Work #52Ancestors Week 36

 What did our ancestors and relative do for a living?

This is a good question and something to search out.

I was thinking about some of my relatives.
I came across many professions. Here’s a short list.
farmers, musicians, athletes, porters, stone masons, chefs, cosmetologists, barbers,
medical field, military service, truckers, mechanics, janitors, teamsters, contractors, haulers, and the list goes on.

I was thinking about my Great Uncle “Add” Lankfard.
He was the brother of my Grandfather, Leo.

Louis Adward Lankford was born on Jan 22, 1882 in Canton, Missouri. He was the son of Robert and Charlotta Dade Lankford / Lankfard. He was one of 11 children.

Louis worked many jobs in his lifetime. He was a laborer, porter, attendant at R.R. Station. Porter at an apartment house. And a supernatant at an apartment house. Some time during Louis’ upbringing he enjoyed playing baseball. .

Louis loved the game so well he made it a career. His name wasn’t Louis Lankford during that time. He went by Add Langford in the negro league. He was an outfielder, and as a pitcher, his nickname was “Smoke”.

Negro league baseball debut
1912, for the Baltimore Elite Giants
Last appearance
1920, for the Pennsylvania Red Caps of New York
Teams
St. Louis Giants (1912) Philadelphia Giants  (1913) Lincoln Stars  (1914) Lincoln Giants  (1915) Lincoln Stars (1916) Philadelphia Giants  (1917) Brooklyn Royal Giants (1917 )Pennsylvania Red Caps of New York  (1917–1918) Lincoln Giants (1918) Pennsylvania Red Caps of New York (1920)

via Wikipedia

In 1911, Louis “Add” Langford was a professional boxer.
That was his only professional fight.

Thanks for reading,
Work #52Ancestors Week 36
God bless
S.A. Blakley

Week 36: Work ~ Generations Café via facebook

Yesterday was Labor Day in the US, so what better time to explore how our ancestors earned a living? Feel free to post your links and stories in the comments.

Week 37 (Sept. 13-19): On the Farm