricia Lankford.
Robert Sr. had a son, Donald Moore by Elsie Tarry.
Robert Sr. was married to a Jerline ?
Jerline Lankford
1922 - 1972

Robert Sr. resided in Minneapolis Minnesota.

He died on 3 July 2000.

Robert Sr. served in the military.

Robert Sr. was buried in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

 

Leola LANKFORD

Leola Lankford Farmer

1915 - 1994

Leola was born on June 25, 1915.

She lived in St. Joseph, Missouri most of her life.

Leola married William "Willie" Farmer in Omaha, Nebraska.

They returned to St. Joseph, Missouri.

Leola had two sons.
Melvin or Moses (surname?)
He was born in 1932 and died as an infant.
 Robert Leon Farmer Sr.

Leola died on Sept 12, 1994.
"Willie" and Leola were buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, MO.

Mary  LANKFORD

.Mary "Jennie" Virginia Lankford Thomas

1918 - 1990

Mary was born on Feb 11, 1918.

Mary married Milton Vernon Thomas.

Mary was the mother of two children.

Richard Thomas and Mary E. Thomas

Mary "Jennie" died on March 21, 1990.

Milton and Mary were buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, MO.

Lula LANKFORD

.Lula "Lu" Marguerite Lankford Blakley

1920 - 2000

Lula was born on April 21, 1920.

Lula married David W. Blakley on March 28, 1937 in Troy, Kansas.

David and Lula had 19 children.

David Jr. Donald, Paul Louis, Leo, John, Daniel, Lula,

Addison, Charles, Richard, Freda, George, Robert,

Isaac, Mary, Ronald, Roger, Michael, and Susan.

Lula passed away in her sleep on April 1, 2000.

David Sr. and Lula were buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Sarah LANKFORD

Sarah Belle Lankford Johnson

1922 -- 1995

Sarah was born on March 14, 1922.

Sarah married Rev Alie Johnson on Jan 14, 1953 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Sarah was the mother of 9 children.
She raised most of her children on Locust Street.

Daniel "Pete" Sharon, Virginia, Marylee, Eddie Lou,
Wilbur, Betty, Christina, and Josephine.

Sarah passed away on May 9, 1995.

Rev. Alie and Sarah were buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Leo LANKFORD Jr.

Leo "Sam" Lankford Jr.

1924 - 1964

Leo was born on March 6, 1924 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Leo Jr. married Lois Stewart and lived on Locust Street.
He served in the military. He was awarded the Purple Heart on June 2, 1945.

Leo Jr. and Lois had the father of 5 sons.

Gary, Leo III, Clarence, Louis and Samuel "Scott" Lankford.

Leo Jr. passed away on May 19, 1964.

Leo Jr. and Lois were buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri

Addison LANKFORD

Addison "Ad" Lankford

1926 - 1979

Addison "Ad" was born on Jan 27, 1926 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

He was known as the Sheriff of Locust.
Ad married Alice ? from MN.
Later they divorced.

Ad had no children.

"Ad" passed away on June 16, 1979.

"Ad" Addison was buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Betty LANKFORD

Betty Marie Lankford Weston

Betty is in a Health Care Facility.

Betty was born on Feb 7, 1928.

Betty married James "Jim" Weston.

In 1949, James died at an early age leaving Betty a widow.

Betty had no children.

Frederick LANKFORD

Frederick "Fred" William Lankford

1930 - 1952

Frederick "Fred" was born on Feb 17, 1930.

Fred never married and had no children.

He served during the Korean War.

Fred passed away on July 19, 1952 while in the service.

Frederick's body was returned to St. Joseph, Missouri .

Fred was buried in Ashland Cemetery.

The youngest of Leo and Mary's children
is

Josephine LANKFORD

.

Josephine "Josie" Louise Lankford Walker Wilson

Josephine was born on Aug, 30.

Josephine married Comezelle Walker who died on May 19,1964.

Josephine later remarried to James Wilson.

James and Josephine live in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Josephine is the mother of 6 children

. Comezelle Walker Jr., Clinton Walker and Earl Walker.

Calista, Carla and Helen Wilson.

 Photo of Leo Sr. and Mary (Allen) Lankford

In their home at 2616 Locust in St. Joseph, MO.

Mary Allen Lankford with Six of  her 7 Lankford Daughters

Back row left to right
Mary Thomas, Betty Weston, Mary Allen Lankford, Lula Blakley
Front row left to right
Josephine Walker, Leola Farmer and Sarah Bell Johnson

Leo Lankford Sr. with Three of his four Lankford Sons

From left to right
Father, Leo Lankford Sr., Robert Lankford, Leo Lankford Jr. and Addison Lankford

Mary (Allen) Lankford, center with daughter, Anna
 Anna Lankford Blakley is on right.

Mary Blakley Richardson is on the left
Anna was married to Isaac Blakley
Isaac "Ike", Mary and David "Dave" Blakley were siblings.
Anna "Annie" and Lula "Lu" Lankford were sisters.

So that made Anna and Lula, sisters and sisters in law.
And Isaac and David, brothers and brothers in law.


Three Lanford Brothers
Left to right
Leo "Sam" Lankford Jr., Addison "Ad" Lankford and Frederick "Fred" Lankford

The Lankford/ Lankfard Family

A Brief History On The Lankford / Lankfard Family

The LANKFORD Family in St. Joseph, Missouri, 1892
Resided at 2411 Messanie Street



This blog was updated on July 8, 2015.
The Lankford / Lankfard Family: A Repost With Updates

Robert Louis LANKFORD/ LANKFARD

Robert Louis / Lewis LANKFORD/ LANKFARD
1851 - 1919

Robert Louis was born Feb 22, 1851 in Kentucky.
Not much known about Robert Louis' family.
His parents were born in Kentucky.

Robert had a half sister named Mamie MORTON.
The Morton surname could have been the Lankford Family's slave name.

Robert "Lewis" Lankford married Miss Charlotta Dade on Jan 25, 1873 in Canton, Missouri.
Charlotta's parents were witnesses to the marriage.

Robert worked as a Boatsman, Laborer, Stone Mason, Grader, Contractor and Builder.
He was self employed.

R. Louis LANKFERD was listed in the St. Joseph, Missouri Directory in 1890.
Robert Louis died on Nov 14, 1919 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Charlotta Dade LANKFORD

Charlotta / Charlottie Dade Lankford / Lankfard
1852 - 1924

Charlotta was born in Jan of 1852 in Missouri.
She was one of 14 children
Her father was Isaac DADE who was born ca 1808 in Virginia.
Her mother was Frances OVINGTON who was born ca 1812 in Kentucky.
Frances was listed on the 1900 MO Census.

Charlotta was a Housewife and Laundress.
Charlotta died on April 3, 1924 in New York, New York.

On Charlottie's death record, the informant was Isaac Lankford Jr.
He was Charlottie's son.
Who was Isaac Lankford Jr.?
This son could have been Louis Lankford.
Address on death record was 160 W. 142nd St. Apt 5

Charlotta's body was brought back to St. Joseph, Missouri.
Charlotta was buried next to her husband, Robert in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.


Robert  Louis and Charlotta had about 10 or 11 children.
Here's the list of their children and some grandchildren.

James LANKFORD

James "Jim" Andrew LANKFORD
1873- 1957

James was born Oct 26, 1873 in Monticello, Missouri.
James worked as a Laborer, Grader and Concrete Mason.

He was self employed.
James married Sarah /Sallie ?
They had no children.

James died on July 31, 1957 in St. Joseph, Missouri
James and Sarah were buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.

             

 Jennie LANKFORD

No Photo

Born about 1873 in Missouri.

Died before 1900 in Missouri.


Lula LANKFORD

 Lula Mae Lankford MADISON
1876 - 1961

Lula was born in Oct 11, 1875 in Missouri.
Lula married William MADISON on May 27, 1896 in St. Joseph, Mo.
Lula was a housewife.

Lula and William had about 8 children
Unknown Child, Louis, Joshua, Cleo, Charlottie, Robert, William and Lula MADISON.
Lula Mae died on Sept 30, 1961 in Missouri.
Lula and William were buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Frederick  LANKFORD

Frederick "Fred" A. LANKFORD
Fred was born on Jan 28, 1878 in Canton, Missouri.
Fred married Mollie B. WHITNEY on June 22, 1942 in Jackson County in Missouri.
They had no children.

Fred worked as a Laborer, did odd Jobs, Cook, Porter, An Attendant at R.R.
Fred was professional musician.
He was a "Tango Banjoist" in Denver, Colorado and New Mexico.
Where and when Fred died is unknown
Perhaps in New York

Louis  LANKFORD

Louis Adward "Addison" LANKFORD
1882 - 1967

Louis was born on Jan 20, 1882 in Canton, Missouri.
Louis married Virginia / Virgie ? about 1904
Louis had no children by Virgie.

Louis had two daughter by Leola Peterson.
Thema Lankford and Rowena Lankford

Louis had a daughter and a son by Sarah Elizabeth Wright.
Adlene Lankford and Charles Addison Lankford.

Louis worked as a Laborer, an Attendant at a R.R. Station in New York and a Porter.
"Ad" was a professional baseball player in the Negro League.

He played with the Kansas City Monarchs (1900's ? )
He played on the Occidents in Salt Lake City, Utah 1910 -1912.

Louis "Ad" pitched for the following teams.
The New York Lincolns Stars in 1916 and 1918
The Brooklyn Royal Giants in 1917
The Penn Station Red Caps in 1917 - 1920

Louis died in June of 1967 in New York.

Leo LANKFORD

Leo LANKFORD
1884 - 1954

Leo was born May 30, 1884 in Canton, Missouri.
Leo worked as a Teamster, Trucking and Hauling.
He was self employed.

Leo married Mary Allen on April 16, 1909 in Savannah, Andrew County in Missouri.
Leo's surname on index was spelled LAUNFORD
Mary's maiden name spelled WALTERS

Leo and Mary had 11 children
4 sons and 7 daughter
Anna, Robert, Leola, Mary, Lula, Sarah, Addison, Leo Jr., Betty, Frederick, and Josephine Lankford

Leo Sr. died on Sept 14, 1954 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Leo and Mary were buried in Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Anna LANKFORD

Anna Alice Lankford SMITH

1885 - 1968

Anna Alice was born Feb 15, 1885 in Canton, Missouri.

Alice married Christopher Columbus SMITH on April 12, 1911 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Alice married with the name Miss Annie Alice Lankfard.

Don't know if Anna and Christopher had children

Anna Alice was a housewife.

Anna Alice died in July 1968 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The following children born in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Charles LANKFORD

Charles Edward LANKFORD
Charles was born on Jan 4, 1890
Charles married  Meta M. Hughes Lankford
Meta was born on Dec 2, 1896 in Hiawatha Kansas.
And passed away on April 24, 1931 in Kansas City Missouri.

Meta was listed as divorced. Her name was Meta BEARD.
She was the daughter of John and Laura (Bools) Hughes.
Found the marriage record of Meta Lankford to a Hanceford Beard.
This explains her death record.
Charles and Meta had a daughter.
Lelia Laura LANKFORD
a.k.a. Lelia Thompson Hill
1914 - 1960

Charles worked as a Laborer, did odd Jobs, House Cleaning, and a Teamster.
When or where Charles died is unknown
Perhaps in New York.

Unnamed Female LANKFORD

Stillborn
1893
St. Joseph, Missouri

Nymadula LANKFORD

 Nymadula "Nym" LANKFORD

Nym was born Feb 29, 1896
( Leap Day 1896)

Nym married Hattie McDaniel about 1918.
Nym was listed on 1920 with wife Nannie "Hattie" from Kansas.
Hattie was a singer / entertainer.
Nym and Hattie had no children together.

Nym was listed on 1930 census with wife, Irene ?
Nym married Irene about 1927.
Nym and Irene had a daughter.
Marjorie LANKFORD born about 1927

Nym worked as a laborer.
R.R. Penn Station in New York; 1930
Story has it, Nym was a gambler.
When or where Nym died is unknown.
I came across some info that Nym died after being in a shoot out.
Can't verify that.
Nym perhaps about 1941 in New York.

 Isabel V. Lankford

Isabella V. Lankford Nickerson
1899 - 1938

Isabella was born about Sept of 1899
Isabel married Ezekiel W. NICKERSON about 1920.
Isabel was a housewife.

Isabel and Ezekiel lived in Denver, Colorado around 1930
They had 2 sons and 3 daughters children.
Katherine, Vivian, Lankford, Betina and Robert L. NICKERSON

Isabelle / Isabella died in Sept 1938
In Denver, Colorado
Don't know if Isabelle died after having a baby or what.
Note on record: baby in same casket.

The LANKFORD Surname

On the Lankford brothers' World War 1 and 2 Draft Reg Cards

Most of the spelling of the LANKFORD name was spelled or signed as LANKFARD.

On LANKFORD Marriage Records for Frederick, Lula and Alice...

Their surname was spelled LANKFARD.

Tombstones at Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri

Robert Louis' and Charlotta's surname on grave marker spelled LANKFARD.

Leo's and Mary's surname on grave markers spelled LANKFARD

We don't know the story behind the name spelling.

But, I think that there was something to it.

The LANKFORD Brothers in New York
1920's until their death

Louis "Ad" , Frederick "Fred" and Nymadula "Nym"
Brother, Charles came to New York don't know the year.
We think that brothers followed each other as they were on the R.R.

The Lankford Brothers
From left to right Leo, Nymadula and Charles.
Behind Leo, Frederick, Behind Nymadula, James, Behind Charles, Louis "Ad".

The LANKFORD Siblings
in St. Joseph, Missouri and Denver, Colorado

Brothers, Leo and "Jim" James stayed in St.Joseph, MO.
Along with sister, Lula.
Sister, Anna Alice came back to St. Joseph, after her husband passed in 1948.

Isabel and her family were the only ones who stayed in Denver, Colorado.

The Lankford Sisters 
Anna Alice Smith, Lula Mae Madison and Isabella V. Nickerson