John Lankford of Viginia and Iowa

Biographical and Historical Record of Wayne and Appanoose Counties, Iowa
Chicago: Inter-State Pub. Co., 1886.

J-P

Unless noted, biographies were submitted by Polly Eckles.

JOHN LANKFORD, undertaker and
furniture dealer, Centerville, Iowa, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana,
March 27, 1827, a son of Robert and
Sarah (Street) Lankford, the former a native of Virginia, and
the latter of Kentucky, both of English ancestry. When eighteen years
of age he began working at the carpenter's trade, and served an
apprenticeship of three years. In May, 1850, he came to Iowa and lived
at Ottumwa six months, thence removing to Centerville, where he worked
at this trade until 1865, when he became established in his present
business. Mr. Lankford is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge,
chapter and commandery, and also of the lodge and encampment of the
Odd Fellows order. He is in politics a Republican. He was married in
September, 1852, to Nancy J. Henderson,
of Centerville. They have eight children: William, Sarah (wife of W. G. Clark), Heber H., Beatrice, Grace, Carl, Roy and Leona.