Nathan Mansfield Lankford

Nathan Mansfield Lankford, son of Curtis Caldwell Lankford and Catherine Anne Carruth, was born in Gwinnett County, Georgia on April 22, 1843. He was the fifth child of eight—Mary Elizabeth Lankford, Martha Emily Lankford, Lauraette Mitchell Lankford, James Carruth Lankford, Nathan Mansfield Lankford, John Bailis Lankford, Robert Cotesworth Lankford, and William Perry Lankford. Nathan’s sister Martha died in infancy in 1838, before he was born. 

Nathan is my 1st cousin 5x removed with our nearest common relatives being Nathan Lankford and Marion Caldwell. Nathan and Marion, married about 1790 in Rutherford County, North Carolina, are my 5th great grandparents. According to the book “History of Gwinnett County, Georgia,” by James C. Flanigan, Nathan Lankford “served as a private soldier in the American Revolution. He was in the memorable Battle of King’s Mountain, October 7, 1780 at which time he was only sixteen years of age. He was a brick mason by trade and helped to build the first White House in Washington, D.C. The corner stone was laid by George Washington, October 13, 1782 and Nathan Lankford was present.” The book goes on to say that Nathan Mansfield Lankford’s great-grandfather and my 6th great-grandfather was John Lankford who was born in Cornwall County, England about 1709 and came to America about 1725. John “married a Miss Taylor who was a relative of President Zack Taylor.”

On August 2, 1850, eight-year-old Nathan lived in Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia with his parents and siblings Mary (age 16), Laureate (age 12), James (age 10), John (age 5), Robert (age 3), and William (one month). His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $3000. His 83-year-old grandmother, Marion Caldwell Lankford (enumerated as Mariam Lankford) lived next door, along with Elizabeth Lankford (age 66), and Robert Lankford (43). I believe Robert was his uncle (born 1809)—the age is right. I’m not sure who Elizabeth was at this point in my research.

On September 22, 1860, 17-year-old Nathan and his family lived in the Berkshire district of Gwinnett County. His father was a farmer with real estate valued at $2500 and a personal estate valued at $4500. Nathan was attending school. The Lankford family were clustered together in the neighborhood when the census enumerator visited. Nathan’s cousin, Robert Mansfield Braden Jr., his family, and Nathan’s aunt Rhoda Lankford Braden (sister of Nathan’s father) lived four houses away. Nathan’s uncle (his father’s and Rhoda’s brother) Robert S. Langford and his family lived next door to the Braden’s—three houses from Nathan’s house. Minor Langford lived next door and the age would be right to be Nathan’s uncle but I’m stumped by the other individuals living in the home with Minor—Mary Mathews and her children Harriett, Minerva, John, William, and Eli. I don’t believe they are related to the Lankford’s after finding Mary and her children living as a family unit with no others in other census years. I could be wrong though so take that information with a grain of salt. 

The Civil War began in 1861 and forever changed the Lankford family. In 1862, Nathan traveled to Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia and enlisted as a private in Company C, 12th Georgia Battalion Light Artillery. In November 1864, he was sent to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia by the physician in command and then furloughed home due to chills and fever in January 1865. Nathan didn't recover from his sickness until the fall of 1866 and didn’t return to his command. His regiment surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia on April 9, 1865 without Nathan present. At the time of his discharge, Nathan held the rank of sergeant. Nathan would later become “a member of Gen. C. A. Evans Camp Confederate Veterans” in Decatur, Georgia. Nathan’s brother James didn’t survive the war, dying of measles while in service. There is a Find A Grave memorial for James that shows him buried at Pounds Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Following the end of the Civil War, Georgia was in shambles and reconstruction began. According to Ancestry.com, “the Reconstruction Acts of 1867 required Southern states to ratify the 14th Amendment, draft new state constitutions, and register voters, both black and white. In order to vote, men had to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States, and some were disqualified for their participation in Confederate government posts.” Nathan signed this oath on July 8, 1867. 

Nathan's oath of allegiance (click to enlarge)

Nathan married Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” McElroy, daughter of John William McElroy and Margaret Matilda Tilly, in DeKalb County, Georgia on November 14, 1867. Together they had five children—Frances Emily Lankford, William Curtis Lankford, Ellie Margaret (or Margaret Ellie) Lankford, Lenora Dean Lankford, and Allie Nina Lankford. 

Lankford-McElroy marriage record

On August 20, 1870, the Lankford family lived in the Brownings District of Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia. Nathan was a farmer with real estate valued at $800 and a personal estate valued at $525. His wife Mary E. was keeping house. Their first child, one year old Frances Emily, was enumerated as Fannie E. A 13-year-old black female named Frances McDaniel lived in the home as well and was a farm laborer. The 1870 Agricultural Census Schedule showed that Nathan had 280 acres of land—20 of which were “improved,” 200 “Woodland,” and 60 “Other unimproved.” His farm was valued at $800 and tools and machinery at $40. Nathan’s livestock was valued at $225 and included 1 mule, 1 milch cow, 1 other cattle, 5 sheep, and 11 swine. He grew wheat, Indian corn, and oats. During the period 1873–1876, the Georgia Property Tax Digests in Clarkston (Brownings District) of DeKalb County show that he had 202.5 acres of land valued at $1800. That same land was valued at $1500 during the period 1877–1880. 

On June 9, 1880, Nathan and his family lived in Clarkston (Brownings District, Cross Keys) of DeKalb County, Georgia. Nathan was a farmer. The enumerator noted that both of his parents were born in North Carolina. His wife was enumerated as Elizabeth, daughter Frances as Fannie, daughter Margaret Ellie as Ella, and daughter Lenora as Nora. Nathan’s 65-year-old mother-in-law Margaret (Tilly) McElroy lived with them, along with a 20-year-old black hired hand named Raz Turner who helped on the farm. The Manufacturers Census Schedule showed that the nature of his business was “Ginning” with a $1100 capital investment. He employed six hands to help him work the land, five of them above age 16. The “value of material (including mill supplies and fuel)” was $6000. The “value of product (including jobbing and repairing)” was $6300.

The year 1883 was a terrible one for the Lankford family with the death of Nathan’s father, Curtis, in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia on June 27. The Atlanta Constitution published a death notice on June 28: 

“Special to The Constitution. Stone Mountain, June 27.—Died, near this place to-day, Mr. C. C. Lankford, at his residence in Gwinnett county, aged 77 years. He leaves the wife of his youth, about the same age, several children and friends and relatives in Georgia and North Carolina to mourn their loss. Had been a member of the Methodist church for over fifty years.” 

Curtis’ death was soon followed by Nathan’s mother, Catherine Anne Carruth Lankford, in Gwinnett County on August 28, 1883. Both Curtis and Catherine were buried at Pounds Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. 

In the year 1890, the Property Tax Digests for Stone Mountain showed that Mrs. N. M. Lankford had 200 acres of land valued at $1500. Nathan himself had 35 acres valued at $1200. That same year, Nathan decided to run for office. The Atlanta Constitution reported this on November 29, 1890:

Interested in becoming a county official—Mr. J. A. Mason, the present county treasurer, wants to serve another term. He is opposed by three clever men, Mr. John G. Brown, N. M. Lankford and I. N. Wilson. Mr. Mason’s opponents are all members of the alliance.

Nathan’s son William married Susan Allen on April 18, 1895. The Houston Home Journal in Perry, Houston County, Georgia reported the marriage on April 25, 1895:

Powersville news. On last Thursday evening at 6 o’clock the marriage of Mr. Wm. Langford, of Midway, Ala., to Miss Susie Allen, of Powersville, was consummated at the residence of the residence [sic] of the bride’s uncle, Mr. W. E. Warren. A few minutes before six sweet notes of the wedding march were sounded on the organ by Miss Stella Tomlin, of Butler, Ga. Then came the bridal party as follows: Miss Maggie Allen with Mr. Tim Allen, Miss Emma Lou Jones, of Macon, with Mr. John Allen, Miss Maud Cliett with Mr. Jimmie Hughes. Mr. Lankford with his lovely bride leaning upon his arm came forward and took their proper place. Dr. W. L. Jones, the silver tongued divine, in a very beautiful and impressive manner joined them together as man and wife. After showers of congratulations and best wishes from their many friends, a very elegant and sumptuous luncheon was served. The bride is the accomplished daughter of Mrs. George W. Allen, and is in every way fitted to make Mr. Lankford a happy companion through life. The groom is a gentleman in every particular. Mr. Lankford has long been a trusted employe [sic] of the C. R. R. Co., and now holds a responsible position as depot agent at Midway, Ala. His friends are numbered by the score, who wish for him and his fair bride a long, prosperous and happy life. The happy couple left on the 7 o’clock train for a bridal tour in North Georgia. While there they will visit several points of interest, such as the Blue Ridge and Lookout mountains, Rome, Ga., and other points, after which they will return to their future home at Midway, Ala.

On June 6, 1900, Nathan, his wife Mary, and daughters Margaret (age 26) and Allie (age 22) lived in Pickneyville, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Nathan and Mary had been married for 30 years. The census enumerator recorded Mary as the mother of five children, all of which were living. Nathan was a farmer. On August 5, 1901, The Atlanta Constitution reported that “Mrs. Will Lankford, of Ozark, Ala., is visiting the family of Mr. N. M. Lankford.” A very sad event took place on March 17, 1903 when Nathan’s grandson, Warren Lankford, died at his home. The Home Journal of Perry, Houston County, Georgia reported the death on April 2, 1903:

In Memoriam. Written for The Home Journal. Little Warren Lankford, the 3-year-old son of Mr. W. C. and Mrs. Susan Allen Lankford, went to sleep March 17, 1903, at the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lankford, Clarkston, Ga. Intelligent beyond his years, sweet and winsome, we all loved him. God, in His wisdom, chose this bright jewel for His kingdom. His little voice, though sadly missed here, is making sweet melody in his heavenly home. May the gentle influences of his short life spent here cause his bereaved parents to look over the mystic river of death into the sweet haven of eternal rest. He is not dead, only sleeping; the bud, transplanted, shall bloom again far brighter than moon or stars.

Loved ones, press onward to the Golden City, and there, united with little Warren, you may live through all eternity and there with him praise our Father, who doeth all things well.

Powersville, Ga.  F. D. Chunn.

But the year 1903 ended on a happy note for the Lankford family with the marriage of their daughter Allie. The Constitution reported it on November 25, 1903:

Atlanta, GA. Wednesday, November 25, 1903—ESTES-LANKFORD. Clarkston, Ga., November 24—(Special.) A beautiful and interesting event of the week was the marriage this evening of Miss Allie Nina Lankford and Mr. Thomas Otto Estes. The event was characterized by the sweet solemnity of a home wedding and was witnessed by the relatives and most intimate friends of the young couple. The bride, who is a handsome brunette, wore a traveling suit of brown with hat to match and carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley. An elegant course dinner was served the guests and Mr. and Mrs. Estes left on the evening train for their home in Lincolnton. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Lankford and by her sweet Christian character has endeared herself to many friends who regret to give her up. Mr. Estes is a prominent business man of Lincolnton and has many friends there who will delight to welcome his bride.

Nathan’s sister, Lauraette Mitchell Lankford McClain, died on January 23, 1905, just five days after her birthday. She was buried at Harmony Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. In October 1907, Nathan and Mary traveled to Orlando, Florida where they spent the winter. 

At age 60, Nathan filed for an Indigent Pension in Clarkston, DeKalb County, Georgia on December 16, 1908 based on the grounds of infirmity and poverty. He stated that he “has no real estate in the State of Georgia, nor in any other State, but that his wife, Mary E. Lankford, does own a house and let in DeKalb County, Georgia, bought from J. W. Kirkpatrick, administrator [sic] that the purchase price paid thereafer [sic] was $800.00 and that the whole amount of the purchase price was paid by said Mary E. Lankford, and that N. M. Lankford paid no part of the purchase price at all.” He further stated “My physical condition is very poor. … I am not able to make a living at any kind of labor.” Nathan was supported by his wife and children during the years 1901 to 1907. He stated that his support cost about $125 per year and that he contributed $50 of that from his own labor or income. This was the first time he had applied for a pension. Two doctors—W. S. Angelely and C. S. Branyon—examined him on September 22, 1908 and determined that his precise physical condition was “rupture piles, indigestion, and a general breakdown which renders him unable to do manual labor or any other kind of labor to support himself.” 

On August 10, 1909, Nathan’s nephew, George Curtis Lankford, son of his brother John Balis Lankford, married Ramona Bennett. Nathan most likely attended the wedding which was reported in The Atlanta Constitution on August 14: 

Bennett-Langford. A pretty wedding of the week was that of Miss Ramona Bennett and Mr. George Curtis Lankford, at St. Phillip’s Episcopal cathedral, on Tuesday morning, at 11 o’clock. Rev. Gilbert Higgs officiating. Mr. W. Taber player the wedding march. Miss May Belle Yarbrough, maid of honor, wore a white lingerio gown trimmed with lace, and wore a picture hat of white Neapolitan, and carried a shower bouquet of pink roses. The bride entered with her father, Mr. H. W. Bennett, who gave her away. Her gown was of blue silk trimmed in pearl gray, and her picture hat was of blue. She carried a shower bouquet of bride roses. She was met at the altar by the groom and his best man, Mr. Robert Lankford, of Tifton. Mr. and Mrs. Lankford left for an extended trip. They will return the latter part of the month.

On February 20, 1910, The Atlanta Constitution reported that Nathan and Elizabeth hosted the 95th birthday family reunion of Granny McElroy (Elizabeth’s mother Margaret (Tilly) McElroy) at his home. The celebration was attended by about 50 members of the family. On April 16, 1910, the census enumerator found Nathan and his wife living in Clarkston. Their daughter Margaret, her husband Pleasant Collinsworth, and five-year-old son Allen lived with them. Nathan’s 95-year-old mother-in-law Margaret McElroy lived with them as well. Pleasant supported his family by working as a physician in a general practice. In September 1911, Nathan traveled to Rome, Georgia to attend a confederate soldier’s reunion. February 1912 brought the 97th birthday celebration of Nathan’s mother-in-law in Norcross. The Atlanta Constitution reported it on February 15, 1912 and noted that “Mrs. McElroy was considered one of the pioneers of Georgia, having moved to Georgia from Pendleton, S.C., when 11 years old.” A year later, the McElroy family gathered again to celebrate the 98th birthday of Granny McElroy. The Constitution in Atlanta reported it on February 13, 1913:

Mrs. M’Elroy Celebrates Her Ninety-Eighth Birthday—Norcross, Ga., February 13—(Special.)—Descendants of the fourth generation were gathered yesterday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Estes, Clarkston, to celebrate the ninety-eighth birthday of Mrs. Margaret McElroy and to hope that she will pass the century mark as hale and hearty as she is at the present time. 

On February 3, 1914, Nathan’s brother Robert Cotesworth Lankford, died suddenly of heart failure in Norcross, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Robert was buried at Harmony Grove Cemetery in Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia. That same year, Nathan’s five-year-old granddaughter Elizabeth Catherine Estes, daughter of Allie (Lankford) and Thomas Estes died on October 6. Elizabeth was buried at Clarkston Cemetery.

Nathan’s mother-in-law Margaret McElroy turned 100 years old in February 1915. Five generations of the family gathered at the home of Stephen Tilly McElroy, Nathan’s brother-in-law, in Norcross, Georgia to celebrate. 

Less than two years after the death of Nathan’s granddaughter Elizabeth Estes, her father (and Nathan’s son-in-law) Thomas Estes died on May 10, 1916. Thomas was buried at Clarkston Cemetery.

At the age of 101 years, Granny McElroy, died on August 7, 1916 at Nathan and Mary’s home. The Atlanta Constitution reported her death later that day … “She came here two weeks ago from Norcross to visit her daughter, and on the day of her arrival received a fall, breaking her hip and receiving other injuries. The fall was the immediate cause of her death, as, notwithstanding her advanced age, she had been enjoying fairly good health.”

In late August 1916, Nathan’s grandnephew, Bennett Curtis Lankford, grandson of his brother John Bailis Lankford, died in Atlanta. Bennett was buried at Harmony Grove Church Cemetery. A little over a year later, on October 17, 1917, Nathan’s brother William Perry Lankford died at his home in Tucker, Gwinnett County, Georgia. He was buried at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Stone Mountain.

On January 2, 1920, Nathan and Mary lived with his daughter (Ellie) Margaret and her family (husband Pleasant Collinsworth and sons Allen and Pleasant Jr.) in Omega, Tift County, Georgia. Nathan was 76 years old and no longer working. His son-in-law Pleasant continued to work as a physician in a general practice. 

Nathan died in Omega on June 5, 1920, probably at his daughter’s house. His body was brought from south Georgia to Norcross for a funeral service held at the Methodist church with Rev. Nath Thompson, a former pastor, officiating. After the service, Nathan was buried at Norcross Town Cemetery in Norcross, Georgia with six of his grandsons acting as pallbearers. Nathan was considered a “highly respected citizen of Clarkston.” He was very active in the Methodist church and dedicated much of his life to the church. Nathan was a teacher and superintendent for the church Sunday school. He was known to have a “strong Christian character” and to be a peace maker.

Gravestone photo used with permission of Lisa Spulick

References

• Accident Is Fatal For Granny McElroy; Dies in 102d Year, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 7, 1916.
• Bennett-Langford Marriage, The Atlanta Constitution, August 14, 1909.
• C. R. Lankford, Norcross, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 3, 1914.
• Census Year: 1870; Census Place: Browning, DeKalb, Georgia; Archive Collection Number: T1137; Roll: T1137:7; Page: 43; Line: 34; Schedule Type: Agriculture 17.
• Family Reunion, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 20, 1910.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/93965522/laura-mitchell-mcclain: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Laura Mitchell Lankford McClain (28 Jan 1839–23 Jan 1905), Find a Grave Memorial ID 93965522, citing Harmony Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Whitfield (contributor 47786265).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88556032/james-carruth-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for James Carruth Lankford (15 Feb 1841–4 Jan 1862), Find a Grave Memorial ID 88556032, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Linda Hinkle (contributor 47082158).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37121270/nathan-mansfield-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Nathan Mansfield Lankford (20 Apr 1843–5 Jun 1920), Find a Grave Memorial ID 37121270, citing Norcross City Cemetery, Norcross, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Quietly Resting (contributor 47077524).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28795020/curtis-caldwell-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Curtis Caldwell Lankford (1 Feb 1806–27 Jun 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 28795020, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by R Hill (contributor 47034378).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28794784/catherine-anne-lankford: accessed 31 July 2022), memorial page for Catherine Anne Carruth Lankford (9 Nov 1810–28 Aug 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 28794784, citing Pounds Cemetery, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA; maintained by R Hill (contributor 47034378).
• Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, Nathan M. Lankford, 1873–1876, 1877–1880, 1890.
• History of Gwinnett County, Georgia, vol. 2, James C. Flanigan, printed by Tyler & Co., 1984.
• In Memoriam, Little Warren Lankford, Home Journal, Perry, Georgia, April 2, 1903.
• In Memorium, The News-Herald, Lawrenceville, Georgia, July 22, 1920.
• Interested in Becoming a County Official, The Atlanta Constitution, November 28, 1890.
• Lankford Funeral Notice, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, August 27, 1916.
• Marriage of Estes Lankford, The Constitution, November 25, 1903.
• Miss Elizabeth Catherine Estes Funeral, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 8, 1914.
• Mrs. M’Elroy Celebrates Her Ninety-Eighth Birthday, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 15, 1912.
• Mrs. Will Lankford visits family, The Atlanta Constitution, August 5, 1901.
• N. M. Lankford, Georgia, Confederate Pension Applications, 1879–1960.
• N. M. Lankford, Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867–1869.
• N. M. Lankford, U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles.
• Nathan Lankford Dies on Saturday, The Atlanta Constitution, June 6, 1920.
• Nathan M. Lankford and Lizzie McElroy, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• Nathan M. Lankford, Fulton and Campbell Counties, Georgia, Cemetery Records, 1857–1933.
• One Hundred Candles Lighted on Cake at “Granny” McElroy’s Birthday Party, The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 14, 1915.
• Powersville news, marriage of William Langford to Miss Susie Allen, Houston Home Journal, April 25, 1895.
• Special to The Constitution, Curtis Lankford death notice, The Atlanta Constitution, June 28, 1883.
• Tombstone photo by Quietly Resting, Find A Grave Memorial# 37121270.
• Travel to Rome, Georgia, The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 24, 1911.
• Trip to Florida, The Atlanta Constitution, October 27, 1907.
• U.S. Federal Census, Berkshire, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1850, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Brownings District, Cross Keys, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, Brownings District, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Clarkston, DeKalb County, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Omega, Tift County, Georgia, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Pickneyville, Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, Agriculture, 1870.
• U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, Manufacturing, 1880.
• W. P. Lankford Obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 18, 1917.
• William Perry Lankford obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, October 18, 1917.