George H. Lankford

    George H. Lankford, river trader, Aurora, is a native of Maryland, born in Somerset County, November 29, 1832. His education was very limited. His parents, Littleton and Adeline (Townsend) Lankford, were born in Maryland, the father in 1800 and the mother in 1802. They raised a family of six children. The parents ere members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the father was an officer for years. He died in 1853, and the mother in 1858.

    George H., in early life, left the farm and served a four years' apprenticeship at bricklaying, and received as compensation for his services in addition tot he knowledge acquired, one pair of boots. He came to Indiana in 1855, and followed his trade, and boarded for fourteen years at the Eagle Hotel in Aurora.

    September 4, 1865, he was married to Miss Adaline Pusey, who was born in Maryland, January 15, 1835. Mr. Lankford began operating on the river in 1859, and has followed flat boating and steam-boating ever since. He was in the Government service for three years as pilot, and ran the blockade, at Vicksburg, in perfect safety, without even a scratch. He hold a license as pilot from Cincinnati to New Orleans. For the last few years he has been spending his winters south. Mr. Lankford is a worthy member of Aurora Lodge No. 442, F. & A., Aurora Chapter No. 13, Aurora Council and Aurora Commandry No. 17, K. T. His estimable wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Source: History of Dearborn and Ohio Counties, Indiana by F.E. Weakley & Co., 1885.