Mr. Vernon W. Johnson, Not Forgotten: Overlooked

 I first came across Vernon Johnson on the 1900 Missouri Census. He was listed as a boarder in the household of Robert Louis Lankford. They lived in St. Joseph, Missouri. With this new discovery, I wondered! Was Vernon a relative?

Back Story:
I was searching the Lewis County Missouri index records for Lankfords marriages. I came across a Miss Annie Lankford who married Westley Johnson. I found Lewis Lankford who married Miss Charlotta Dade. They were my great grandparents.

I started searching for Annie (Lankford) Johnson. I discovered a 1914 article that mentioned a R. L. Lankford from St. Joseph, Missouri. He attended Annie’s daughter’s wedding in Kansas City, Missouri.

I also discovered that Anna “Annie”(Lankford) Johnson was born in Washington County, Kentucky. And so was Robert Louis Lankford. Isn’t this a coincident?

New Discoveries:
In early January of 2025, I began to search for Vernon Johnson, again. I was thinking. What happened to him? The only information I found on him was on the 1900 Missouri census.

I search and come up with no leads. However, I finally came across a family tree on ancestry. This linked a Vernon Johnson as the son of Wesley Z. Johnson and Anna / Sarah (Langford) Johnson. They lived in Iowa.

Yes, this is the same Anna / Sarah in whom I’ve been searching for. I began to search old newspaper for all of Anna / Sarah ‘s children. I located some of them in Des Moines Iowa. This led me to search for Fort Madison, Iowa and Burlington, Iowa.

Then things began to click. Bert and Vernon Johnson’s names were listed together in a short news clip. I kept searching. And I found Vernon’s obituary. I read that Vernon passed due to tuberculosis.

The crop photo is of Vernon Johnson’s 1905 obituary. This was the link to discover who he was. And that he did live in St. Joseph Missouri. .

The newspaper clip was published on page one of the The Bystander in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, March 3, 1905. I believe that Vernon was born in La Grande, Lewis County Missouri. Because on the 1880 Missouri census, the family was living in La Grande, Lewis County, Missouri.

A question from Amy Johnson Crow
Who is someone in your family tree who you haven’t researched very much?

It appears that not many are searching for Vernon W. Johnson. (1878 – 1905)

At first, it was hard to find information on Vernon Johnson. The clues came from searching his siblings. This linked me to discover who Vernon was. I’m still wondering how Anna / Sarah (Lankford) Johnson Lankford. I believe that she was a relative to Robert. That’s another blog.

 I posted this blog on January 23, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley on another site.

Thanks for reading.
Was Mr. Vernon W. Johnson Forgotten? Overlooked

God bless you,
S.A. Blakley

Week 4 Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2025

“The theme for Week 4 is “Overlooked.” It’s close to impossible to research everyone equally. Who is someone in your family tree who you haven’t researched very much? You could also consider those ancestors for whom it feels like you are the only person in the world searching for them.”

The Name of William Washington: A Challenge To Find Info

 I didn’t realize that William Washington was a popular name until I began searching for my 2nd great grandfather. His name was a challenge to tackle. There were several William Washingtons living  in the same city with him during his lifetime. And they were all black.  One thing I knew for sure, I couldn’t break any ground until I knew something specific about my William.

As I began my project, I was overwhelmed by what I was getting myself into. I was trying to figure things out. Which William Washington was my 2nd great grandfather?  Where did I start ?? I started out with what I knew about him. And while along the journey, I stumbled across more about him.

I first came across information on my William Washington on the 1870 Missouri census.  He was listed with his first wife, Susan and two daughters, Laura, my great grandmother and Nannie. William was listed on the 1880 Missouri census with his  family. William and his children, Laura , Nannie, Amelia James, Virginia, and Lillie were listed as mulatto. William’s wife Susan and Susan’s mother, Delilah Louis were listed as black.

I  dug a little deeper into my project. I began searching the directories of the City of St. Joseph, Missouri from 1867 – the 1930’s. I searched the 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 censuses, old newspapers, obituaries, death records, marriage records and other records that were available.

The first recorded  address for William Washington (and his family) was located at 1801 Mulberry Street  / 18th and Mulberry in St. Joseph, Missouri. However, once William moved from Mulberry,  I began to notice the name Wiley Washington.  And I was wondering if Wiley and William were related.

The earliest record of William Washington’s address was on the 1880 census residing on Mulberry Street. His address was listed at Mulberry ne cor 18th was in the 1882 city directory. William was listed as white on the 1900 Missouri Census. The last record city directory where William was living on Mulberry was in 1902. There was no 1903 directory.

I compiled a list of all the William Washingtons and Wiley Washington. I attempted to compare where they lived and noticed who they were married to and so on. It was so confusing. So, I narrowed it down the names to Wiley and to who was my William Washington.

The 1920 Missouri census gave some clues about my William,. He was working for a plumbing company. I continue to search for that plumbing company. I found a Bristol Supply Co or PL. Bristol P & H Co. It was a task tracing William Washington through the city directories. However, I noticed that Wiley Washington ended up living in the same place where my William once lived.

The listed below are a few William Washingtons: (c) where they and  Wiley Washington lived.

In 1904
William Washington (c) was listed as a plumber, lived at 1820 Angelique. and another William Washington (c) listed as a helper at P. L.. Bristol & Bros , lived at 19th and Angelique.

In 1905 ~ 514 N7th  in 1905 – 1908
514 N 7th matches William Washington (c) who works at P.L. Bristol P & H. Co. in
1909 ~ And in 1905 listed as a laborer

In 1906
514 N7th matches (c) William Washington who works at P.L. Bristol P & H. Co. in 1909

In 1907
514 N7th matches William Washington (c)  who works at P.L. Bristol P & H. Co. ~
Listed as a janitor in 1907

In 1909 ~ 821 S 9th.  in 1909 – 1912
Listed as (c) William Washington lived at 821 S 9th. Works at P.L. Bristol P & H. Co

In 1910 ~ Census ~ 821 S 9th Street.
Listed as (c) William Washington age 64, MO born 1846
Lived with wife Mahalie and her daughter Ella Lewis, Mulatto, Widowed.
Mahalie was the mother of 7 Two or 3 children living when census was taken.
Lived at 821 S 9th Street.

In 1913 ~ 705 Corby.in 1913 – 1914
821 S 9th Street, listed as  a porter and a (c) William Washington at 705 Corby

In 1914
821 S 9th and listed as Wiley Washington and a (c) William Washington worked as a porter at Bristol Supple Co. lived and at 705 Corby.

In 1916
821 S 9th and listed as Wiley Washington , Laborer.
William Washington (c)  listed at 505 N 2nd working at Bristol Supply Co

In 1917
821 S 9th and listed as Wiley Washington, (c) laborer,
William Washington (c)  lived in basement 1517 Angelique, janitor at Bristol Co.

In 1918
Wiley Washington (c) listed at 821 S 9 as a Laborer.
John G. Washington (c) a salter at 812 N 3rd with William Washington a janitor

In 1920 – 1921 ~ 812 N 3rd
Listed as William Washington on 1920 Census and in the City Directories,

1920 Census  Listed as William Washington age 46 MO born 1846 Black. Listed works in industry Plumbing Co > Lived with wife Mahalie born 1847 Her daughter Ella Louis widow b) 1868 William’s son, John W. Washington widowed MO born abt 1859. age 61 Lived at 812 N 3rd

In 1921 ~  812 N 3rd :
Labor. The William Washington  on this city director was the one that was a Janitor at Bristol Supply. r 821 N 3rd. The (c) wasn’t listed after his name.

I couldn’t find any other recorded of my William Washington after 1921

In 1921 ~  821 S 9th ~ Wiley wasn’t listed with an (c) after his name. 
Wiley Washington lived at 821 S 9th in 1913 – 1919  to 1938.

The crop photo of my 2nd Great Grandfather William Washington and some of his family. Year of  photo unknown. I has this postcard for years. I never knew who the family was. I narrowed it down and believe that the people in the photo were of William and Susan with their four daughters. Susan’s mother, Delilah was in the photo as well. (William was born between 1840 – 1846. He’s year of death is unknown. )

Oh, what a process this was to narrow down  the William Washington that I was searching for. In all of this, I lost track of him around 1921 where he was living last at  812 N 3rd. And as I was searching for him, he had about six other addresses after he moved from 1801 Mulberry. .

I believe that William passed in St. Joseph, Missouri. He had a son named William Jr..
I believe that William and Wiley were connected. But, I  don’t know who.

Some Of My Thoughts:
There was a time when I wondered if Wiley was William’s son? .

What I discovered about Willey.
He was born in 1853 or 1857 in Chillicothe, Missouri and his passed in 1938.
Wiley  married to Mary Tate and Libby Holman
He was the father of  five by Mary..
They had a son, named Charles Washington (1883 – 1920)
Charles lived at 821 S 9th.

The irony is that my William was well known in the city during the late 1880’s to the turn of the century. I haven’t found no record of his passing.

In his daughter, Anna Laura Walter’s 1947 obituary, her father was listed as John Washington. But, his name was William Washington on Anna’ death record. I’m not for sure what William’s first name was:.
G. William and George W. was listed on directories as well with William’s addresses.    .
Did Anna Laura lose contact with her father?

Did William remarry?
William married his second wife, Mahala “Mahalie ” 11 months after his first wife, Susan  passed in Jan of 1890. Mahlala passed in 1921 and was living at  812 N 3rd and was listed as married.

Did William move out of town?
Was he in prison; serving time?
Or was he in  a home of some sort?

I did search for George Washington’s and John Washington’s  Missouri death records.
There was a George Washington who was born in 1841 in New Orleans. Passed in 1923
There was a John Washington who was born in 1841 .and passed in 1934
Both passed in St. Joseph, Missouri.

This is still a mystery. I need to go back and search the other Washingtons in St. Joseph, Missouri.
I believe that my William was related to at least one of the Washington family. William Albert Washington sold his property to Leo and Mary (Allen) Lankford. Mary’s mother was Anna Laura Washington Allen Walters. Anna was William’s daughter.

This is a repost from another website Posted on June 18, 2022 by Susan Ann Blakley

Thanks for reading.
God bless you.
Take care,
S.A. Blakley

Week 24’s theme is “Popular Name.”.
Amy Johnson Crow Generations Café #52Ancestors 52 Weeks ~ facebook
Do you have an ancestor who had a name that was popular/trendy at the time? Is there a name that keeps getting used in your family tree? Do you have an ancestor named after someone famous?

When And Where Did My Journey Begin? In The Beginning

 On Friday, November 7, 1975, my maternal Grandmother Mary (Allen) Lankford / Lankfard. passed. She was the only grandparent I had the honor to met face to face. And during the following year, photos were discovered in her home and were later given to me.. I held on to those photos and began to wonder about my ancestors.

As I look back on my quest, I wouldn’t have imagine that my grandmother’s house being one of the stepping stone in my journey. And those photos, I still wonder about today. Who were these people?

The photo is of the Lankford / Lankfard House in the 1960’s.

As I pondered about my genealogy journey: I was wondering. What really sparked my interest? I believe that it happened well before I began my six grade class assignment at Mark Twain Elementary School. Each student had an oral presentation to present to the class about our family history.

It was a special thing. I even remember wearing red. I told my audience that I was one of nineteen children; we have the same mother and father. And that we had Indian blood in us. (I recall that the principle came to listen in.)

In 1976, I was watching TV and I heard about the book “Roots” written by Alex Haley was going to be made into a mini series in 1977. I was excited and wanted to see that. And so I did.

I started asking my mother Lula and my father David questions about their ancestors. I started looking at old family photos. I started reading books about how to search our roots. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.

In my beginning years, I didn’t know what I was searching for. I didn’t about the facts nor dates of my ancestors. As I continue to keep searching and compiling what I could, I obtained information . This data was showing me who my relatives were. And since the beginning, I’ve been uncovering more about my ancestors as I go along the way…

Thanks for reading.
When And Where Did My Journey Begin? In The Beginning
… a seed was planted and it began to grow and grow and grow into something amazing.

God bless
S.A. Blakley

.
Week 1 ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2025

This week’s theme is “In the Beginning.” (According to “The Sound of Music,” the beginning is a very good place to start.) Who was the first person you wanted to find when you started your genealogy journey? Was there a family member who sparked your interest, maybe by giving you a bunch of genealogy “stuff”? This would be a great week to write about them!

Who was the first person you wanted to find when you started your genealogy journey?

Isaac Blakey, because he was in the Civil War. I received his pension records in the early 1980’s. What a treasure this is. 

Was there a family member who sparked your interest, maybe by giving you a bunch of genealogy “stuff”?

I wrote about this in my last blog for December of  2024. I believe it was what my parents told me and that I wanted to know more about what they knew.

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.
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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?