Saturday, December 31, 2011

Along The Journey Of 2011: Milestones And Memories

It's been some what of a journey this year.
As I look back, I think I've made a lot of new discoveries.
I'll share some of them in the up coming months.

Also, I would like to thank all of you who I've spoken to me either
in person, on the phone, through this website, on facebook or by email.
Thanks for adding what you know about the family history.
I thankful that some have found connection through this site.
We all have a story to share.
I hope that you're recording your family history as well.

2011 was the 100th Anniversary of Some Relatives Births

Robert Lewis Lankfard Sr.
Born on July 11, 1911
Son of Leo and Mary (Allen) Lankford

Mary Jane Blakley Richardson
Born on July 31, 1911
Daughter of John (Blakey) Blakley and Jennie (Bartlett) Blakley -Lyle


Charlotta Madison Williams
Robert Lewis Lankford "Lank" Madison
Twins Born on March 19, 1911
Daughter and son of William and Lula (Lankford) Madison


Unknown Named InfantChild of Den and Louette Robinson Dade
Born on August 20, 1911
Infant passed away on August 22, 1911

There were a few relatives who passed away in 2011.
These are the only ones that I've heard about.

Missed; By Not Forgotten
Robert Leon Farmer Sr.
(1934 - 2011)



Son of William and Leola (Lankford) Farmer


Mary E. Tillman
(1939 - 2011)


Mary E. Thomas Tillman
Daughter of Milton Vernon and Mary Jennie"Virgina (Lankford) Thomas


Richard Isaac "Dickey" Blakley
Son of Isaac and Anna (Lankford) Blakley

On The Louisa Jane Dade / Washington Connections

Raymond Hendred

(1920- 2011)
Son of Isaac and Elsie Hendred

Durwood D. Hendricks Sr.
(1945- 2011)
Grandson of Isaac and Elsie Hendred

On The L. Lankord/ D. Blakley Connection
There were some family pets that have died.
Dogs: Dragon, Roxie, Bishop, Buster
and Arrow, the cat, and Louie, the bunny.

There were some New Additions To The Family in 2011.
Here are the ones I know of with full names.

The Lankford - Johnson Lankford Connections
Isaac 
The Lankford - Blakley / Craddock Connections.
Isabella
The Lankford - Blakley / Dudley Connections.
Kaiden

It's been an interesting year of discoveries.
I'm hoping that I come across more in 2012.
I hope that you found some discoveries in 2011.
We all had our joyful times and sad times.
We have to keep on moving.

May 2012 Be A Life Changing Year For Us.
May We Grow Richer In Know More About Life.
May We Discover More About Our Family History.
Amen.

God Bless You.
Stay On The Journey,Susan

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Celebrating Life And The Joy Of Living

Photo taken in July 2011

Hope You're Joying Life.
Season's Greetings to you and yours.
Merry Christmas!


God Bless You!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

A New Day

A New Day
I don't believe that the world will end a year from now; on December, 21, 2012. I heard that the planets were going to line up with the sun on that day. We are in the last days.

Meanwhile, my journey continues on the family history. On November 16, 2011, I created a page called  Family Connections . On the Family Connection page, I post some of my updates and or post what I'm searching or wondering about on the family tree.
 As I'm searching,  I'm coming across people in the area were my ancestors lived. I'm not for sure if they are on the family lineage. I'm hoping someone might see some connections. More so, if they will let me know. It's good to know things. It would be nice to know if others see any connections.

Meanwhile, I've been future posting blogs. There's so much to share. So far I see that I have about 300 blogs. I don't know how many are public. I have many set to post when the time comes.

It's good to keep the family history alive through reflecting. And remembering those who have passed on. Yet, even more to share some of what we know or discover to other family members.

I'm hoping to find out more on the family tree. I'm awaiting the 1940 Census release on Monday April 2, 2012. I can just imagine what I will discover.

I'm going back over what I've come across over the years. I'm looking to see if I over looked some things. As I'm going back over that I have, I do find things that I missed. At times it's a key to unlock what I've been searching. Also it adds more to the family history.

I have had a lot of "brick walls" or dead ends with the earlier ancestors. There are little leads and clues about them.  I believe that there's more information out there. Either I can't get to or I don't know where to clue. Also resources are limited.

II look back over my journey from time to time. I thank God for the people who have helped me on the journey. I thankful for what I have come across. And for the people I know who have interest in the family tree.

Thanks for reading.
I believe that A New Day is Dawning.
I'm awaiting to explore and discover.
I hope to find more...
The Journey Continues,
Susan

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Photo Of A Lankford Wedding

Photo taken at the home of Leo and Mary (Allen) Lankford
Lankford siblings, In Laws,Some Lankford and Madison children.
Starting from left right; the man standing on the left side looking down...
was James A. Lankford who was the son of Robert L. Lankford/ Lankfard.
Next to James; Alice Lankford and behind Alice, her husband Addison Lankford.
The lady in the middle Lula (Lankford) Madison with her husband William Madison.
Next to William, Mary (Allen) Lankford and her husband Leo Sr,
They were Addison's mother and father.
James, Lula and Leo were siblings.
The man on the lower right with arm up, Comezelle Walker Sr.
Comezelle who was Leo an Mary's son in law.

The lady behind Lula Madison was Charlottie (Madison) Williams.
Next to Charlotta was Charlotta's boy friend (at the time); William Crowley.
Charlottie was the daughter of Williamm and Lula Madison.   

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Project: The Frances Ovington Dade Connections

The Frances OVINGTON DADE Connections.

Frances Ovington was the wife of Isaac Dade.
Frances was my mother's father's mother's mother
Frances had 14 children.
Through research, I have come across 4 of them.

Here is the order in which I discovered who Frances' children were.
The numbers are the order of birth.

The Dades lived in Lewis County Missouri area 1870's.
I don't know when the came to Missouri.

Click On Names and See The Connections


(My mother's father's mother)
4.) Charlotta DADE LANKFORD
1852 - 1924

 Charlotta was the wife of Robert / Lewis Lankford/ LANKFARD.
Robert born (1851 - 1919)

Robert and Charlotta had 10 or 11 children.
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.
There was one mystery name: Isaac LANKFORD Jr.

Louisa married David WASHINGTON
born about 1828 - Mar 19, 1897



Jane WASHINGTON was the mother of 13.
5 of Jane's children were living when the 1900 census was taken.

Here's a list Louisa's 10 of 13.

Ellen (Love) HENDERD, Isaac WASHINGTON, John WASHINGTON,
Benjamin WASHINGTON, Frank WASHINGTON, David WASHINGTON,
William WASHINGTON, Francis "Fannie" WASHINGTON,
Jane WASHINGTON, and  George WASHINGTON.


3.) Louis Newton DADE
1847 - 1937

According to the 1900 MO census,
Louis was born on October 16, 1847 in Lewis County Missouri.
He passed away on February 18, 1937 in Canton, Missouri.
Louis married Mary Ann VENOY.

Louis and Mary had 11 children.
Japlin G. DADE, Mary Bell DADE, Margaret "Maggie" DADE, Noah Den DADE,
Dina DADE, Isaac DADE, Pearl DADE, George DADE, Goldie Golden DADE,
Money Mone DADE and John Wesley DADE
 


1836 - 1921

Mary Ann married George MADISON on July 22, 1865.
On their marriage record they listed 2 children prior to the marriage.
Sarah Jane MADISON abt 5 and William Henry MADISON about 2.

George and Mary Ann's other children...
Margaret MADISON,  Sarlida MADISON, Elizabeth MADISON,
and An Unknown MADISON


Hope you see some connections.
Or perhaps add to the list.

Thanks!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Lelia Laura Lankford Thompson

Who was the little girl in this picture?
Lelia Laura Lankford
Lelia was born about 1915 in Missouri.
She was the daughter of Meta M. Hughes.
She was believed to have been the daughter of Charles Edward Lankford.
Below what was on the back of this photo.

 Uncle Jim was James Lankford "Sallie" was "Jim's" wife Sarah Lankford.
According to the 1920 census Charles was listed as married.
There was no listing of his wife.
I haven't located when Charles and Meta were married.

Charles Edward LANKFORD
Charles was born on Jan 4, 1890
Charles worked as a Laborer, did odd Jobs, House Cleaning, and a Teamster.
When or where Charles died is unknown
Perhaps in New York.
Charles was the son of Robert Louis and Charlotta (Dade) Lankford.

I haven't located where Meta M. Hughes Lankford in the 1920 census.
Meta was born on Dec 2, 1896 in Hiawatha Kansas.
And passed away on April 24, 1931 in Kansas City Missouri.

On Meta's death record she was listed as divorced.
Her surname was Meta BEARD.
She was the daughter of John and Laura (Bools) Hughes.
I've located the marriage record of Meta Lankford to a Hanceford Beard.
This explains her death record.

I think I've located a Lelia in Leavenworth Kansas in 1925.
She was about 11 years old.
She was listed with church people in a Holy Epiphany 7th pott.
It appears to be a  school.
The head of the school was Hilda Russell, a  54 year old nun.

Lelia was the wife of Carl L. Thompson.
They were married on July 5 or July 6, 1930
in Kansas City, Jackson County Missouri.
Their were two records of marriage.
Lelia's mother Meta gave consent to the marriage.
Lelia was 16 years old.

Lelia was believe to have off springs.
There is little information what happened to Lelia.
Perhaps some one on Lelia's lineage can make a connection.
If you see any connection, feel free to make a comment.
Thank you.

Thanks for reading.
Susan

Thursday, December 1, 2011

A Part Of The Family

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.P. Dec 7, 1991 - Dec 2, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is an update on A.P., My sister's almost 15 year old dog. I got the word that A.P. had to be put to sleep this morning.

He had been suffering with arthritis with his back legs. The doctor thought that A.P. could have had a stroke or had a tumor. It was best to put him to sleep. A.P. was a outside dog. He was not able to get around.

What I can tell you about A.P. He was part shepherd and Lab. He lived a HAPPY life. He lived across the street from us. A.P. was born on Dec 7, 1991. [A.P. was the football player's dog.... Double D's.]

His Ma was taking care of A.P... Double D was the one that gave A.P. this name. A.P. does not stand for Associated Press.

A.P. was named after a basketball player in MO, who later made it to the NBA. Some how back in '91 this Anthony was big time then. Some how the letters A.P. came to be this dog's name.

A.P. grew up with four "cousin" dogs, "Luke", "Duke", "Messy Marvin", and "Little Bit". "M. Marvin" looked just like A.P. They got along pretty good together.

You could have thought that "M. Marvin" was his daddy. A.P." cousin dogs" taught him well throughout out his young dog life. One by one A.P. cousins dogs died. A.P. was left alone.

A.P. did not get along with other dogs. He would always get into fights. When a new dog came to keep A.P. company, A.P. would not like them. There was one dog A.P. liked. She was the "neighbor dog".

I called her "Rover". She would come over to A.P. place and they would play. Her real name was "Gigett." Gigett would climb the fence to get in. Then there were days that I did not see "Gigett".

I asked my neighbor were she was..."Gigett had to be put to sleep. She was 15. That was about 6 or 7 years ago.

Then A.P. did not have any "dog friends". So my sister got another dog to keep A.P. company. A.P. did not like this dog.

This dog did not stay long. His name was "Coco". He liked going around the neighborhood to kill cats and bring them home to show what he did... My sister got rid of that dog. "Coco" was a bird dog. Black Lab.

So A.P. was all alone again. Not to long after "Coco" left. A.P. started to break loose. At one time it was just for a short while... he came back. The second time A.P. was gone for about a week.

We look for him but could not find him. Until one day he came up the street. I had a talk with A.P. He did not listen to me.

The third time A.P. broke loose he was gone for about two weeks. Two of my brothers were out working and A.P. recognized truck and came running after them. A.P. was happy to see them and happy to be home.

I had another long talk with A.P. Yeah, that was the last time he broke loose. Then one day summertime July 2002, a dog came in the neighborhood.

A.P. liked this dog. A.P. let this dog sleep in his house, drink his water and eat his food. A.P. was in love. Yeah, this dog was a female.

The female dog was later named "Babe". There was one thing that A.P. would not let "Babe" have....his biscuits. A.P. loved his biscuits.

Four months later A.P. became a "father" dog.[ Note: I think it takes about 63 days for a dog to have puppies.] There were 8 dogs in all.

Two died within the day of the birth. The other six were 5 boys and 1 girl. Yeah, A.P. helped raised his family. I heard that when it was time to get fed, A.P. made sure that all the other dogs had food first before he would eat.

A.P. would not eat until he knew that all had food when they were puppies. A.P. would bark if it was time to eat. He look after his family. He always wanted his biscuits. He had to have two.

On March 8, 2006 the "Mama dog""Babe" had to be put to sleep. A.P. was left with three "sons dogs and a step son dog". He lived out his happy life.

A.P.'s grand daughter.... "Sugar Bear". She looks like her grandpa, A.P.

A.P. had trouble walking. It got worst. The only thing that A.P. had trouble with was his walking. I heard that he eat well during his last days. I knew that he missed his biscuits.

A.P. left me with memories... I saw A.P. one day barking up in the air. I thought to myself, what is he barking at. I looked up and saw an air plane.

It appears that A.P. saw it too. A.P. was a smart dog. Yeah, we got one of A.P.'s off springs..... "Sister"[she's the black and white dog above.]

She was the only girl of the bunch. "Sister" had six puppies this year. We kept one of them. I named him "Sunny", he's the tan and white dog above. "Sunny" is as big as his mama.

I can see a little of A.P. in his off springs. In all A.P. was a GOOD DOG. I called him my "nephew dog". So "Sister" is my "great niece "dog. "Sunny" is my 2nd great "nephew "dog.

I share this story with you because I believe that animals are a part of the family. I learned a lot by my dogs and others dogs. They have a personalty too that brings joy into our lives.

God gives us gifts to enjoy. I enjoy my gifts of caring for "Sister", "Sunny" and "Spotty". They are a part of the family. A.P. was too.

Thanks for reading.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Photos Of Unknown Relatives: Part 4

Here are some adults. Photos that I found in Leo and Mary (Allen) Lankford's home in St. Joseph, Missouri. Only if we could imagine who this people could have been. I believe that they were apart of our Family History. Or perhaps friends in the family.


A Young Man And Woman
Appears To Be A  Couple
They were well dressed.
Perhaps In The 1920's - 1940's


A Man With A Dog


A Woman Wearing A Weather Hat And Long Coat
The Photo Was Taken In St. Joseph, Missouri.


Perhaps Three Generations
1930's - 1940's

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

This was one of our Family Feast back in 1984.
We always had left overs.
 Hope you have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!
May God Bless us as we enter into Holiday Season.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Project: The Julia White Connectons ~ Reflections

I've been thinking about my Project: The Julia White Connections. I have compiled the list of some of Julia's children. and the ones who had children. The ones with children included; Isaac Blakey, Spencer White, John White, Mattie White and Richard White.

Julia had at least 12 or 13 children. I'm lead to believe that one of Julia's children was born in Virginia. I believe at least three of Julia's children either The Unknown Child born in VA, Linda, Lydia, Martha, and Joshua had a child or children.

I've been re reading some of my old letters from cousins. One cousin said that one of Julia's daughter had a son. That son had children that lived in Forest Green, Missouri. Julia's daughter could have been Linda or Lydia.
According to one cousin, one of Julia's daughter passed away before 1904 in Forest Green, MO. As for Martha, I still don't know if she was Mattie, both were widows.  I believe that Martha had children.

There are many questions that remind about Julia's grandchildren. Julia had a grandson named Andrew White. He was born in Missouri about 1878. Who was Andrew's Missouri parents?

I believe that there was an Unknown Child born in Virginia who had a daughter named Rebeca White. I'm not for sure if Rebeca's maiden name was White. I have come across a Becky that had the surname of White.

Perhaps this was Rebeca. Becky and Rebeca were born about 1870 in Missouri. Becky was married. I only found Rebeca on the 1880 census. She was listed as mulatto and the Granddaughter of Julia White.

I've been searching for Joshua White and his off springs. I had confirmation from letters of two cousins stating that Joshua had three daughters and one son. That son's name was John BLAKE. John was raised by a large family with the BLAKE surname.

I think, I've come across that John with his mother. John was married. One census stated that John was divorce. I came across a John Blake's death record. He could have been the Joshua's son John. I'm not 100 % sure.

This John Blake was a barber. He was about 50 years old at the time of his passing. John was listed as a widow. His mother was Mary Blake. His father was listed as what appeared start with a J. Looks like Jones or James Blake. Not for sure.

The name doesn't appear to be Louis. But in a way it could be. However there was no indication that any of the letters was an I. There wasn't a dot, if it was an i.

I think that John Blake was counted twice on the 1930 census. John was listed with his father, Louis. And other place. I've check who the informant was on John's death record. The person was a Neltli or Nellie Black.

I check for Nellie Black's death record. Nellie was the daughter of Louis and Mary Ann Johnson Blake. Nellie lived in Salisbury, MO. That was what connected John's death record.

I need to write another blog on what I come up with on John Blake. I went back over the census records for John Blake. I'm still checking into the 1930 census. John was listed as the father of two sons. I've been looking into that. I'm not for sure if that was correct.

I'm assuming who Rebeca White could have been. I think I've come across some information. I'm not for sure. But I plan to blog an update on Rebeca.

Also I plan to post some blogs on Mattie White's children. Who they were. I think there's more information. Thanks to some searchers who have help me... I've  saw some things that  connected.

I'm still on the trail of The Julia White Connections. I believe that there are people searching for this lineage. The White surname is hard to trace. But with persistence, things can be narrowed down. The names, dates and places are a great help.

Thanks for reading.

Project: The Julia White Connection ~ Reflections
I hope to come across more information in the future.
I hope others see some connections.
Thank you.
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Friday, November 11, 2011

Military Honor: Veterans Not Forgotten

On this Veterans Day,
I want to honor those who are veterans and those served in U.S.military.
Thank you!
Have A Blessed Day!

May God continue to Bless America,
the land that I love.
Stand be side her and guide her...
I am thankful for the service men and women
who put their lives on the line to fight for our country.
May God protect all the service members of the military branches near and aboard.
May God bless their families and comfort them.
I have listed some of some of my relatives that served in United States' military.
Isaac Blakey
Civil War
1845 -1917
Private Isaac Blaker
Isaac serviced in the Civil War Nov 1, 1863 to May 13, 1866.
He was  Private Isaac Blaker on Mississippi Union side.
He jointed when he was about 14 or 15 years old.
Isaac was my Great Grandpa. He was said to have ran away to join the army.
Isaac was born into slavery in Missouri. 
There is a plaque in honor of my Great Grandpa service during the Civil War.
I discovered that there was a plaque with his name on it last year.
The name on the plaque reads Isaac Blaker.


Ezekiel W. Nickerson
World War I (Private in Colorado)
Ezekiel married Isabella Lankford
Isabella who was the daugther of Robert and Charlotta Lankford.
Leo Lankford Jr. U.S. World War II (Private)
He was wounded in the war later died.
Leo was my mother's brother.
 Children of Leo and Mary (Allen) Lankford.)

Robert Lewis Lankfard
----U.S. World War II
Robert was my mother's brother
Children of Leo and Mary (Allen) Lankford.)
James J. Weston Jr.
---
U.S. Army World War II
James was the husband of Betty Lankford.
Betty, my mother's sister.
Children of Leo and Mary (Allen) Lankford

Eugene Richardson
---U.S. Army World War II
Eugene was married to my Aunt Mary J. Blakley.

Faris C. Lyle ---
U.S. Army World War II
Faris was my father's brother.
Frederick W. Lankford,
He drown overseas in 1952: Korean War
Frederick was my mother's brother.

Children of Leo and Mary (Allen) Lankford.)

 Daniel E. Blakley -
--U.S. Vietnam
My brother
Steven E. Allen
---Air Force Vietnam
My brother in law
 Laura A. Blakley
-- Air Force
My sister in law

I have many cousins who have served and are serving in the military.

Here are some relatives who have served  in the military and have passed on.
Their memorials that I have  found or set up on Find A Grave;
Click on LIST.|

O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in peasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.
NKJV Psalm 16:5-6
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.
NKJV Proverbs 11:30

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Julia White Connection: Isaac Blakey a.k.a. Private Isaac Blaker


Isaac Blakey
1845 - 1917
a.k.a Private Isaac Blaker
Served on in the Mississipi Union Army
November 1, 1863 - May 16, 1866
Isaac Blakey was the son of Andrew and Julia White from Virgina.
The year of Isaac birth was not known.
Isaac was given his birthdate was June 30, 1847.
At times I've come across the year 1845.
It was then when he and his mother were sold.
They went south. Isaac somehow made the journey to freedom.
Isaac  enlisted into the Mississippi Union Army on Nov  1 , 1863 in Natchez MS.
He was discharged on May 13, 1866.

The Isaac Blakey Connections:
Son Of Andrew and Julia White From Virginia
I've been compiling a list of people who were listed as Isaac Blakey's children.
I compiled the information from Isaac Blakey's pension records about 1890 - 1917
and the U. S. Census records 1880 - 1930.
I compared the children's birth years to their death records.
I've located 10 of Isaac's childrens' death records.
Also I've come across some of Isaac's children's gravesites.

Here's what I've compiled over the years.
Isaac's 2 Wives and 20+ Children.

Martha Scott(1847 - 1871)
On one record Isaac was stated to have married in 1867.
Perhaps this was with 1st wife, Martha Scott.
Martha passed away on Hew Davis Plantation in Woodville, MS. 
Isaac was believed to have had 2 children by his first wife.

Rachel Ann Lew / Leftridge / Lephridge
( 1859 - 1916)

Isaac and Rachel married on July 3, 1873 in Wilkinson County, Mississippi.
Isaac surname was BLAKER. Rachel surname was LEW.They married at Charles Marshall's house by Rev. Edward Kane.

Isaac was said to have had 18 by his second wife
However through research, I've come up with a least 5 other children.
I put an * by the children that were said to have been Isaac's children

Here's what I've found: I've also listed some of the grandchildren of Isaac Blakey.
The ones I've come across on my search.

Isaac's Twin Sons By Martha
  1.) John (Blakey) Blakley (1871  -1918)
John married Jennie Bartlett
( 1883 - 1926)
       John's and Jennie's children some had Blakey surnames on birth and or death records.
Stillborn female Blakey, Edna, John, Isaac, Paul, daughter: Cecil Blakey , Juanita, Blakey, Mary, Olbery Pierson, David, Hazel, and Baby Boy Unnamed Blakley.


  2.)  Andrew Blakey( 1871 - 1871)
Andrew was the twin of John
Andrew died as an infant.

Isaac's 18+ Children By Rachel  


1.)  Mary Blakey White
MS Born about 1874

         Mary White married (Rev) Ollie Green.
Mary's father Isaac White gave content for Mary to get married.
According to the 1900 census record, they had a child.
Unnamed Green

    *Andrew Blakey         
MO/ MS Born about 1874
Andrew listed on 1880
Andrew was listed as grandson to Julia White.
Andrew's mother was listed as Rachel.
Andrew was born about 1878 in MO.
The other Andrew was born in MS 1871.
   2.)  Charity Blaker
Born about 1875
Charity's name was on Isaac's pension record
Charity may have been named after Rachael's mother.
Charity passed away before 1880.
She was not listed on the census.

   3. ) Isaac Blakey
  MS Born about 1877 - Died Yankton, SD 1971
Isaac married Maggie Williams (1874 - 1860)

Isaac's and Maggie's Children
John Henry, Hunster, Kathryn, Rachel, Fred, Paul, Daniel, Annie, Isaac Ranson, Jane, Carrie, James, Alyce, Zackrious "Buddy" and Eliza

   4.) Jordan  Blakey
   MS Born about 1878 - Died Michigan 1964

Jordan was married to Lizzie ? (1882 - 1915)
Jordan and Lizzie were married about 1906.

Jordan was a widow when he married Flora Elizabeth Lawrence
(1894 -1954)
Flora was a widow.
I don't know if Jordan had off springs.

I came across a Flora with children.
Verna M. Blakey (1913- 1983)
Clarence Ollie Blakey(1919 - 1988)

   5.) Julia Blaker
MS Born about 1878 Jordan's twin
Julia was listed on Isaac's pension record
Julia most likely was named after Isaac's mother.
Julia's surname was listed as White on the 1880 census.

           6.) Frances  Blaker
   Born about 1879/80
Frances was listed on Isaac's pension record
Frances not listed on any census.

  7) Henry Blakey

 
MO Born 1883- Died In Yankton, SD 1967

Henry eloped with Mary Elizabeth Fristoe (1889-1957)
They were married on Oct 16, 1905


Henry and Mary's children
3 UnKnown Infants Blakeys,
Annie, Henry, Arthur, Pearline, Floyd, Nathanial, Mable, Irene, Theodore "Ted"

       *Isaiah  Blaker
    Isaiah was listed on Isaac's pension record.
Born about 1884   
Isaiah listed on pension record
Isaiah not listed on any census.
Wonder if Isaiah could have been Beecher's middle name?


                  *Turner  Blakey                     
Born about 1884
Turner listed on 1900 census record
Turner could have been Spencer.
See Child # 9

  8.)  Beecher "Doc"   Blakey
    
  MO Born about 1885 - Died in Yankton, SD
Not much know about Beecher.
He was listed only on the 1900 Census.

 9.)  Spencer  Blakey
  MO Born 1887 - Died 1967 in Yankton SD.
Spencer Tunner/ Tunrner Blakey
Spencer married Lucinda Mary "Lovie" Kinney (1893- 1985)

Spencer and Mary's children.
George, Lucil, Virgil, Leroy and Spencer Jr.

 10.)  Lillie "Susie"  Blakey
  Born about 1888
"Susie" was listed on the 1900 census record.
She was believed to have been Lillie's nickname.

Lillie  married Edward "Ed" Hayes
Lillie's and Ed's daughters
Edna and Dorothy

                    * Kate Blakey                      
Born about 1889
Kate listed on the 1900 census record

Maggie Blakey MO Born 1891
Maggie could have been Martha.
Source 1900 Census Record
 11.)  Martha "Mot" Blakey
MO Born about 1890 - Died in SD 1918
Martha married Ernest "Jap" Hayes

Martha died for the flu epidemic
Martha's and Jap's children
Bobby, Dorothy, Earldean, Ernest, Georgie, Levi "Boe" and Arthur


                              12.) Joe Blaker      
Born about 1891
Joe listed on pension records
Joe not listed on census records

                           13.)  Rosa  Blaker                          
Born about 1892
 Rosa listed on pension records
Rosa not listed on census records.

14.) Ollie "Deke" Blakey
MO Born 1895 - Died 1972 in CA

Ollie married Margaret Cason (1896- 1972)
Ollie and Margaret had no children.
They helped raised Martha's children.
Ollie was the guardian to his brother Archie when their father passed away in 1917.

 15.) Edna Mae "Edner" Blakey
      MO Born about 1893/ 1896 Died 1952 CA

Edna married Dadney "Dad"  Jackson
They later divorced.

Edna married Richard T. "Dick" Bentley (1893 - 1976)
Richard and Edna married on March 13, 1926 in Lyman, South Dakota.

Edna's and Dad's children
Edward, Emerson, and Archie

                            16.) Lawhorn "Doc" Blakey                      
MO Born about 1897/ 1899 - Died 1977 in CA
SSC# States born in 1900 and WWI Record 1899.
Lawhorn wasn't listed on the 1900 census.

Lawhorn was married to Roberta ?
Lawhorn was married to Mettie Holliday. Lawhorn married Mettie with the surname of Blakley.
Date of marriage: June 6, 1924 in Yankton, South Dakota.

                                *David Blakey 
        Born about 1897
David listed on 1900 census records
David could have been a nickname or middle name.

  17.) Annie Rebecca Blaker
Annie was listed on Isaac's pension record
Annie was born about 1899/1900.
Annie was not listed on any census records.

  18.) Archie T. Blakey(MO Born 1904 - Died 1943 in CA)
Archie could have been married.
I came across a Flora listed with him in CA.

Archie and Flora may have had children.
Since Lawhorn was married to a Flora also...may have been Archie's wife not Lawhorn.
Can't tell which brother was married to Flora. Or if there were two Floras.

Six of Rachel's children died before 1900.Charity, Julia, Frances, Joe, Rosa and Annie



This is what I came across in my research so far.
I have some of Isaac's grand children's and their off springs.
I know that there are many names that are left out.

Hope this was helpful to the descendants of Isaac Blakey
A.K.A Isaac White
and
Private Isaac Blaker

Isaac Blakey
1845 - 1917
a.k.a Private Isaac Blaker
Served on in the Mississipi Union Army
November 1, 1863 - May 16, 1866
Perhaps some of Isaac descendants can add more to the linage.
May you pass the info on down the line for the next generatons.

Thanks for reading. 
 Project: The Julia White Connections
 

Monday, October 31, 2011

Reflecting On My Journey To Yankton, South Dakota Part 3

Family History----The Road To Yankton Continues
This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we shall rejoice and be glad in it. The Amplified Bible
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Entry: September 6, 1985...The Road To Yankton Continues...
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We were in Yankton, however we could not find the house were Mary Jane lived. We rode around town looking for the Post Office Box -- Routine --. We couldn't find it. Finally we stopped a young a man on the streets and asked him were the Lightners lived. He did not know who we were talking about at first.


I said the Blakeys. Mary Jane was a Blakey. This man told us that a Blakey had died several days ago. He thought that we were here for the funeral. He knew were Ted Blakey lived, but not Mary Jane.

We drove back to the direction were we came. We stop someone else. This time they knew what we were talking about. This man pointed us in the right way. It was near the edge of town where we came from to enter Yankton. We drove there I never dreamt it would be like it was.

We drove up in front of trailer houses about three of them. I looked around trying to seek out which trailer house Mary lived in. After the car stopped every one got out slowly. I was amazed that we got there [in] an hour.
The drive was uncomfortable. I stretched my legs. We walked up to the nearest tailer house. It was by coincidence, it was the right place. Mary Jane greeted us as if she knew us for a long time.
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Entry date September 7, 1985
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Before Mary invited us to set down she introduced herself and the others in the room. She presented us to her sister, Dorothy, cousins and her son, Jim Jr. We all set down and got acquainted. Mary Jane knew who my sister, Mary and myself were because I sent Mary Jane pictures... weeks before our arrival.

I did not dream that Mary Jane would look like she did. She was about 5' 5". Here hair was jet black which was pulled up in the back. Her skin complexion was fair; light complexion, yellowish brown skin. She looked like she was about thirty five. She was over 40. Mary's sister had dark complexion. She had jet black hair also. However both Mary and her sister, Dorothy had high cheekbones and round faces.

[Cousin] Mary's house was pleasant. It looked like a comfortable environment even though it was a trailer home. There were pictures on the wall. She showed me who every body was, but I didn't recall who was who. The family room was at the front of the trailer. There was more pictures on the wall.

The room next to the family room was the kitchen. It was small, but not too big. The entertainment room was near the kitchen. All the rooms were in one room from each other. The bed rooms were behind the other rooms in the back which I did not get to see.
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I will stop here. This was the very first time I have been in a trailer home. I never know how it looked on the inside. I was overwhelmed by all that I saw and went through just to get where I was at that moment in my life.

I thought to described my cousins' outward appearances. I wanted to give you a flavor of the different "shades of color". I know that we tend to look at the outward appearance of people. God's beauty is in ALL people no matter the race.

As I look back over this journey oh, how I wish I had a camera and a taper recorder for these "historic" meetings. I did not know how much "richness" was in our family history during this point in my life until I started this reflection of my family history quest.

Great Aunt Mary was the oldest member of the Blakey generation at that time. She had information stored up in her that she shared with her off springs. I hope that they treasure what she told them. So they came pass it on to their generation.

Great Aunt Mary passed away in 1985. This was about a month before our family reunion in Yankton. She was about 93.
Mary Jane (Blakey) Lightner passed away in 2003.
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What am I thankful for ? I thank God for the covenant blessing of HELP. I thank God for the covenant blessing of WISDOM and PROTECTION. I am grateful that God has His hand on my life.

I ask God for His WISDOM that He is flowing into my life. I thank God for His PROTECTION for my life and my family's lives. I thank God for watching over us.... God is a GOOD GOD!
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That ever day you are reading this entry... Have A Wonderful Day! God Bless you.
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New Day Dawning!
The family history quest continues.
~ Susie ~
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"We tend to worry most over things we have least control over." Archibald D. Hart

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Reflecting On The Journey To Yankton, South Dakota ~ Part 2

Part One 


October  1981 , On the Road to Yankton, SD
The Journey Begins---The Road To Yankton

"This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it".
The New King James Version
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But still I rejoiced because the LORD made this day.... 
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This posting is the continuation from yesterday blog

Entry September 1, 1985.
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It was about two days before we plan our trip to Yankton, [S.D.] however there was another problem [My] Mother did not want me to go. I was about 18 at that time. My mother felt that I should not go.

I wanted badly to go. Somehow my sister [Mary] talked our mother into letting me go. My mother told me she did not trust the driving on the highway. I did get to go. I was excited.

It was the day before Halloween [Eve of Reformation Day]. We, my sister, Mary and her boyfriend [Roger] started on our journey to Yankton, South Dakota. Again there was another problem, however we solved it a day ahead of time. My sister's boyfriend's car was still in the shop. My sister had to take her car instead.

After we packed our bags into my sister's car [we were about ready to go.] It was about 2:30 PM. We were on our way. I have never been far out of Missouri. Yankton was about roughly a 5 hour drive. I was use to three or less.

As we left St. Joseph, Missouri, I began imaging what I might encounter ? I enjoyed watching the landscape as we pass town to town. It began to get boring about an hour and half after we left. I decided to put my seat belt on and go to sleep.

However I did not sleep long. My sister's boyfriend drove fast..... I courageously stayed up the rest of the way. I began observing the scenery once more. The land began to have higher hills than in St. Joseph.

I will write a little of what the next few entries were about: September 2 - 3, 1985...

I wrote down what I saw in description on the Road to Sioux City, Iowa. And then while we made the stop at my sister's boyfriend's sister's house, we met the sister in law of the cousin that we were going to met in Yankton.

I will pick up with the entry on September 4, 1985.

We arrived at [my sister's boyfriend's sister,] Terri's house about 7 o'clock. We all got unpacked. We had an opportunity to met one of our cousin's sister in law. She was half Indian....

[Yeah,] We met a sister in law of the person who we were going to met. She was very fair skinned and had jet black hair. She was half Indian. I was wondering if Mary Jane, our cousin would have the same quality skin as her sister in law.

The next morning, I woke [up] and was ready to go. It was Halloween Day. First we decided to let Al, Terri's husband drive us to Yankton. We didn't know the way. It was about 10:30 AM or 11 o'clock in the morning when we left for Yankton. We knew where we were heading but [we] did not know exactly how to get there.

Entry September 5, 1985...

After we, my sister Mary and her boyfriend, Roger, Roger's sister Terri and Terri's husband, Al and their daughter Tiffany [we] were set to go. Al drove. Roger was in the front with him. All the girls sat in the back. I was in the middle. Mary was on my left. Terri and Tiffany on the right.

The roads leading from Iowa to South Dakota were similar all the way. Farm houses were surrounded by tall trees. The land seemed flat compared to the small hills in the foreground. We entered South Dakota. The highway scenery to have more hills.
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I will stop here... Meanwhile I will recap a little bit about what I shared in last week's posting about my father's lineage. Our surname was changed at some points during one generation to the next. BLAKEY was one of our names.

My first contact was a cousin, Mary Jane who wanted us to come up to Yankton, S.D. so she could fill us in on the family history. Mary Jane told us we had a Great Aunt Mary, Mary Jane's Grandmother who wanted to met us. Mary Jane heard the story of the Blakeys from her Grandmother who helped raise her.
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What am I thankful for ? I am thankful for the covenant blessing of HELP that God has upon my life. I am grateful that God has given me the covenant blessing of LIFE . A life worth living.

I want to thank you, my viewers who are reading and or making comment(s) on my weblog. I truly appreciate that you take the time to visit my website. I also thank those who take the time to add more smiles into my days. God bless you.

What ever day that you read this entry. Have A Great Day!
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It's the Dawning Of A NEW DAY!
The Road To Yankton continues on the next posting.
~ Susie ~
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"Sincere regret for wrong never weakens, but always strengthens the heart."
Matthew Henry

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Reflecting On The Journey To Yankton South Dakota: October 1981 ~ Part 1

My Family History Quest Continues--With Contacts

This posting is a re post from one of my other blog site.

Now, I will share a little bit on the quest on my Father's lineage. It a whole "new ball" game to explain. Through it all I have gain more information on my Father's side through continual searching and clue from cousins...
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This is from my English assignment class while I was in college.
This was my last entry for August 31, 1985 --- Family History: My First Contact.
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It was sometime in September of 1981 when my frustration was released... I found some prove of evidence on who my Grandfather was [on my Father's side]. My sister was in Sioux City, Iowa visiting a friend. While she was there her friend said that she knew of the Blakeys that were related to us.

My sister, Mary called this woman. Mary talked to her on the telephone. Mary wrote our, cousin's address down on a piece of paper. After her, [my sister's] trip, she would tell me about this cousin.

Mary told me, [that] she talked to Mary Jane [our cousin] on the telephone. She is the cousin that remains [my sister] Mary of our Aunt Mary, our Father's sister. According to my sister, Mary's friend, this cousin was half [American] Indian.

During this time I told my sister [Mary] if one can prove that they were at least 1/4 Indian they could go to college free. [ I haven't heard of such a thing.] She, my sister Mary told me to write this lady and try to find out more about our Grandfather John...[ our Father's Father.]

At this time I was hopeless and did not know what it do. So I decided to write this lady. I explained to her what I wanted to know. It took about two pages front and back. The letter was all [hand]written and the rest is history.
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The Letter---
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On September 30, 1981, I received a letter from a woman named Mary Jane Lightner. She wrote a reply from my inquiry about my Grandpa John. Mary [Jane] told me that I had a Great Aunt Mary who was 89...[ this Mary was Mary Jane's Grandmother".] Great Aunt Mary told her, about my Grandpa John when he was in Yankton, South Dakota. [Great Aunt Mary was my Grandpa John's sister in law.]

[Cousin] Mary Jane explained to me that her Grandpa Spencer Blakey help out my Grandpa John. She also mentioned that she was half Cherokee and Sioux Indian. She wanted to help me find out who my Grandpa was. She wanted me to come up one weekend, so she could fill me in on the family history.

At first I was overwhelmed. I found someone who knew something about my Grandpa. I showed this letter to my sister, Mary. She was excited. She wanted to go to Yankton. All we had to do was to plan when we were going... We decided to go two weeks from Saturday, a week before Halloween...[That's Reformation Day]
Some how our plans didn't work out. We had to cancel out. We had car trouble. My sister's boyfriend's car was not working properly. We changed our plans till the following Saturday.[ Reformation Day]

I will stop at this point. The next entry:
September 1, 1985-- "The Journey Begins".

Let me fill you in on some things. The confusion was on our family's surname. It was spelled BLAKEY. There were a lot of same name relatives. John, Isaac, MARY and so on... common names in our family. This would cause confusion if you did not know... who was who.

I found an article in 1977. It was titled Slavery Descendants To Have First Reunion. I found out that this reunion took place in Sioux City, Iowa in the early 1970's. As I did more research on the family tree, I found out more confusion.

Here's an example. I had always thought that our Great Grandfather was John BLAKEY. This was not the case. When we made our trip to Yankton, S.D., our family history quest took a turn with more surprises.

I will share more in future postings. Part 2
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It's The Dawning Of A New Day!
Susie~

Friday, October 28, 2011

Reflecting On The Journey To Yankton South Dakota: Introduction

It was 30 years ago on October 30, 1981, when I began the journey to Yankton, South Dakota. Then, I was trying to find out more about my father's father's family.
I didn't know much then.

Now, nearing my 30th year from that journey, I know a lot more than I could ever imagine. I've been journaling on some of the things I've discovered over the past 30+ years. I don't want what I've discovered to be lost.
 That was one of the reasons why I began this site.

I'm thankful that God has placed people in the pathways of those who are searching for their ancestors. Indeed, I have had some come along  my journey's quest to help me. I'm very thankful that they did. That inspired me to continue on my search.

Thanks for reading.
My Journey Quest Continues,
Susan

Photo was taken on my 2nd journey to Yankton in July 1985.
We were attending the Blakey White Blakley Family Reunion.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Photos Of UnKnown And Known Relatives

Unknown Couple


Two Unknown Little Girls


One of Left Perhaps a Lankford

Two Unknown Children

The One Standing Appears To Be A Blakley
Update on this photo: October 26, 2011.

Standing: Isaac "Ike" and Anna "Annie" (Lankford) Blakley
The other couple: Robert Lewis (Sr) and  Irene (Blakey) Lankfard.
Thanks to cousin, Robert Lewis Lankfard Jr. for sharing who was in this photo.
Robert Jr. is the son of Robert and Irene. 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Julia White Connections: Richard White

Richard "Dick" White was the youngest child of Julia White
According to Richard "Dick" White's death record,
Richard was born on September 15, 1855 in Charition County Missouri.
He passed away on July 19, 1946
Richard's parents were unknown on the death record.
Julia White was believed to have been his mother.

Richard married his first wife, Jane Ferguson (1873 - 1919)
Jane was the daughter of Tom/ Thomas and Renie/ Rena (Nickels) Ferguson


Jane and Richard were married on May 5, 1889.
Jane was 16 or 18 years old when she was married.
Her father Thomas gave consent of the marriage.

Richard and Jane White had 13 children

1.) Alberta White Morris
(abt 1893 - 1944)
Alberta married Alex Morris.Alberta had about 8 children
Laura B., William, Thomas, Daisy, Margaret, Samuel, Robert, and Daniel

2.) Odell White Craig
(
1894 - 1943)
Odell married Oscar Craig. They had 6 children carried the Craig surname.
Alma, Frances, George, Delphine, Lorenza and Clarissa.

Odell was married to Henry Rucker.
Odell had a son named Clarence Ewing

3.) Moses White
(
1895 - 1989)
Moses was married to Beatrice ?
Moses married Etta Mae Guy
Moses' Children carried the White surname.
Anna Mae, F. Jonathan, Henry T., Joanna, Levi Lee, Thomas Alphonso, and Janie Lee

4.) Tony White
(
1896 - 1975)
Tony was married to Clora ?
Tony was married to Georgia ?

Tony's Children with carried surname White
Christina, Elizabeth Toni, Leanna Pauline, Frances, Sylvester,
Betty Ellen, James Thomas, John, Marshall, Mary Jo, Melvin, William "Billy" Joe and Theodore E.

5.) Thomas Alphonsy / Tommie White
(
1898 - 1989)

Rev Thomas married Mary Lee Tooley
Rev Thomas married Cleavie Hill

Rev Thomas' children by Mary. The children carried the White surname
Maizel / Haizel, Ollie, Lucile Lee, Ruby, Chester Field, and Radell R./ Raydell

6.) Rennie Pearl/ Rena White
  (
1900 - 1945)

Rena married Edward/ Ed Houston
Rena and Edward's children carried the Houston surname.
Tony Willard, Mattie A., Edith M. and Kenneth

7.) Eugene White
(
1901 - 1988)

Eugene married Corine / Corean J. Jones
Their children carring the White surame
Acenia, Donald, Enda, Evelyn, Joseph, Levi E., Mary Kathryn,
Matthew Lee, Nicklos, Ella M. and Eugene

8.) Lonnerll/ Leonell White
(
1903 - 1937)
9.) Willie Mattie White
(
1904 - 1994)

Willie married Ledrew Terrill(1895 - 1946)|
Willie marred Harold Leroy Winfrey
(1900 - 1975)

Willie's Children
Richard Lee, Thomas Lionel, and William Leslie Terrill
Bernice Voeloia Winfrey or Terrill

10.) Hattie White
(
1906 - 1986)

Hattie was married to James Jackson
Their children William L. and Arthur Jackson

11.) Jane White
(1909 - 1982)
Jane married Otis Hayes
They had a son named, Otis Jane Hayes.

12.) Richard White
(
Born about 1912 - Died about 1960)
Richard was believed to have had a son

13.) Hester White
(
Born about 1915)

Richard "Dick" remarried in Mrs. Mary B. Stapleton
Mary was born Mary Belle Brooks (1860 - 1951)

Mary's children by her first husband David StapletonScott Brooks, Stell, Hellen / Helen Stapleton.

One Final Note:
Richard wasn't listed with his mother and siblings on the 1880 in Chariton County Census. I did located a Richard White about 12 years old as a hired hand to a Daniel White.

I believe this Richard was the same one. Daniel White was the brother of Frances White Blakey. Frances Blakey was the slave owner of Julia White. During slavery Frances may have sold Richard to Daniel. Richard may have stayed on with Daniel White as a hired hand.

Richard was listed on the 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930 censuses. The 1870 I've found to Richard White's don't know which one was the son of Julia White. 

I hope descendants of Richard "Dick" White discover this information.
Or Perhaps someone can add more information.

Thanks for reading.The Julia White Connections: Richard White
Staying On The Family History Journey,
Susan

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Being Born Last In My Family

I have been pondering about my up bringing. I cannot recall when I was told how many brothers and sisters I had. I just recall that we had a house full.

There were times in my life, friends would ask me, How does it feel being born the last in my family? I have heard "the old saying" of the world that the first and the last child was born by accident. Those children were most likely not planned.

As I have an a Christian, I don't see the as the truth. By no means any child is born by accident. God has a purpose for all children born in which ever way they come into this world; Those births by married women and singled women.

All births are in God's plan. God knew about my birth long before my parents were conceived. Even so, God knew how many children my parents would have. My parents only wanted 2 boys and 2 girls

My parents David and Lula with their 18 on the Last Day of 1976
I'm sitting on the floor on the right.

I remember my Mother talking to someone about her children. She said that her doctor told her the she was a "breeder". And that she could have had as many children as she wanted. My parents love children.

My Mother and my father decided to have more child after the birth of my brother who is 16 months older than me. Yes, I was my parents' last bundle of joy. When I was born, I became blessed. Here is a photo of my parents.
My mother was almost 43. My Father was about 49 1/2. They were Grandparents as well. They did not have a name for me. My mother said that my father came into the hospital room and said let's call her Susan.

I was a daddy's girl. Yes, I was spoiled. I was my parents' 4th daughter. The oldest girl died about 30 days old. My parents had only 15 sons.

There are some advantages of being the youngest. I don't recall my parents ever spanking me. There voices were good enough for me to stay out of trouble.

There was always someone to play games with and help me out with my homework. When I was in school some of the teachers already knew who I was. Some taught some of my siblings. Us kids looked some what alike.

There were some of my siblings who were teaching in the Public Schools. When I was in Middle School and High School, I had a sibling teacher there where I attended. I saw that as an advantage. None of my siblings were my teachers.

Then there were questions...Here is one. How did you eat? My reply. When it came time to eat we ate. We had a lot of food to eat too.

On My Journey Of Transformation
There are times when I am out and about, there would be people who knows my last name just by looking at me. I never met most of this people I come across. I wondered how they knew my name.

I ask some of the people...How did they know my last name? They say that they can tell the resembles from some of my siblings. It is our eyes, the people say.

People continue to ask me which one are you? Some things I would say my name. Then there are times when I say "I am the baby or I am the last one".

Would it be something if people could look a Christians and see some characteristic of God and know who Christian are. Being known by our Father's image. Reflecting from the light that is of God.

May your light of God shine for into the world around you. May your spirit that is of God be seen in others in your world. May God bless you on your journey of life.

While On The Journey,
Being Born Last In The Family

Thanks for reading.
Blessings to all,
Susan

From my Book of Thanks and Blessings
Heavenly Father, I thank You that I am one of Your beloved daughters. I thank You that I was born for a purpose. I thank You that You birth me into a godly family.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Another Look At The Lankford Surname

As I continue to search on my mother's side, her family surname has been spelled so many ways. Those spelling include: Langford, Langfurd, Lanford, Laukford, Landford, Lankferd, Sandford, Sankford, and Lankfard. There may have been others spellings.

Robert Louis Lankford (also known as Lewis Lankford) was my Great Grandpa. On his and Great Grandma Charlotta's tombstone their surname was spelled LANKFARD.  When I came across their tombstone in the 1990's, I thought that their surname was misspelled.

As I searched more on that Ashland Cemetery, I saw that there were others who with the LANKFARD spelling. My Grandparents Leo and Mary. Their tombstone was spelled LANKFARD. I can assume that that was the original name. Or that was a chosen surname that was taken after slavery.
Maybe the Lankford name may not have been the slave name. Story has it that the slave name might have been Morton. Great Grandpa Robert had a half sister, named Mamie Mortorn. 

Mamie was half black. She was said to have been the slave owner's daughter. Robert and Mamie had the same mother. On Robert's death record his parents were not known. Robert was born in KY.

I haven't found any leads on Mamie Morton. Mamie could have married in KY where she  was living. Recently, I've come across someone searching the Morton who the Lankfords worked for...I thought that was nice.

While I was looking over some records, I notice some things. Robert went by Lewis when he was married to Charlotta Dade in 1873. On the 1870 and 1880 census, his name was Lewis Langford. On the 1900, I had a hard time finding him. His name was R.S. or R. L. Sankford.

It wasn't until the 1910 that I came across Robert L. Lankford. In 1920 and 1920 his name was Robert Lankford. I wonder what happened. Was Robert going by his middle name at first? Or did he change his name?

It would be nice to have known more about my Great Grandpa Robert and his parents. I wonder if there were other siblings. I can only go back to Robert Louis LANKFORD. Perhaps that was the name that his choice.

So was his name spelled Robert Louis Lankford? Or Robert Lewis Lankfard? Either ways goes. As long as we know who was who or who's who on the family tree that matter. 

While On The Journey,
Another Look At The Lankford Surname

The Mystery Continues:
Perhaps the family surname could have been another name. Each person with the LANKFORD surname spelled the family name the way that they choose. I noticed how the LANKFORD surname was spelled and signed through the World War I and II Draft Records, Marriage Licences, Post Cards, Letters, City Directories, Census Records and Tombstones.

The Mystery Reminds:
Blessings,
Susan