Thomas Hutchison Lankford

(1848 - 1909) 

Early Years

Thomas Hutchison Lankford was born in November 1848 in Monticello, a small town in Wayne County, Kentucky. He was the son of Dr. John C. Lankford and Sarah Jane Hutchison. Dr. John C. Lankford was a physician, which likely provided the family with a stable and respected position in the community. Sarah Jane Hutchison, Thomas's mother, was born in 1835 in Kentucky, making her about 13 years old when Thomas was born.

The mid-19th century was a period of significant change and development in the United States. Kentucky, a border state, was experiencing the tensions leading up to the Civil War. The economy was primarily agricultural, with tobacco and hemp being major crops. The state was also seeing the beginnings of industrialization, particularly in Louisville.

His sister, Mary Lynn Lankford, was born around 1851 in Harrodsburg, Mercer County, Kentucky.

In the fall of 1852, his sister, Julia was born, though she died in infancy the following spring. The family moved to Daviess County, Missouri, in 1854, when Thomas was about six years old. This move was part of the westward expansion that many families undertook during this period, seeking new opportunities and land. This period was marked by the prelude to the Civil War, and Missouri was a border state with divided loyalties. The move to Missouri would have exposed Thomas to the challenges of frontier life, including the need for self-sufficiency and resilience. They lived here until 1861, when Thomas’ father died at the young age of 40. The time of his death coincided with the Civil War, though additional detail has yet to be uncovered of whether he served or it was from direct result of the war.

Thomas, being around 13 years old at the time, would have faced the emotional turmoil of losing his father. This loss would have been particularly challenging during his formative years. As Dr. John C. Lankford was a physician, his death would have meant the loss of the primary income for the family. This could have led to financial instability and the need for the family to find new ways to support themselves.

1860’s

Sarah took Thomas back to Kentucky for a time after his father’s passing, but they once again returned to Missouri in 1862 and settled in Chillicothe. Missouri, a border state, was deeply divided with both Union and Confederate sympathies. The state saw significant military activity and guerrilla warfare. Living in Daviess County, Thomas and his family would have been affected by the war's disruptions, including potential threats to their safety, economic instability, and the presence of military forces.

With the loss of his father's income, Thomas's family faced financial challenges. They would have had to find new ways to support themselves, possibly through farming or other local work. The economic instability caused by the war would have compounded these difficulties. About this time, Tom was apprenticed to Lucien J. Eastin, where he learned the printer’s trade. He traveled for several years along the lower Mississippi River before staying in Glasgow for a number of years as an editor.

In 1863, Thomas was baptized by Elder Wright, a pioneer Christian church preacher. This religious milestone indicates the importance of faith in his life and the influence of the Christian community in Missouri. The church likely provided support and a sense of belonging during these turbulent times.

In 1865, when Thomas was 16, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, and Andrew Jackson hastily became the 17th president of the United States.

1870’s

The 1870s were a decade of remarkable historical events. The United States was in the midst of the Reconstruction era, grappling with the legacies of the Civil War. Technological advancements were transforming daily life, with inventions like the phonograph, telephone, and electric light bulb. Internationally, the Franco-Prussian War led to the formation of the German Empire, while domestically, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 were significant events that captured the nation's attention.

Thomas began the decade in Glasgow, Howard County, Missouri. Here, he appeared in the 1870 census, establishing himself in the community. Glasgow was a bustling town, benefiting from the post-war reconstruction efforts that were reshaping the nation. The Reconstruction era brought both opportunities and challenges, as the country worked to heal from the scars of the Civil War.

Thomas's entrepreneurial spirit led him to acquire land in Daviess County, where the local economy was thriving. Before February 20, 1872, he owned about 40 acres, a testament to his growing ambitions. By June 1877, his holdings had expanded to 70 acres. These acquisitions were more than just investments; they were a symbol of his determination to build a stable and prosperous future.

In August 1877, Thomas's career took a significant turn when he became associated with The Laclede Reporter. However, it was his founding of "The Chillicothe Crisis" in September 1877 that truly marked his entry into the world of publishing. This Greenback Democratic Paper was devoted to financial reform, reflecting Thomas's deep engagement with the political and economic issues of the time. The paper became a voice for those advocating for change, and Thomas's role as founder and publisher established him as a key figure in the community.

1880’s

On January 2, 1883, Thomas married Florence Rosetta "Flora" Woodford. Flora, born on July 17, 1855, in Trumbull, Ohio, had moved to Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1866. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was described as a woman of quiet disposition and a lover of her home. Their marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter in Thomas's life, one that would be filled with both personal and professional achievements.

Their first child, Mary Alice Lankford was born on October 17, 1883.

Thomas Harold Lankford was born on February 8, 1885.

In addition to "The Chillicothe Crisis," Thomas founded "The Daily Star" in 1885, further establishing his reputation as a dedicated publisher. His newspapers provided a platform for discussing financial reform and other important issues, making him a respected voice in the community.

John Clifton Lankford, was born on October 31, 1886.

Hiram W. Lankford was born on December 12, 1889.

Thomas was not only a publisher but also an active member of the community. He was described as fond of his home and his babies, a hard worker, and someone who could tell good stories and sing divinely. His dedication to his work and family made him a respected figure in Chillicothe.

1890’s

In February of 1892, their youngest child, Eldon R. was born.

Chillicothe and Daviess County continued to experience economic growth and development throughout the 1890’s. The local economy was thriving, with businesses and industries contributing to the community's prosperity. The decade saw technological advancements that transformed daily life, including the widespread use of the telephone and electric light bulb. The 1890s were marked by social changes and movements, including the rise of labor unions and the push for women's suffrage.

The Spanish-American war began in April 1898 and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10th of that same year.

1900's

In 1900, the Lankfords were living at 330 Dickenson Street, and the children were attending school. It is likely that they attended the high school in the square bounded by Ann, Elm, Vine and Third Streets. Built in 1876, it was "considered one of the finest public school buildings outside of St. Louis."

This was the year a circus came to the town of Chillicothe advertising the miracle of a "horseless carriage". Schools were dismissed early for the afternoon so that students could witness first-hand their first glimpse of the "automobile".

In September of 1901, news would have been circulating of the assassination of President McKinley and the induction of his successor, Theodore Roosevelt.

In 1903, the Wright brothers made the first controlled, sustained flight in an airplane, something previously only dreamed about, but never thought possible.

Despite his professional success, Thomas faced significant health challenges during this decade. In 1903, he suffered a severe hemorrhage of the throat, which required medical attention and impacted his ability to work. Around 1906, Thomas experienced a stroke, further complicating his health. These health issues required resilience and determination, but Thomas continued to contribute to his community and maintain his role as a publisher.

In 1907, the city of Chillicothe refused to pay the heightened prices that their Water and Light Supply Company demanded. This boycott strategy was taken in an attempt to coerce the supply company into selling to the city, who believed they would be able to better manage it, but was unfruitful. A lawsuit was filed and eventually taken all the way to the Supreme Court. Residents had to once again carry lanterns when they went out at night, as city streets were completely dark. This blackout period lasted for four years as the struggle between the city and the supply company continued.

In February of 1908, a giant local option parade was held in the downtown square, encouraging voters to turn Chillicothe into a dry city. In the end, both Chillicothe and Livingston at large voted against the sale of liquor in within county limits and in May, thirteen saloons were closed in Chillicothe. Booming town as it was, it wasn't long before alternate business filled the vacated buildings.

In 1909, Thomas was a publisher at "Missouri World," a paper with nationwide circulation during the flourishing period of the Populist Party. The paper's reach extended to every state in the Union, reflecting Thomas's influence and the importance of his work. He was described as a man of sturdy nobility of character, with a purity of life that was unsullied. His bright mind, well-stored with information acquired by experience and extensive reading, made him a respected figure in the community

Thomas's health continued to decline, and he was diagnosed with Bright's Disease in March 1909. Despite his illness, he remained committed to his work and his family.

On May 29, 1909, Thomas Hutchison Lankford passed away at the age of 60 at his home on Dickinson Street in Chillicothe. His funeral was held on May 31, 1909, and he was buried at Edgewood Cemetery. The community mourned the loss of a beloved figure who had made significant contributions to Chillicothe and beyond.

The Chillicothe Crisis was not issued for several weeks after his death. Thomas Hutchison Lankford's life story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the enduring spirit of making a difference in one's community. From his early days in Kentucky to his final years in Missouri, Thomas's journey was marked by professional achievements, personal milestones, and the challenges of navigating a changing world. His legacy as a publisher, community leader, and family man continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of commitment and perseverance.