Charlotta was born into slavery sometime in January of 1854 in Missouri. She was the daughter of Isaac DADE SR. and Frances (OVINGTON) DADE. She was the widow of Robert Louis Lankford / Lankfard.

Charlotta was one of 14 children. Some of her siblings were born in Kentucky and the others in Missouri. Charlotta would have been about 11 when slavery was abolished in 1865. Charlotta's where a bout in 1870 is unknown. She wasn't listed on that census.

Miss Charlotta DADE married Lewis LANKFORD on January 25, 1873 in Canton, Missouri. Isaac and Frances Dade were witnesses to the marriage. Charlotta was 19 and Lewis was 21.

Charlotta was her given name or the name that she choose. There are records listing Charlotta's name spelled Charlotte, Charlottie and Lottie. The names could have been her nicknames.

Charlotta was listed as a housewife and laundress and a mother. She was a well dressed woman. She was distinguish in appearance. According to one of her great grand daughters, Charlotta was a steamstress or a dressmaker.

There is a photo of Mrs. Charlotta / Charlottie / Lottie (DADE) LANKFORD/ LANKFARD. The photo was taken outside the Lankford/ Lankfard Family home at 2411 Messanie St. in 1892 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

In the photo Charlotta about 38 was standing on the porch area of the entrance way of the home.
Her 7 children, husband and family dog were on the right of her. She appears to have a book in her hand.

Charlotta lived in Missouri during her early life. As an adult, she lived in Lewis County Missouri till about 1886. Then, she and her family made their way from Canton, Missouri, to Kansas City, Missouri and then to St. Joseph, Missouri between 1886 to 1890.

Charlotta and her husband, Robert Louis Lankford / Lankfard moved to Denver, Colorado sometime about 1916 or 1917. They had two sons living in Denver. They included, Frederick and Nymadula Lankfard. Or perhaps Charlotta's husband had found work in Denver.

There is no record on how long Robert and Charlotta lived in Denver. The Denver City directory recorded them there in 1918. They may have been there a couple years. But, eventually, they moved back to St. Joseph, Missouri where their other children James, Leo, Lula, and Anna were living.

Robert and Charlotta had 11 children. One of their daughters was still born in 1893.

Robert and Charlotta were married for 46 years. Robert L. Lankfard passed away on November 14, 1919. Charlotta was a widow at the age of 65. According to the 1920 census she was listed as a widow. She was living with two of her children; Charles and Isabella. They all were listed as mulatto.

Charlotta' moved to New York around July or August of 1923. She lived there for about 8 months. She passed on April 3, 1924. She was 70 years old. Charlotta moved Manhattan, New York. Three of her sons. Louis, Frederick Charles and Nym LANKFARD were living there.

Charlotta's body was brought back to St. Joseph, Missouri. Her remains was laid to rest on April 6, 1924 next to her husband, Robert at Ashland Cemetery.

On Charlottie's death record, the informant was Isaac Lankford Jr.He was Charlottie's son. Who was Isaac Lankford Jr.? This son could have been Louis Lankford. Address on death record was 160 W. 142nd St. Apt 5

Bio rewritten on 3 April 2019
By S. A. Blakley
Contributor Susan Ann Blakley (#47406911)