In the beginning of my searching for my family connections, I learned the value of surnames. We were taught to spell our surname as our parents or guardians taught us to. And if our name was spelled incorrectly, we could be corrected. And we would correct others as well.
The photo is part of a letter that my cousin Mary Jane (Blakey) Ligthner wrote to me on Thursday, February 25, 1982. This is the closing page of four pages. I’m thankful that Mary Jane took the time to record with she knew about the family history on paper.
As I re read Mary Jane’s letter, something caught my attention. The family surname was WHITE. I saw that in documents. Isaac was listed on the 1890 Missouri Census for veterans. He was listed as Isaac WHITE and Isaac BLAKE. Same person. ~ BLAKEY should have been the surname on the index. A check mark was where the Y was.
Some words from my journal, 44 years ago, I asked myfather, why the family surname was spelled BLAKEY? He said that he didn’t know why. But, that was what he heard the older relatives said how to spell the family surname. My father said that he was taught to spell the family surname Blakley.
The enslavers: John May BLAKEY married Frances WHITE. They came to Howard County Missouri from Virginia in the Fall of 1831. They were the enslavers of Isaac, his parents and his siblings. Isaac choose the BLAKEY name. The other family members choose the WHITE surname.
The BLAKEY surname was the closest name that fits the surname when Isaac was serving in the Civil War on the Union Army. By the way, Isaac was Private Isaac BLAKER (1863 – 1866). He was stationed in Natchez, Missisippi. (He had to prove that he was the same person to recieve his pension.)
Thank you for reading A Family Value ~ The Way to Spell The Family Surname “The reason for the different spellings is because of the different pronunciation.” That’s what Mary Jane wrote.
Mary Jane mentioned to me that she was spelling her surname the way I spell mine. She was corrected.There are time people spell my surname Blakely and Blakey. I will correct them and spelling to Blakley.
God bless you. S.A. Blakley
Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2026 Week 45: The theme for Week 45 is “A Family Value.” Love, family, honesty, charity – these are just a few words that describe family values. Who is someone that seems to embody what’s important to your family? Of course, feel free to interpret this prompt however you’d like.
I’ve been on my family connections journey for over 50 years. I began during the mid 1970’s and early 1980’s. I’m thankful that I made contact with others who would helped me on my search. It’s been a long journey, well spent.
What A Surprised! On Saturday, October 31, 1981, One of my sister and her future husband were in Yankton, South Dakota visiting some of our Blakey relatives. Our cousin Mary Jane was sharing with us what she knew about our family history.
Mary Jane told us that our great grand father was Isaac Blakey. She showed us a photo of Isaac and his second wife Rachel and their son Spencer Blakey Sr. Her Grandmother Lucinda Mary (Kinney) Blakey was the sister in law to our Grandfather John BLAKEY Blakley. I’m thankful that I got to met Great Aunt “Lovie”.
I was surprised to hear about who Isaac was. Say WHAT? I thought that Isaac was my great uncle. And that his brother John BLAKEY was my great grandfather. What little I knew about my family history.
Since that day, I was yearning to learn more about our Great Grandfather Isaac and our family connections.. I read in oral history that Isaac was enslaved and ran away and fought in the Civil War. I discovered that he had a pension file in the National Archives in Washington D.C.
I sent off for my copied and recieved it. After reading the file, I was amazed by what was in it. I would continue to read the pension file through the years / decades. I would find more things there to search.
Through the decades, I would search and discover more about my Blakey WHITE Family Connections. More so about my Great Grandfather Isaac WHITE Blakey. Information about Isaac keeps popping up on my search from time to time.
This news clip mentioned was about Isaac’s back pay of amount of $649.40 It was published in the Salisbury Press-Spectator Salisbury, Missouri on Friday, June 15, 1900 on page one. (I omitted one racial slur)
—” Isaac Blakey, of near Shannondale, is the happiest (—-) in this coun try.”
I’m glad thatGreat Grandfather Isaac recieved his penison. I would have seen him as the happiest person in Chariton County, Missouri. That was a lot of money in 1900. He must have been the talk of the town.
At age 43, Isaac applied for his pension on Monday, October 6, 1890. It took him about 10 years to get it. It took that long. He was wounded during the Spring of 1864. And that wound was a running sore ever since.
The great news was that the Isaac was allowed to recieve his back pay and in addition to get $6.00 a month check. Before Isaac’s death on Sunday, December 23, 1917, he was receiving $24 a month.
Thank you for reading. What Surprised Me Most: Along the Journey 45+ Years It’s how much I have come across along the journey.
Thank You, LORD for leading the way….
God bless S.A. Blakley
Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2026 The theme for Week 44 is “What Surprised Me Most.” Good, bad, big, little – surprises come in lots of flavors. What have you found in your research that took you by surprise?
The The Kansas Democrat, Hiawatha, Kansas published an article that mentioned what Robert Langfard, age 66 said to a reporter. Making cement blocks was his business and that he could build a cement house entirely if the reporter wanted one. Robert said that he was not afraid of work. The article was published on Thursday, February 28, 1918 on page 3.
I wonder. Where did Robert build houses? I came across a news clip that was published in the St. Joseph News-Press. St. Joseph, Missouri on Wednesday, February 16, 1898 on page 7. ~ R.L Langfordwill build a $500 residence on Edmond street between Twenty- fourth and Twenty fifith streets.
Robert, his wife Charlotta, and their childreny came to St. Joseph, Missouri in 1888. Where did the family live? The list of addresses were taken from the City directories for R.L. / Robt L. / R. Louis, Robert L. with his surnane spelled many ways; Langford, Lankferd, Lankford , Lankfard.
1716 Colhoun Street in 1890, 1892, 1893 1816 Colhoun Street in 1894 2411 Messanie Street in 1894 – 1899
2410 Edmond Street in 1898 – 1899 2413 Edmond Street in 1900 – 1905, 1907 2412 Edmond Street in 1907 -1918
212 1/2 S 8th ~ Lankfard Cafe in 1911, the proprietor 214 S 5th: R L Lankford; Restaurant in 1912
Where was Robert living at the time, he was building his residence in 1898? The 1898 – 1899. City directories of St. Joseph, Missouri had Robert L. LANKFORD / LANKFARD living at 2411 Messanie, also at 2410 Edmond Street.
Robert was a land owner. I was wondering. Was he building houses on the twenty fourth and twenty fifth and Edmond Streets blocks? He was livng on Edmond Street.
I notice in the 1889 City directories, that there was a Henry Langford was living at 1716 Colhoun Street. ~ R. Louis LANKFERD was listed there in 1890. Wondering if Henry Langford was related? Henry Langford was listed as colored. I have not found any new leads. Who was R. L. Lankford / Lankfard? Robert Louis Lankford / Lankfard was born on Sunday, February 22, 1852 in Barnett town, Washington County, Kentucky. He was the husband of Charlotta (Dade) Lankford / Lankfard. He was the father of 11. He was 67 years old at the time of his passing on Friday, November 14, 1919 in St. Joseph, Missouri. .
Robert’s death was recorded in the local news paper. He was listed as an ex-slave and a widely known and industrious negro citizen of St. Joseph, Missouri, a native from Kentucky. His last address was at 516 N 24 th in November of 1919. That was where his funeral was held.
Thank you for reading Contractor, Builder, R. L. Lankfard “Made Homes” Robert was a mason, stonemason, contractor, builder, grader, cement block worker, concrete worker, stone worker, did Chimney sweep and made a specialty of cisterns, walls and concrete walks and did much cistern digging and cement work for the older familles of the city.
God bless S.A. Blakley
Week 43: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026 The theme for Week 43 is “Homemade.” Recipes, crafts, clothing, even furniture – these items made by our ancestors can make us feel more connected to them. What is something homemade that you treasure? Or, who was someone who made things a little extra special?
“Aunt Frankie Dade, (colored) moth er of Ben Dade, living west of town about five miles died last week and was buried at Monticello Monday.
The old lady was close to the century mark in age and came to Lewis county with a number of Kentucky slaves belonging to the Burnett family, many years ago. She was well- known among the older residents of the county and among the Kentucky emigrants to this county.”
The cropped photo and information was taken from Frances’ obituary which was published in the Lewis County Journal in Monticello, Missouri on Thursday, April 25, 1901 on page 3.
“Aunt Frankie” Dade was also known as Mrs. Frances (Ovington) Dade. The year of Frances’ birth is unknown. She was born around 1799 – 1812 in Kentucky. She was the wife of Isaac Dade and the mother of 14 children.
On August 25, 1870, according to the Missouri census for Canton, Missouri: Her name was spelled Franky Dade. She was listed at age 58, born in Kentucy about 1812. Keeps house. Her husband was Isaac Dade. He was born in Virginia about 1813, his age, 57.
On June 12, 1880, according to the Missouri census for Canton, Missouri: Her name spelled Frankie Dade, her age was 70, born in Kentucky about 1810. Her husband, Isaac Dade, born in Virginia about 1808, his age 72. They lived on 3rd Street in Canton, Missouri.
On June 9 & 11 1900, according to the Missouri census; Canton, Missouri; The census taker recored that Frances was a widow, born in December of 1799 and listed her at the age of 101. She was born in Kentucy. ( She was living with her daughter Mary Madison and family). Frankie was recorded of having 14 children. Seven of her children were living when census was taken.
Frances Dade passed on Sunday, April 21, 1901, Lewis County Missouri. If she was born in 1810, she would be 90 at the time of her death. She had a daughter born in 1854; Frances’ birth could have been 1810 – 1812. Who was “Aunt Jane” Washington. ? She was also known as Mrs. Louisa Jane Dade Washington. She was the daughter of Isaac Dade and Frances (Ovington) Dade.
“Aunt Jane” Washington, an aged and highly respected colored wom. an of near Monticello died at her home Thursday morning. “Aunt Jane” came with the Stowers family to Lewis county in a very early day and was ever considered an honest, industrious good christian woman. “
“Aunt Jane’s” obituary was published in the Lewis County Journal Monticello, Missouri on Friday, April 22, 1910 on page 7. The cropped photo and some of information was taken from her obituary.
“Aunt Jane”, Mrs Louisa Jane (Dade) Washington: Her name was Louisa Jane Dade. She was born in Lincoln County Kentucky. She was the mother of 13. Her birth was most likely atound March of 1832. She was the wife of David Washington Sr.
According to Louisa Jane Washington’s death cerficate, her birth date was March of 1817. Other records show the birth years about 1842, 1826, 1840, and 1816. Her mother Frances’s birth recorded as 1799, 1810, 1812.
On the 1870, according to the Missouri census Township 61 Range 8, Lewis, Missouri, United States Her name was Jane Washington, at age 28, her birth year about 1842, Occupation: Keeping House, Inferred, Spouse David Washington
On The 1880, according to thecensus for Dickerson, Lewis, Missouri, United States: Her name was Jane Washington. Her age was 54, Birth date about 1826, Birthplace: Kentucky, Occupation Housekeeper, Spouse’s Name David Washington ,
On The 1900, according to the census for Dickerson, Lewis, Missouri Her name was Jane Washington her age 60, Birth Date, March 1840, Born in Kentucy. She was a widow. Jane Washington was listed as having 13 children. Five children were living.
On The 1910, Missouri census for Dickerson, Lewis, Missouri Her name was Jane Washington, her age 94, Birth date: March of 1816, Birthplace: Kentucky Census taken on April 15, 1910. This was six days before she passed.
The Missouri death certificate states, Louisa Jane Washington was born in March of 1817. She passed on April 21, 1910 in Lewis County Missouri. Her age was listed as 93 years and one month..
NOTE:: If Louisa had a child born in 1872, and if she was born in 1832, she would have been 40 when that child was born. Comparing The Life Frances ( Ovington) Dade and her daughter Louisa Jane (Dade) Washingon had some things in common. They both were born and enslaved in Kentucky. They both were moved to Missouri while enslaved. Both of their deaths of April 21 were noticed in the newspaper. Both were respected women in their time.
Frances Dade and Lousia Washington passed on April .21. They passed nine years apart from that day: 1901 and 1910. They out lived some of there children. They were younger than thought believed, not older.
Family Connections: I have DNA matches with some of Isaac Dade and Frances (Ovington) Dade’s descendants. The DADE branches of: Ben Dade Sr., Louisa Jane (Dade) Washington, Louis Newton Dade, Isaac Dayd and Charlotta (Dade) Lankfard who was my Grreat Grandmother born in January of 1854. Thanks for reading. Comparing The Life of” Frankie” To Her Daughter, “Jane” R.I.P. 2nd Great Grandmother” Frankie” and 2nd Great Aunt “Jane”
“Aunt Frankie’s son Ben Dade had a bridge named after him. They called him “Old Uncle Ben”. The Dade family was well known in Lewis County Missouri.
God bless S.A. Blakley
Week 42: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026 The theme for Week 42 is “A Life Compared to Mine.” The more you work on genealogy, the more you realize that people are people. Who is an ancestor whose life has parallels to yours? Or who is completely different?
According to the U.S., Select Births and Christenings, 1867-1931, he was listed as Jordan Blakey born on March 1, 1878 in Jackson Hinds, Mississippi. His parents were Isaac Blakey and Rachel Louisiana Jackson.( Note that Jordan had a twin , Julia Blakey. She was not listed on this record. According Isaac Blakey’s pension file dated July 15, 1915, Jordan had a twin named Julia. who was dead.)
Ironically, Jordan’s twin , Julia was listed on the 1880 Chariton County Missouri census with the family. but, Jordan was not. Julia was age 4 with her birth year about 1876. There was a Henry Blakey listed age 2, born about 1878. It’s most likely Jordan and Julia were born about 1876.
Cropped photo is of the1880 United States Federal Census for Chariton Howard County Missouri. The census taker recored the information on June 6, 1880.
Jordan Blakey can not be located on the 1900 Chariton Howard County Missouri census. According to the 1910, he was married to Lizzie Blakey for 4 years. She had no children. They married about 1906. (There is no record of their marriage in Chariton, Howard County Missouri. )
Wondering, where was Jordan between March of 1880 – 1909. Was he sick and or living with other family members? Was he in a hospital? Was he living elsewhere, working when he was an adult?
Jordan was living with this family in Jackson, Hinds Mississippi. The family moved to Missouri. Jordan was listed in Salisbury Chariton County Missouri on the 1910 census with his wife Lizzie.
He was listed living in Yankton, Yankton South Dakota in 1911 as a widower . Birth Year 1876. He was a widower when he married Flora Bentley, a widow on October 15, 1915 in Yanton, South Dakota. He lived in Yankton upto the early 1920’s. He was a farmer.
According to a news paper clip dated January 7, 1928, Jordan was living in Norfolk, Nebraska. According to the 1930 census. He was living with Ruby Blakey, his wife in Alliance Box Butte Nebraska . He worked for the railroad. As I was going back over Jordan’s timeline, I was thinking. He moved a lot. I discovered more about Rubenia and Jordan. They were members of the Second Baptist Church in Norfolk, Nebraska in 1928. Her name was Mrs. Rubenia (Holt) Thomas.
Jordan was living with “Ruby” Blakey his wife in Alliance Box Butte, Nebraska 1930 and Ann Habor Michigan from about 1932 – 1964. When he married Rubenia “Ruby” on November 14, 1934 in Lucas, Ohio., he stated that he was once married and is a widower. He had no living wife. Rubenia was Mrs, Earl Rucker when she married Jordan.
Did Jordan forget that he was married to Flora? Flora and Jordan went their separate ways around 1923 or so. Flora passed in 1954 in Sacramento, California. Rubenia (Holt) Blakey passed in 1974 and Jordan passed onTuesday, March 31, 1964 in Ann Habor, Michigan.
R.I.P. Great Uncle Jordan, you are not forgotten.
Thanks for reading. What The Timeline Shows: Jordan Blakey: Missing on Records Jordan was not listed on his sister Lillie Blakey Hayes’ 1934 obituary. Jordan and Lillie were living in Norfolk, Nebraska in 1928.
God bless S.A. Blakley
Week 41: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026. The theme for Week 41 is “What the Timeline Shows.” Timelines are great for putting events in context and spotting gaps in your research. What is something you’ve discovered using a timeline? (Or, any clock- or watchmakers in the family?)
Hunting season must have been an adventure for Isaac Blakey and his hound dogs. He was a known big game hunter and trapper in South Dakota. He could track the trails of coyotes, raccoons, wildcats, lynx, minks, deers etc… Hunting was his favorite sport.
A Moment of Courage Isaac and his hounds encountered a young moutain loin. There’s an article that was published in The Tabor Independent in Tabor, South Dakota on Thursday, February 19, 1920 on page 2. It shed some light on what happened. This was what was printed.
“Yankton, S. D. Feb 16 — Isaac Blakely, raccoon hunter, went out the other night to indulge in his favorite sport, taking along his three trained hounds.
Two ‘coons were killed and then the hounds ran down a young mountain lion, who gave such a fight he beat off the dogs and their master and got away into the brush after a two- hour fight. Blakely did not happen to have a rifle with him.
The combat took place within 20 miles of Yankton. This is not supposed to be a big game country any more, but two years ago Blakely killed a very large Canadian lynx 20 miles west of Yankton. “
The photo is of Isaac Blakey, holding a raccoon. The words above the photo reads, Isaac Blakey Jr., farmer, dog catcher, hunter. The year of photo is unknown.
According to Theodore Rpbert “Ted” Blakey, Isaac’s nephew, Isaac “was a salesman extra-ordinary, raised dogs, and was a coon hunter, manufactured molasses from cane sugar he raised, was a butcher, and a church leader– lay preacher and singer.”
The earliest news article that I discovered about Isaac hunting was published in The Sioux Falls Press in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Wednesday, December 10, 1913 on page 3.
Isaac was with other hunters looking for ‘coons. He killed a very large wildcat west of Yankton County. The cat took up a fight that lasted three hours.
What were some of the animals that Isaac came in contact with? Raccoons, moutain lions, lioness and cubs, timber wolves, coyotes, large Canadian lynx, wildcats, large wolf, minks, deers, large prairie wolf which was 5′ ll’ in length and it was not a coyote. There were coyotes that resembles a silver wolf. There were an animal crossed between a timber wolf and a coyote.
There’s a news clip that was published in St. Paul Recorder in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, October 9, 1959. It reads “Oh, Isaac Blakey at 82, has a new truck and lookin tops. He’s hunting coons like crazy.” This news clip appeared in the Sioux Falls City, South Dakota column.
Isaac Bakey was born on Wednesday, July 2, 1873. in Natchez, Mississippi. He was the son of veteran Private Isaac Blakey and Rachel (Jackson / Lephridge) Blakey. He was one of 18 children.
Isaac was the husband of Maggie (Williams) Blakey. They were the parents of eleven sons and five daughters. He passed on Thursday, April 1, 1971 in Yankton, South Dakota. He would have been 98 on Saturday. July 3, 1971. R.I. P. Great Uncle Isaac Thanks for reading A Moment Of Courage a Hunter, His Dogs and a Mountain Lion Isaac had wolf hounds and ‘coon hounds. Wondered what their names were?
God bless S.A. Blakley
Week 40: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026 The theme for Week 40 is “A Moment of Courage.” Mark Twain said, ““Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” Think about something an ancestor faced with courage, whether it was something heroic, or the quiet courage of everyday life.
The photo is front the other side of a photocard. I wish something written on it. I can’t recall where I got this postcard. Perhaps, it was found in my Grandma Mary Anna’s house during the mid 1970’s. The orginal photo is in black and white.
Still, I keep wondering. Who are they? I searched for other photos on Ancestry.com and other sources. I was trying to match up faces. And, I think that I may have found some clues to who they are.
This man in the unknown postcard photo. could he have been the younger version of Ezekiel W, Nickerson? The young lady in the postcard photo, could she have been Isabelle (Lanford) Nickerson, his wife?
This photo is of Ezekiel W Nickerson (1895 – 1942). The name E. W. Nickerson is written below the photo. The photo was colorized and repaired by MyHertiage tool. The orginal photo is in black and white.
Isabella V. Lankford (1899 – 1938) lived in Denver, Colorado. She had relative living there.. She was listed living in St. Joseph, Missouri on the 1920 census. However, Isabella later married Ezekiel Watson Nickerson on Monday, August 16, 1920 in Denver. Isabella was 20 and Ezekiel was 24. They lived in Denver until they passed.
They were the parents of eight children: They carried the Nickerson surname. Their first and middle names were Nathan Welcom, Vivian Virginia, Lankford James, Betina “Betty” Q, Robert Eugene, Doris Laverne, twins, Freddie and his twin, name unknown.
I’ve seen some other photos of Ezekiel and Isabella. Thankful for those who share photos. R.I.P. Great Uncle Ezekiel and Great Aunt Isabella
Thanks for reading. What Wasn’t Written Down on Unknown Postcard
God bless S.A. Blakley
“The theme for Week 39 is “What Wasn’t Written Down.” We deal with a lot of written records, but we can also learn from things like photos and the spoken word. What is something you’ve learned about an ancestor in a different way? (Or what do you wish had been written down, but wasn’t?)” ~ Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026.
I can only imagine how my Great Grandparent Robert’s personality came across as he was speaking to a news reporter. What he said was published in The Kansas Democrat Hiawatha, Kansas on Thursday, February 28, 1918 on page 3. Here was some of what was printed. ( I added some information. )
“R. L. Langfard of St. Joseph, came to Hiawatha, Kansas Thursday, to see his son Charles, who is in the county jail, facing charges with assault with intent to kill.” ( Otis Washington, who was well known baber in town.)
(The unnamed news reporter mentioned that) “The Senior Langkfard has the appearance of a fine old gentelman and gave it flat out to Sheriff Biddle that he could not help his son get out on bond. The bond was fixed at $2,500.” ( Then Robert continued to speak….)
(Robert went on and to say that ) “Charley had a chance to get along in St. Joe, as he had lots of work and recently he secured a place in the mail service.”
(Robert said that he didn’t) “know anythng about the trouble between his son and (Charlie’s) wife. When we went over to Mrs. Hughes’, today to get the baby to take it over to the jail, Charle’s wife was nursing Washington, the man Charley shot.” (Not sure who was with Robert to take the baby to see Charlie. They cared enough to take the baby and go see Charile in jail. )
Wondering HowThings Ended Up? Charles pleaded guilty to the charges, and was sentenced to the Kansas State Penitentiary; for not less than one or more than five years. Otis Washington survived the bullet wounds.
Charles and Meta were divorced in 1919. Meta passed in 1931, Charles passed in 1937. Robert L. Lankfard passed in November of 1919.
Robert was well known during his time. People respected him. He was the husband of Charlotta (Dade) Lankford / Lankfard. They were the parents of 11 children. ~ R.I.P. Great Grandfather Robert
Thanks for reading. A Document With Personality: Read Between The Lines
Read Between the Lines: Story has it that Charles and his wife Meta were separated for about five months. Meta moved in with her Grandmother Mrs Hughes. Otis Washington had a room at Meta’s grandmother’s house. On the day of the shooting, Charles was in Hiawatha, Kansas to reconcile with Meta. However, Charles met up with Otis, and ended up wanting to kill him. Charles personality came across in this drama story.
After Charles shot Otis twice, Charlie wanted to turned himself in. However, nobody was at the Sherriff’s office. So, he had to go to find someone to arrest him. Well, that’s another story: It Didn’t Go As Planned For Charley : Should Be a Movie.
God bless S.A. Blakley
Week 38: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge for 2026
The theme for Week 38 is “A Document with Personality.” Let’s be honest – some records we work with can be a bit dry. But others are oozing with personality. It could be a will with an interesting clause; an obituary that paints a picture of the person’s life; and don’t forget photos and tombstones! What is something you’ve found that has personality?
I have come across records of relatives who could not sign their names. They made their mark, and someone had to witness their mark. Imagine, what type of mark they would choose?
Jordan Blakey choose his mark. I don’t know how many documents he did. However, when I saw his mark for the first time, I thought of the sign on the CROSS; yes, a cross. I came across three documents like that. Who would have imagine doing this? He didn’t choose the X.
One of three of Jordan’s marks was on his U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. It was dated September 12, 1918. His second wife was Flora (Lawrence) Bentley Blakey was the nearest relative.
When Jordan married Rubenian Holt on Wednesday, November 14, 1934, he made his mark that appeared a big cross; Mr Jordan ( t ) Blakey . On Jordan Blakey’s U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, dated Sunday, April 27, 1947. His mark wasn’t a small t. See cropped photo.
Thank you for reading. A Small Detail I Love: Jordan Blakey’s Mark Jordan’s mark was the sign of the cross.
R.I.P. Great Uncle Jordan. (1878 – 1964)
God bless you. S.A. Blakley
Week 37: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2026
The theme for Week 37 is “A Small Detail I Love.” Breaking through a brick wall is awesome, but finding a small detail can bring its own kind of joy. (For some reason, it made me smile when I discovered that my great-grandfather had a tattoo.) What is a detail that seems insignificant, but makes you smile when you think of it?
I can’t recall when I heard of the name Hattie McDaniel. I was told that she was an actress. She was the household maid in 1935 a short film. And she played Buckwheat’s mother, Mandy in the orginal Our Gang ( Little Rascals.)
Hattie made history when she won an Oscar in the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as “Mammy” in the film “Gone With The Wind” in 1939. She was the first African American to win an Oscar.
In July of 2010, my sister and I visited our Aunt Josephine. Our Aunt “Josie” was sharing with us what she read about Hattie in the JET Magazine. What caught Aunt Josie’s attention was one of Hattie’s husbands.
Aunt Josie came across the name Nym Lankford. And she said WHAT?? She didn’t know that her Uncle Nym was married to Hattie. I was surprised myself!
This marriage must have been a well kept family secret. My mother only mentioned to me that they called him Uncle Nym because his name was Nymadula. It was hard to pronounce.
Finding information about Nym was a challenge. But, through the years of searching, I began to discover more about him, his wives. He had a daughter and a son.
Hattie and Nym Nym was listed on the 1920 census in Caspter Wyoming, as a laborer along with his first wife, Hattie, singer, entertainer. Her name was marked over on that census. The indexer wrote her name as Hannie Langford. Nym Langford was listed as her husband.
According to the 1923 Denver, Colorado City directory, they were listed as “Nym Lankford (Hattie) ~ r 2928 Downing”. According to the 1925 City directory in Caspter, Wyoming, they were listed as “Nymadulis L. Langford and Hattie Langford , jan Frantz Shop r rear 228 N Beech.”
There were a few news articles that mentioned their names. The cropped news clip was publihed in the New Journal and Guide Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday, June 22, 1940 on page 17. Hattie McDaniel was sharing some thiings about her life, her marriages etc…
Another one of my blogs on Hattie McDaniel’s Second Husband Nym Langford:/ Lankfard Posted on August 13, 2025 by Susan Ann Blakley Thanks for reading More Than A Name ~ Hattie McDaniel Hattie McDaniel carried the Lankfard / Lankford surname, and is on my family tree,.
God bless you. S.A. Blakley
Idea from Week 36: Amy Johnson Crow’s #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2026. The theme for Week 36 is “More Than a Name.” I’ve said for ages that our ancestors are more than names on a chart. They were real people with real lives. What is something you’ve found about an ancestor that really made them come alive for you?e of
