My Genealogy Hound

John E. Lankford, one of the pioneers of Newton County, Mo., is a native of Kentucky, born in Warren County, October 12, 1812, his parents being Nathan D. and Nancy (Embley) Lankford, both natives of Virginia, but early residents of Kentucky, having gone there shortly after their marriage. When their son, John E., was eighteen years of age his parents moved to Morgan County, Ind., where they passed the remainder of their lives with the exception of a short time spent in Missouri. In 1839 John E. Lankford set out on horseback for Missouri, and after a journey of about two months, during which time he made a trip through Northern Missouri, he drew rein in Newton County, July 29, 1841, he married Miss Elizabeth Demoss, a native of Monroe County, Ind., and the daughter of John and Mary (Burns) Demoss, both of whom died when she was small. She was reared by Nelson Burkhart, with whom she came to Newton County, Mo., in the spring of 1839. In 1845 Mr. Lankford located where he now resides, and afterward entered the land. He has resided here ever since, with the exception of a four years’ residence in Greene County, Ill., during the war. To Mr. and Mrs. Lankford were born thirteen children, nine of whom are living, viz.: John P., Nancy Margaret (wife of F. M. Harrison), Melissa Ann (wife of Peter Thompson), Sarah (wife of Richard Adams), William A., Polena (wife of Moses Ratcliff), Rebecca V. (wife of Henry Roark), Frances S. and Orlena Grant. Those deceased are named as follows: Francis M., Mary M., Louisa V. and Martha C. Mr. Lankford is a Republican politically, and has held many local offices. He has 120 acres in one farm, eighty in another body in the same township, and 120 in Neosho Township, making a total of 320 acres. He, like a great many others, experienced all the hard-ships and privations incident to pioneer life. Mr. Lankford is a member of the Christian Church, and is a good citizen.