Since The Beginning Of The Journey: It Has Been Challenging

 It’s been about five decades since I began my family connections journey. My curiosity began to blossom during the Summer of 1976. I started asking my parents questions about their ancestors. I started a journal to record that they shared with me.

What Sparked My Family Connections Quest In My Early Years?
One of my siblings gave me some photos that were discovered in our Grandmother, Mary’s home. I read an article about “Slavery Descendants to Have First Reunion”. (On my father’s side) I watched the original mini series “Roots” on television. And by the early 1980’s, I was really into my family history and wanted to know more.

And Through Those Years And Beyond:
I began to seek, search and find other sources. I wrote letters to relatives, court houses, historical societies, The National Archives and etc. I explored old newspapers. I’m so glad that I did. I began to see some things that I didn’t realize. I thank God for the tool of old newspapers, publishers, publications and the reporter who reported the news.. News articles can set a tone that brings more into the lives our ancestors and relatives. New article adds to their journey.

What A Journey This Has Been Becoming!
There were so many “aha moments of surprises.” The joy of finding things that I didn’t even expect to find. It’s a great feeling. What a legacy to leave behind.




I’m amazed by how far I’ve come on my family history discoveries. I believe that it’s the striving to want to know more that drives me to keep searching. This couldn’t have come about without the leading of the Holy Spirit and other searchers who came along to help me. I wouldn’t be where I am now. Glory be to God.

The searching itself is a great challenge. It’s the gathering of what’s heard or read about; to find what looking for. It takes that want to know and to keep on with the search in order to makes the progress. It becomes an adventurous. I still believe that there’s more information out there waiting to be discovered. And I don’t know where to search, either. Still I’ll keep searching.

Milestone:
I posted this i a blog on October 30, 2020  ( 2024 is the 43th years on since that journey.)

I love discovering my family history. The more I come across leads, it encourages me to keep searching.  And this gives me a good feeling inside. It leaves me to think that I’m on the right track. Oh, the mystery!

It was 39 years ago, Friday, October 30, 1981, I took a journey to Sioux City Iowa with my sister, Mary and her boyfriend and future husband, Roger. We were heading to Yankton South Dakota on Saturday, October 31 to visit our Great Aunt L. Mary Blakey and some cousins. They were going to share some things about our family history.

Saturday, October 31, 1981 was the day I was told that Isaac Blakey was my Great Grandfather. I thought John Blakey was. Isaac fought in the Civil War. That blew my thinking.

As I reflect back over my 1981 journey, I’m thankful that we went. I’ve come along ways. I have reconnected with some of my Sioux City and South Dakota relatives on facebook and found more long lost relatives.

Then when I started connecting with some DNA relatives, the journey has become more and more interesting. I’ve been contacted by DNA cousins since October 24, 2014. There are many we’re trying to discover how we are related.

I have had some surprising on my journey to discover my family connection. I have a DNA match with my brother in law’s sister, Terri. We stayed at her house in 1981. What a small world we live in. Yes, my brother in law is my distant cousin. We don’t know who our common ancestors are.

My quest continues. I’m so thankful for all that I have stumbled across on my lineage. I’m still digging for my roots. And I’m discovering more lost relatives even to this day.

Thanks for reading.
Since The Beginning Of The Journey: It Has Been Challenging
Thank God for all who have encouraged me along the journey.

 #52Ancestors In Week 44

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Susan Ann Blakley

God bless you
S.A.Blakley


Week 44 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2024
The theme for Week 44 is “Challenging.” Some ancestors are easy to research. Others, not so much. Who has been challenging to research? Another way you could approach the prompt is an ancestor who challenged something in their life.    

Jennie Bartlett Lyles and Mary Anna Lankford: Friends

 My mother, Lula mentioned to me that her mother, Mary Anna Lankford and Jennie Blakley Lyles were friends. Later, I discovered that Mary and Jennie were neighbors. I could only imagine that their children grew up together and attended the same school.

I began to search the city directories to see where the early Blakleys / Lyles and Lankfords were living. around the 1900’s to the teen years. I noticed that they lived not to far from one another. I wondered, when could they have met?

As I searched the directories and located where the Blakleys and Lankfords were living in 1911. The Blakleys lived at 751 S 28th Street. The Lankfords were living at 2722 Mary Street. That’s about less than six houses a part from the next block. They could have met then.

Where did the early Blakleys and Lankfords come from?
Jennie Bartlett was born in Carrollton, Missouri in May of 1883 while her husband John Blakey Blakley was born in Woodville Mississippi on June 21, 1871 with his twin Andrew Blakey. Jennie was in St. Joseph, Missouri around 1902. And after Jennie married John, he came to St. Joseph from Carrollton, Missouri in 1902.

Mary Anna Allen was born in St. Joseph on December 21, 1889 while her husband Leo Lankford / Lankfard Sr. was born in Canton, Missouri on May 31,1884. Leo Sr. made his way to St. Joseph with his family when he was about 4 years old. I’m not for sure if Leo was paralyzed on the left side of his body before or after coming to St. Joseph.

What my mother mentioned to me about what her mother told her about Mrs. Blakley?

Mrs.. Blakley was a hard worker.
Mrs. Blakley looked like Mrs. Iona Mae Hedge.
Mrs. Blakley had 19 children.

Jennie’s husband John left and moved to South Dakota.
He was very sick and had to move northward. That was where his siblings were living.
It was more likely John moved to northward and didn’t want his family to catch what he had.
John passed on July 10, 1918 in a covered wagon near his brother Henry Blakey Sr’.s home.
Jennie marred Chelton Lyles in 1920 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Mrs. Blakley called for her daughter, Mary Jane to come as she was dying.
Mary Jane didn’t make it in time before her mother passed.
Jennie Bartlett Lyles passed on Wednesday, December 29, 1926.

I’m not sure if Jennie would have known that she would become in laws with Mary.
A few years after Jennie passing, her son Isaac Blakley would marry Anna Charlotte in 1928 who was Mary’s first born. And Lula, Mary’s daughter would marry David Blakley, Jennie’s son in 1937.

As for Mary, she was giving the honor to see Jennie’s sons come apart of the Lankford / Lankfard family. Mary and Jennie shared 21 Blakley grandchildren and their off springs. Mary passed in November 7, 1975. Mary’s husband Leo Sr. passed on September 14, 1954.

Thanks for reading
Jennie Bartlett Lyles and Mary Anna Lankford: Friends

R.I.P. Grandma Jennie and Grandma Mary
R.I.P Grandpa John and Grandpa Leo

I posted this blog on another website October 20 2023.


Week 42 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2023
The theme for Week 42 is “Friends.” We all get by with a little (or a lot) of help from our friends. What about the friends of your ancestors? What about a friend who has helped you with your genealogy?

Week 43 (Oct. 22-28): Dig a Little Deeper
Week 44 (Oct 29-Nov. 4): Spirits

Preserving Family History For Future Generation

 Happy Family History Month!

Preserving Family History For Future Generations Repost 

Posted on October 7, 2022 by Susan Ann Blakley

I’m thankful for the paper trail that my ancestors left behind. I’m thankful for those who recorded information for future use. I wish more records could have been preserved. I wish that there were more sources for the enslaved with their full names.



I took the photo of that tree during the Fall of 2018 somewhere on the East coast.

I’ve been compiling information on my family for decades. I’ve been thinking of what accumulated. What Now? What am I working on and how am I preserving my family history? Where is this information housed? How am I keep things up?

Here are some of my ideas that I have created over the 40+ years of searching.
I began in the mid 1970’s but didn’t get into searching until in the 1980’s.
I began to get hooked in 2007 with a wealth of new discoveries.
I continue to stumble across more discoveries as I keep searching.

Paper Space
Notebooks: In the beginning of my journey notes and questions
Notebooks: Searching for Records and The Replies

Notebooks: Copies of Death, Marriage, Land etc.
Notebooks Compiled Family Groups Sheets

Notebook: Oral History
Notebooks: Handwritten stories of “The Stories We Tell…”
Notebooks: Family Reunions: Lankford and BBW

Military Records: Civil War folder: Private Isaac Blaker a.k.a Isaac BLAKEY
Funeral Booklets: Obituaries, etc.

Hard Cover Books: Family History fill in the blank books.
Scrip Books: news clippings
Photo Albums: Paper printed photos

Notebooks of Letters , Cards, and etc. from relatives and people
Notebooks of some of my siblings’ children’s drawings when they were kids.

Calendars: Desk size to record what doing and making new discoveries.
Calendars: In Remembrance per family connections branch
Calendars: For events of current year.

Notebooks: My Grade Cards, Awards, Birthday Cards, Printed Blogs and etc.
Notebooks; Misc. Church Info, etc.

Submitted some of deceased family members information to publications
Submitted other information to other publications in the 1980’s and 1990’s

Digital Space:
Created Social Media Accounts: Sharing family connections
Created Family Connections Page and Groups on Social Media facebook
DADE, ~ BARTLETT, ~ Blakey Blakley WHITE, and TIVIS

Created Online Blog websites: Journaling about Family Connections (Future Post)
Created Find A Grave Memorials of loved ones and non family members.
Created Family Trees on Ancestry.com, Family Tree and other websites.

Video, Cassette Tapes,
Cellphone Data

DNA Data accounts on Ancestry and 23 And Me
Created DNA accounts: Download / Uploaded DNA for free
Connecting with relatives ~ and for future use

What can I continue to do to preserve my family connections?
With all that I have, I have been sharing some of my discoveries. I can’t remember when I came up with the idea to honor those in my family connections who have passed. I began posting them when their anniversary birth and passing dates come. I continue to do so as the years come to past.

I’m keep reviewing my family tree.
I continue to keep updating when possible
I continue to sharing with others.

October is Family History Month.
What better way to start preserving family records.
I’m taking inventory of what I have accumulated.
Now I ‘m needing to get more organized.

How are you preserving your family history? Hope you have started.
I encourage you to write and record your family history and preserve it for your family.
With all the avenues of today’s tools and technology you’re bound to come up with something.

Think about those who are not born yet. They may wonder how we lived and what we did. Some of our future generations will be thankful. I’m thankful for those who left their paper trail.
.
Thanks for reading
Preserving Family History For Generations To Come.

I add the  October In Remembrance: to this blog

The Dade Family Connections

The Bartlett Family Connections

 The Blakey Blakley WHITE Family Connections

God bless
S. A. Blakley

Week 40 ~ Amy Johnson Crow ~ Generations Café #52Ancestors 52 Weeks ~ facebook group

The monthly theme for October and Week 40 is “Preservation.” Think for a moment about all of the records you’ve used in your family history research and what it took to preserve them. What are you thankful that was preserved (or what do you wish had been preserved)? What are you working to preserve?

Decorator Den “Dennie” / Dan” Dade: The Tradesman

What have I discovered about Den Dade, the tradesman? I had to search the censuses records, city directories and news papers to from Den at work. It was in Lewis County, Missouri where he did most of his service.

In 1900 ~ His occupation was listed as manufacturer motion.
In 1910 ~ His occupation was listed as a laborer who did odd jobs.

He started placing advertisements in the news paper around 1911.
He had an ad for a quick good wall paper hanging and to call phone number 331 in 1915.

The ad below was published in The Canton Press ~ Canton, Missouri • Fri, Jul 11, 1919 on page 3.
This was the first time I’ve seen Den listed as a decorator. He listed his prices… Butting the paper is 30c, Lapping nice paper 25c, common 15c Cleaning and scraping the wall.

In 1914
There was a demand for paper hangers
Den hung paper in people’s homes
He hang paper at the home of Mrs. Ed A. Horn.

In 1917 – 1918
He was listed as a paper hanger.
He help paint a Methodist Church

In 1920
He was listed as a paperhanger: expert painter: his industry was house.
He hung paper for Mrs. Horn and Mrs. Ned Thompson.

In 1925 and 1926
He did work for the Court House, hanging paper etc.
I found some notices in the news paper that Den was paid $15.30, $ 1, $104.95, $21 for his services.

In 1928
The Gem Theatre needed a fresh coat of paint.
The Million resident on Lewis Street, owned by J.W. Lillard
He went to Galesburg ( Illinois ) to contract of painting and decorating a large resident

In 1930
His occupation was listed as a decorator

In 1940
His occupation was listed as a paper hanger.

In 1950
His occupation wasn’t listed.
Sometime in the early 1960’s Den moved to Iowa.
His son Louis “Louie” Dade, the well known golfer was living in Iowa.

Who was Den “Dennie / Dan” Dade?
He was born Nora Den Dade and went by Den. He was the twin of Duana Dade , also known as Anna Winfrey. Duana ran away at the age of 11 and never heard of again until after she passed. That’s another blog.

Den and his twin Duana were born on June 26, 1877 in Canton, Missouri. They were the children of Louis Newtown “Old Bone” Dade and Mary (Vernoy) Dade. Louis and Mary had 11 children.

Nora Den Dade married Louetta Robinson on June 2, 1897 at the age of 19. They had 12 children. Den passed on January 15, 1975 in Fort Madison, Iowa at the age of 97. ( Louetta passed in 1920 at age 43.)

My connections with Nora Den Dade
Den was the nephew of my Great Grandmother Charlotta (Dade) Lankford / Lankfard.

R.I.P. cousin Den

Thanks for reading.
Decorator Den “Dennie” Dan” Dade: The Tradesman

In Remembrance: 

Dade Family Connections
Bartlett Family Connections

Blakey Blakley Family Connections
WHITE Family Connections

NOTE: This post was posted on September 5, 2023 by Susan Ann Blakley on another website. The in Remembrance was added to this blog and it hasn't been updated. 

Blessings,
S.A. Blakley

Week 36 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Week Challenge for 2023

The theme for Week 36 is “Tradesman.” Monday is Labor Day in the US. This is a good week to write about someone in your family tree who followed a trade. (Or, if you want to be more in the spirit of Labor Day, write about someone involved in the labor movement.)

Mrs. Lucy Eunice (Bartlett) Mosesell Gross Horan: School Days

 One day, my father, David was sharing some of our family history with me. He mentioned that he had an Aunt Lucy who was a school teacher. She lived in Brookfield, Missouri. My dad didn’t know much about her. But. I’m thankful that he shared this with me.

Some time ago, I began to search for information on my Great Aunt Lucy. Recently, I’ve been doing more research on her. Here’s some of what I can say about her life and her school days.

Miss Lucy Eunice Bartlett was born on Sunday, July 18, 1869 in Carrollton, Carroll County Missouri. She was the daughter of Mrs. Harriett ( Hooper / Buffington) Bartlett. Her step father was Mr. Elias W. Bartlett Sr. He was from Kentucky. Lucy’s biological father is unknown. He was born in Missouri. Lucy carried the Bartlett surname..

According to the 1900 census dated Monday, June 4, 1900, Lucy was listed as a school teacher in Carrollton Missouri. And on Thursday, August 2, 1900, Lucy at age 31, married her first husband, Joshua A. Mossell in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was a barber.

The crop photo is of the St. Joseph News-Press, St. Joseph, Missouri on Saturday, September 24, 1904. This was on page 8. In this publication Lucie was listed as the principal of the first to fifth grades at the South St. Joseph Colored School.
.
Timeline of Lucy “Lucie” E. (Bartlett) Mossell Gross Horan

In 1870 She was listed as Lucy Heslin living in Carroll County MO on the census.
In 1880 She was listed as Lucy Bartlett living in Carroll County MO on the census.
In 1900 Lucy was listed as a school teacher on teacher in Carrolton, MO: on the census.

In 1901 Mrs. Lucie Mossell was listed as principal at South St. Joseph, MO Colored School
In 1901 Appointed the teacher to take charge of the school Florence addition in St. Joseph.

In 1902 Elected assistant secretary of the Colored Teachers City Organization and Assoc.
In 1902 :Mrs. Lucie E. Mossell was listed for the first time in the city directory at 317 S 18th.

In 1903 Mrs. Lucie E. Mossell was listed as Principal of South St. Joseph Colored School.,
In 1903 She was apart of the Colored Teachers Association.
In 1904 Mrs. Lucie Mossell was listed as principal of South St. Joseph Colored School

in 1905 Mrs. Lucy Mossell was listed as the principal of Douglass School.
In 1905 Mrs. Lucie E. Mossell Principal at 1st and 2nd grades Grammar Department at Bartlett
In 1906 She was listed with the 1st and 2nd Grade Grammar Department at Bartlett

In 1907 1st and 2nd Grammar Department at Bartlett
In 1907 Bartlett. High School

In 1908 Teacher at Bartlett High School
In 1908 Enrolled with teachers and candidates for a two weeks’ session for certificate. .
In 1909 Bartlett High School.

Some Information About Lucy:
Lucy “Lucie” Mossell lived at 317 S 18th . This location wasn’t to far for Bartlett High School.
It was walking distance to the school.

In 1909 Lucy’s husband Joshua A. Mossell passed on Sunday, March 21th.
In 1909 Lucy’s mother Harriett ( Hooper / Buffington) Bartlett. passed on Friday, May 28th.

In 1910 She was a teacher listed as Mrs. Laura A. Mossell. in the city directory.
In 1912 Lucy ( Mrs. Laura A. Mossell ) moved to Chillicothe, Missouri.

In 1915 Lucy married her second husband, George Albert Gross on Sunday September 12th in St Joseph. In 1934 Lucy’s second husband George Albert passed on Wednesday, June 20th in St. Joseph.

1901 – 1904 She was at South St. Joseph Colored School in St. Joseph, Missouri.
1905 – 1911 She was at Bartlett Grammar School ~ Bartlett High in St. Joseph, Missouri.

In Remembrance of Mrs. Lucy “Lucie” (Bartlett) Mossell Gross Horan (1869 – 1940)

There wasn’t much discoveries on Lucy between 1915 – 1934. She had family in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Her sisters Jennie ( Bartlett) Blakley Lyles and Juanita (Bartlett) Armstrong passed in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1926 and 1929. Most likely Lucy would have returned to St. Joseph for their funerals.

Mrs. Lucy Gross married her third husband Jackson William Horan. The year of marriage is unknown. According to her obituary she was a matron for 8 years at the State Industrial Home for negro girls in Tipton, Missouri. I’m assuming those years could have been when she left St. Joseph, around 1912 to 1920. She didn’t have any occupation on the 1920, 1930 and 1940 censuses.

According to the 1940 census Lucy had no schooling. The number zero was on that section. She could read and write and speak English. She had no children.

Is it possible that Lucy was taught without going to school? Yes!I believe that she knew how to teach. And it appears that she loved teaching. I don’t know how long she taught. It was at least from 1900 to 1912.

According to a news article In 1939, Lucy was ill. And by 1940, she had a stroke. According to Lucy’s 1940 death record, she was listed as a retired teacher. Her husband Jackson Horan stated that Mr. Bartlett was her father. Her mother was unknown. Lucy passed on Monday, September 23, 1940 in Chillicothe, Missouri. She was 71 years old.

Some other thoughts
Teachers are important in our lives. They see the progress in our devolvement. They see more than we do. They our character.

Not all of my early relatives had the opportunity to receive an education. Some had to drop out of school to earn a living to support the family. My parents went up to Freshman and Sophomore in High School. They wanted all their children all graduated from High School. And so we did; at the same High School.

I continue to searched old newspapers. I continue to come across relatives names. It’s amazes me to see who they graduated with who. I have a grade card of my Uncle Frederick who drowned in the Korean War. (I have all my grade cards expect the 1st grade. I thought to save them.)

Thanks for reading.
Mrs. Lucy E. Bartlett Mosesell Gross Horan: School Days

I did come across of a Miss Lucy Bartlett in the newspaper who was working in Keysville Missouri She was listed as a colored teacher and was an assistant principle of a colored school. I wonder if this was my Great Aunt Lucy. Also I wonder how her first name was spelled. Her name was written as Lucie. She was a witness to her niece’s wedding in 1903.


God bless
S.A. Blakley

My Family Connections:

Education is a part of our family upbringing. I have educators in my family connections. Teachers in the fields of Mathematic, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, Health, Elementary School, Special Education, High School , Middle School, Universities, Principals and other areas of the educational field.

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Susan Ann Blakley

I added the In Remembrance For August

BARTLETT Family 

Blakey Blakley WHITE Family 

DADE Family

This blog was an up to dated version from Week 37 (Sept. 9-15): Back to School ~
Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge

Any stories of schools days in your family? (I’m thankful for the collection of my dad’s grade cards through 8th grade.) What about teachers or principals in the family? via Genealogy Café facebook

Week 15 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2024

The theme for Week 15 is “School Days.” Any teachers, principals, or school staff in your family tree? What about favorite stories of attending school or fun things you’ve found in school records or yearbooks?

Lankford Nicknames On The 1900 Missouri Census

 This blog was posted on May 21, 2024 by Susan Ann Blakley on another website except the In Remembrance. 

In Memory of Family Connections:

July In Remembrance: 
Dade Family Connections

July In Remembrance: 
Bartlett Family Connections
    
July In Remembrance: 
 Blakey Blakley WHITE Family Connections

Thanks for reading. 
God Bless 
S.A.Blakley

Lankford Nicknames On The 1900 Missouri Census  

Several years ago, I took on the task of searching through the 1900 census schedule for St. Joseph, Missouri page by page so that could locate my Great Grandparents Robert and Charlotta Lankford / Lankfard and their children. Their names weren’t listed on the index. I believed that they were on that census.

Then on Monday, November 9, 2009, my moments of rejoicing came!! As I look at each name, I was convinced that this household was my Lankford family connections. But, their surname appeared to have been spelled. The index taker recorded their surname as Sankford. And all the first L’s of their name and surname were S’s. So, my Grandfather was Sea Sankford.

Cropped photo is of the 1900 United States Federal Census for Robert Louis Lankford
Missouri Buchanan, St Joseph, Ward 06 District 0069: ~ The address was 2413 Edmond Street.

And whosoever gave the names of each family member to the census taker gave the person the nicknames / initial of the family members. What were their real names?
The head of house was R.S. Sankford, his wife Charlottie and children as follow…

R. L. was Robert Louis Lankford / Lankfard ( 1852 -1919)

Charlottie was Charlotta Lottie ( Dade) Lankford / Lankfard (1854 – 1924)

Freddie was Frederick A. Lankford / Lankfard ( 1878 – 1863 )
He went by Fred as well.

Addie L was Louis Adward Lankford / Lankfard 1882 – 1967)
His famous nickname was “Add” and at times, he spell his surname Langford, Lankford, and Lankfard.
He had the nickname of “Smoke” as he was a pitcher in the Negro League….ca 1912 – 1920’s.

Lea was Leo Lankford / Lankfard (1884 – 1954)

Annie A. was Anna Alice Lankford / Lankfard – Smith (1886 – 1968)
She went by Annie. She became Mrs. Christopher Columbia Smith.

Charlie was Charles Edward Lankford / Lankfard (1890 – 1937)

Nymadula that was his first name and his nickname was Nym ( 1896 – 1965)
He spell his surname both ways Lankford / Lankfard

Isabell was Isabella V.. Lankford / Lankfard – Nickerson ( 1898 – 1938)
She became Mrs. Ezekiel Watson. Nickerson.

There were two more Lankford children on the 1900 census. They were married.

James was James Andrew Lankford / Lankfard. (1873 – 1957)
His nickname was Jim.

Lulu was Lula Mae Lankford / Lankfard Madison. ( 1876 – 1961)
She was Mrs. William Emanuel Madison Sr.

Thanks for reading.
Lankford Nicknames On The 1900 Missouri Census

One more thing, the Vernon Johnson in R.L. Lankford household could have been Robert’s relative. There was an Anna Sarah (Lankford) Johnson in Canton, Missouri the same time Robert was there. in 1873. I have discovered that Anna and Robert both came from Washington County Century.

God bless
S.A. Blakley

Week 21 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Week Challenge for 2024.
The theme for Week 21 is “Nickname.” Names can be incredibly fluid, and nicknames can trip us up in our research. What’s a nickname that you’ve found in your family tree?

Mrs. Anna Laura (Washington) Walters: In Her Adversity

                            
Mrs. Anna Laura (Washington) Allen Walters: She was a daughter, a sister, a step sister, a step daughter, a cousin, a wife, an in law, a step auntie, a child of God, a mother, a step mother, a friend, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and two times a widow. ~ As for her occupation, she was listed as a laundress (a wash woman) and a domestic worker.

In Her Adversity: Only if we could imagine.

Anna Laura Washington was born on Thursday, June 13, 1867 in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was the daughter of the formerly enslaved William Washington and Susan (Leach) Washington.

The first known address of the Washington family was at 1801 Mulberry Street to where at least three generations lived. Some were born there and some died there. Susan’s mother Mrs. Delila Lewis. (1790 – 1887) came to live with the family in 1878. Delila was formerly enslaved born in Tennessee, then was moved to Kentucky and Missouri.

Anna, also known as Miss Laura Washington at age twenty one married William “Wm” Allen on Wednesday, March 6, 1889. Four months later, on Sunday, July 7, 1889, her 16 year old brother James “Jim” Washington was swimming in the middle of the stream near the bridge where the water was deep in the 102 River. He began to cramp and before help could research him, he drowned at 1:30 pm. His body was found the next day.

On Saturday, December 21, 1889, Anna Laura gave birth to her first born, Mary Anna Allen at 1801 Mulberry Street. Then 19 days later on Thursday, January 9, 1890, her mother, Susan passed at age 55 at the family home. Susan had been ill for a little over a year.

Anna was left to care for her daughter and her sisters. And by Wednesday, December 17, 1890, Anna’ ‘s father marries Mrs. Mahalah Winn (1841 – 1921) who became Anna’s step mother.

There is no record of what happened to Anna’s husband William. Assuming that William passed around 1890. Anna married Thornton Walters in the 1890’s. There were two Walters children born between 1890 – 1894.

Anna’s second husband Thornton lived a rough life before marrying Anna. He was in fights and was in trouble with the law. He served time in prison. Thornton became paralyzed on one side of his body for several years prior to 1903..

On Tuesday evening, of August 18, 1903, Thornton with the company with his family and Dan Gamon at Lake Contrary in St, Joseph, Missouri. Thornton and his friend, Dan Gamon got in a boat to go fishing across the lake. Dan was rowing the boat.

Thornton was “trying to adjust the line” and lost his balance, felling overboard. His friend couldn’t swim…. Thornton drowned in the bayou at the lake at 9pm. The water was twenty feet deep. His body was found the next day. ~ Thornton Walters (1858 – 1903)

Anna was left to care for three children: 1903 – 1909.
Mary / Bonita Walters was most likely to have been Anna’s step daughter. Bonita born around 1890. She gave birth to her son John Nelson on Saturday, August 24, 1907. On the birth noticed, she was listed as “B.O” Walters having a son.

On the 1920 census, John, at the age 13 was living with his Grandmother Laura. There is no record of what happened to Bonita. She was listed as Mary Walters, a widow on the 1910 census with her mother, Laura, and siblings. John was listed as a nephew of Laura which wasn’t the case.

Anna’s son, Joseph Walters could have been her biological son. Joseph was in trouble with the law. He didn’t get along with his brother in law Leo Lankford. In 1910, Joseph at age 16 was charged with assault and attempt to kill Leo who was paralyzed on the left side of his body since the age of four. Joseph did serve time in prison on other accounts. He passed at age 31 of TB.

Anna’s biological daughter, Mary married Leo Lankford Sr. on Friday, April 16,1909. Mary’s name was Mary Walters on the marriage license. Leo and Mary were listed on the 1910 census with Laura. Mary / Bonita was listed as daughter and Joseph as son of Laura Walters.

Throughout Anna’s lifetime, despite all that she went through, she kept on living .

On Anna’s February 1947 obituary
Anna had a daughter, Mary, 12 grandchildren (which included John Nelson, Mary Lankford had 11 children.) 14 great grandchildren, one son in law, Leo, some cousins and two step siblings, Townsend Winn and Ella (Buckner) Lewis who were living at the time of her passing.

Four sisters and one brother, James were mentioned by numbers. There is little known about three of her sister. Nannie, Amelia and Lillie. Her sister, Virginia passed in 1897. The Washington siblings did have a half brother name William Washington Jr. Little is know about William Jr.

Thanks for reading.
Mrs. Anna Laura (Washington) Walters: In Her Adversity

Anna passed at her daughter Mary’s home at the age of 79.
R.I.P. Great Grandmother Anna Laura

Blessings
S.A. Blakley

Week 38 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2023

The theme for Week 38 is “Adversity.” All of our families have had to face adversity at some point. Recognizing their struggles helps us recognize their humanity.

 This post was posted on September 21, 2023 by Susan Ann Blakley

 I added the In Memory to this blog:

Dade Family Connections

Branch Mrs. Louisa Jane (DADE) WASHINGTON

 Branch of Louis And Mary Ann (VENOY) DADE

Branch of Robert and Charlotta (DADE) LANKFORD / LANKFARD

                                                 Branch of Elias W.  Bartlett   Family Connections

                                         Branch of Blakey Blakley WHITE  Family Connections

Uncle Fred With His Parents: One Of My Favorite Photos

 “Tell the story of a favorite photo: Who is in it, when and where it was taken, and why it was taken. (That last part is often left out!) ” Amy Johnson Crow

This is a photo of my material grandparents Leo and Mary with their son First Class Private Frederick William Lankford. The photo was taken in the family home on Locust Street in St. Joseph, Missouri. I’m assuming the year was in 1951. (The elderly man in the background photo is unknown.)


Indeed, each photo has a story behind it. I don’t know the story behind this photo. But, I believe that this snapshot was during the time the Lankford family had a get together. It appears that Fred came home to visit while he was serving in the military of the United States.

Frederick enlisted into the army on April 26, 1951. His basic training was at Camp Roberts in California. He was a member of the battery A 17th Field Artillery Battalion IX Crops. He had been overseas since October 10, 1951.

What makes this photo one of my favorites?
This snapshot brings the family history alive. Also a photo can help piece together some of our stories that we share. We can see how our relatives lived and the styles of their time.

I noticed that Grandma Mary was wearing her polka dot dress in another photo with six of her seven daughters. I think that this photo was taken on the same day. I think that polka dots must have been in style back in the days. Even Grandpa Leo was wearing his polka dot tie.

I noticed that Uncle Fred was wearing his military uniform in another photo sitting by a man. I was told the man was my Uncle Willie. In that photo, Uncle Willie’s face was partial cut off. I believe that that photo was taken on the same day as this one.

Sadly to say, Fred was reported as missing in action. He drowned on July 19, 1952 while serving in the Korean War. Fred’s body was recovered….and had a military escort back to St. Joseph where he was laid to rest. He was due home from the serve in August of 1952.

His father Leo passed in September of 1954. And Mary passed in November of 1975. Mary was laid to rest between her son, Fred and her husband, Leo.

May we search other sources so that we can bring our family photos to life. Old newspapers are a good source to learn more about our relatives. I’m thankful that I’ve made more discoveries about Grandpa Leo and Uncle Fred through the news papers. It’s amazing!

Thanks for reading.
Uncle Fred With His Parents: One Of My Favorite Photo.

What makes this photo one of my favorite?
I do remember this photo from my childhood. There’s something about this photo that brings a smile. Just think, when the time comes, we shall have our family get together with the whole family.

R.I.P. Grandma Mary, Grandpa Leo and Uncle Fred.

Blessings
S.A. Blakey

Family Connections: In Remembrance:
DADE 

BARTLETT Family 

Blakey Blakley WHITE 

This blog was posted on January 17, 2024 by Susan Ann Blakley.
The in remembrance were added to this blog. 

Week 3 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2024
The theme for Week 3 is “Favorite Photo.” This is one of my favorite prompts. Yes, I’ve used it in previous years, but it’s too good to not use again! Tell the story of a favorite photo: Who is in it, when and where it was taken, and why it was taken. (That last part is often left out!)

Mrs. “Lottie” (Dade) Langford Was One Of The Best

 According to a news article published in The Canton Press Canton, Missouri on Friday, April 18, 1924 on page 3, mentioned the death of Mrs. Charlottie Lankford; “Lottie Dade as she was better known to the many of our older citizens was one of the best colored women who ever went out of Canton.” The article didn’t say why Lottie was so well known.

I can’t imagine how well known Lottie Dade must have been during her time. She was born in January of 1854 in Missouri. She was one of the formerly enslaved along with her siblings and parents Isaac Dade Sr. (1805 – 1890) and Frances “Frankie: Dade a.k.a. “Aunt Frankie” ( 1810 – 1901). The family was well known and lived in Lewis County Missouri area.

I can only imagine that Lottie gave of herself in whatever she did in her lifetime. Perhaps in your early years, she was a house servant while in her enslaved years. This could have been where she learned and developed her skills in life.

According to the 1880, 1900, 1910 and 1920 censuses, the censuses takers recorded her occupation as keeps house, (left blank), (None) and as a laundress at home. She must to have some skill and ability that left an impact on the older citizens of Canton, Missouri.

I wondered. What gift or ability did Lottie have? According to one of my cousins, she shared with me that Charlotta was a seamstress. I wondered if Lottie designed her own clothes?

As I look at the rare photos of Lottie, I can see that she was a stylish women and a well kept one at that. There are few photos of Mrs. Charlotta Lottie. The year of photos are unknown.

Oh, the style that she has on. She was a classy lady.

Charlotta / Lottie was one of 14. She was the mother of 11. Her husband Robert was a proprietor at the Lankfard’ Cafe, a restaurant ca 1911 – 1913 in St. Joseph, Missouri. I was wondering if Charlotta helped with the cooking.

I couldn’t find much about Charlotta (Dade) Lanford in the news papers. Her death certificate records her name as Charlottie Lankfard and obituary as Charlotta Lankford. But Lottie was the name that’s rarely recorded. Charlottie Langford was mentioned when her father Isaac Dade Sr. passed in 1890.

As I mentioned, Lottie came from a talented and well known family in the Lewis County Missouri area.
Here are a list of a few siblings:

Ben Dade: When his mother Frances passed in 1901, Ben’s name was mentioned.
He was a farmer and owned his home. He made out a will. There was a bridge that carried his name. The Ben Dade Bridge

Louisa Janie Dade Washington: Mrs. David Washington Sr.
She was described as a highly respect colored woman. They called her Aunt Jane…was ever considered most honest industrious good Christian woman. She was good and faithful.

Louis Newton Dade: They called him Uncle Lew
During pre Civil War Days he was a house servant while enslaved; Louis was a curvier of bones, shell work made paper knives, spoons and napkin rings. He got the nickname, Old Bone Dade. In 1910, he owned his home without mortgage. He was a business man, a novelty worker.

Isaac Dade Jr. aka Private Isaac Dayd, veteran
He was a musician that played a violin. He served during the Civil War.

Who was Lottie?
Her birth name was Charlotta Dade. She became a freewoman at the age of 11 in 1865. And at age 19 Lottie Dade a.k.a. Miss Charlotta Dade married Mr. Lewis Lankford on January 25, 1873 in Canton, Missouri. Her parents Isaac Dade and Francis Dade were witnessed the marriage.

The Lankford family moved from Canton, Missouri around 1887. They may have lived in Kansas City Missouri. However, they ended up in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1888.

In 1924, while Lottie was visiting her son Frederick Lankford in New York, she suddenly died. Her body was brought back to St. Joseph, Missouri. She was laid to rest next to her husband Robert.

Lottie was my mother Lula’s grandmother.
R.I.P. Great Grandmother Lottie.

Thanks for reading.
Mrs. “Lottie” (Dade) Langford Was One Of The Best ~

R.I.P. Great Grandma Lottie


Blessings
S.A.Blakley

This is a repost from my word press site.

April In Remembrance The DADE Family Connections:  

April In Remembrance: Bartlett Family Connections

April In Remembrance: Blakey Blakley WHITE Family Connections