Fourth Generation  

50. Ann Lank (Elza¹⁶, Mitchell², Levin¹) was born in 1803 in Sussex Co, DE.

51. John Wesley Lank (Elza¹⁶, Mitchell², Levin¹) was born on 25 Mar 1805 in Sussex Co, DE and died on 11 May 1889 in Warren Co., IN at age 84.

General Notes: 13 Sep. 1850 Census for Dist. 7, Boone Co., IN: John Lank, 45, farmer, b. DE; Sarah, 47, b. DE; William, 22, farmer, b. OH; Mitchell, 21, laborer, b. OH; Nancy A., 19; b. OH; Susannah, 18, b. OH; Phebe, 17, b. OH; John W., 16, farmer, b. OH; Cindarilla, 15, b. OH; Thomas, 14, b. OH; Robert B., 12, b. IN; Eustatia, 10, b. IN.
5 July 1860 Census for Pine Township, Benton County, IN: Household includes John Lank, 55, farmer, b. DE, with estate worth $1500; Sarah, 56, b. DE; Robert, 22, farmer, b. IN; Thomas, 23, b. IN, with wife Mary, 28, b. IN, and married within the year. Also in the household are Cinderella Nolin, 25, widow, and her children, Mary, 5, Laura Jane, 3, and Marston, 1.
9 June 1880 Census for Warren Twp, Warrent Cnty, IN: John Lank, 75, retail___, b. DE as were both parents; "Abagail", 58, wife, b. VA as were both parents.

John married Sarah Wilkins. Sarah was born on 2 Sep 1803 in DE and died on 26 Sep 1861 in Warren Co., IN at age 58.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 124 M    i. Mitchell Lank was born on 27 Dec 1828 in Ross Co., OH and died on 11 Feb 1923 in Oxford, Benton, IN at age 94.

+ 125 F    ii. Nancy Lank was born on 16 Oct 1829 in Ross Co., OH and died on 15 May 1857 in Warren Co., IN at age 27.

+ 126 F    iii. Susanna Lank was born on 20 Nov 1831 in Ross Co., OH.

+ 127 F    iv. Phoebe Lank was born on 5 May 1832 in Fayette Co, OH and died on 26 May 1905 in Oxford, Benton, IN at age 73.

+ 128 M    v. John Wesley Lank was born on 29 Nov 1833 in Fayette Co., Ohio and died on 23 Nov 1905 in Benton Co., OH at age 71.

+ 129 F    vi. Cinderilla Lank was born on 2 May 1835 in Ross Co., OH and died on 25 Mar 1906 in Mar, Wayne, NC at age 70.

+ 130 M    vii. Thomas Jefferson Lank was born on 8 Dec 1836 in Fayette Co, OH.

+ 131 M    viii. Robert Burns Lank was born on 27 May 1838 in Randolph, IN and died on 29 May 1919 in Greencastle, Putnam, IN at age 81.

+ 132 F    ix. Eustatia Lank was born in 1840 in IN.

John next married Abigail. Abigail was born in 1822 in Virginia.

52. Mitchell Lank (Elza¹⁶, Mitchell², Levin¹) was born in 1808 in Fairfield Co., OH.

Mitchell married someone.

His child was:

+ 133 M    i. Mitchell Lank was born in 1829 in Ohio.

53. Elza Lank Jr. (Elza¹⁶, Mitchell², Levin¹) was born in 1810 in Fairfield Co., OH.

54. William Lank (Elza¹⁶, Mitchell², Levin¹) was born in 1813 in Fayette Co., OH.

55. Thomas Lank (Elza¹⁶, Mitchell², Levin¹) was born in 1815 in Fayette Co., OH.

56. Eleanor Lank (Elza¹⁶, Mitchell², Levin¹) was born on 17 May 1817 in Chillicothe, Ross County, OH, died on 7 Apr 1862 at age 44, and was buried in Dallas Co., IA.

Eleanor married James Joseph Pugh on 13 Sep 1838 in Randolph County, IN. James was born on 8 Jan 1807 in Richmond, Hanover Co., VA, died on 8 Apr 1884 at age 77, and was buried in Guthrie Co., IA.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 134 F    i. Louisa Pugh was born on 20 Apr 1831 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN and died on 15 Oct 1865 in Redfield, IN at age 34.

+ 135 F    ii. Elizabeth Pugh was born on 28 Dec 1840 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN and died on 19 Apr 1876 at age 35.

+ 136 M    iii. William C. Pugh was born on 6 Jul 1842 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN.

+ 137 F    iv. Martha Eleanor Pugh was born on 27 Nov 1843 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN and died on 18 Aug 1929 at age 85.

+ 138 M    v. Elza Ed Pugh was born on 10 Aug 1845 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN.

+ 139 F    vi. Eustatia Etta Pugh was born on 6 Apr 1847 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN.

+ 140 M    vii. James Mitchell Pugh was born on 19 Oct 1848 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN and died on 10 Jun 1918 at age 69.

+ 141 F    viii. Sarah Emily Pugh was born on 12 Sep 1850 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN.

+ 142 M    ix. Abner Pugh was born on 8 Apr 1852 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN.

+ 143 M    x. Augustus L. Pugh was born on 12 Sep 1855 in Huntsville, Randolph Co., IN and died on 12 Jul 1877 at age 21.

+ 144 F    xi. Louvina Pugh was born on 6 Mar 1862 in Redfield, Dallas Co., IA and died on 16 Jun 1864 in Redfield, Dallas Co., IA at age 2.

57. Elizabeth Lank (Elza¹⁶, Mitchell², Levin¹) was born on 2 Feb 1819 in Fayette Co, OH.

58. William Thomas Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 28 Dec 1824 and died on an unknown date.

General Notes: Spouse not found.

59. Capt. Urias Elzey/Elizer Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 20 Apr 1827, died on 27 Dec 1879 at age 52, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry. The cause of his death was drowning.

General Notes: 1870 Census describes "Urious," 43, as a sailor, born in Maryland, with personal estate valued at $6000 and real estate at $1600. Also in the household is wife Lousia, 21, whom he had married in January.
8 June 1880 Census for Broad Creek Hd., Sussex Cnty, DE: Household included Lousia J. Lank, 30, widow; Leslie H., 7; Urias F., 6; Harry K., 4. Also included are Minus, 50, colored, working on farm; Serena Collins, 15, housekeeping.
According to one story, Levin and 1/2 brother Urias drowned at sea in Dec. 1879 on the ship "The Cherubim." Albert Lank stated that the two died three days apart at sea of yellow fever. One was captain and the other was mate on the Cherubim, believed to have been owned or partly owned by their father. The seamen aboard were Negroes, and they were alive and well when the ship was picked up for salvage off the Atlantic coast and towed into port. The owners of the ship were unable to pay the salvage bill as there was no insurance, thereby losing the ship. The Lank family has always believed that the brothers met with foul play aboard their ship, as their bodies were never recovered

Urias married Sarah A. Scott, daughter of James H. Scott and Sarah Ann, on 22 Aug 1849. Sarah was born on 28 Feb 1833 in Delaware, died on 2 Nov 1862 at age 29, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry. The cause of her death was complications of childbirth.

General Notes: Marriage date per DE Public Archives. Her dau., Laura, was born in Sep. 1862. Mother and dau. died within days of each other in Nov. 1862. Sarah's age at death was 29-8-3, per Tatnall & Hudson, and this was used to determine birth date.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 145 F    i. Mary A. Lank was born on 29 Dec 1850 and died on 21 Jan 1853 at age 2.

+ 146 F    ii. Laura Lank was born on 19 Sep 1862, died on 6 Nov 1862, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

Urias next married Lousia Jennie Truitt in Jan 1870. Lousia was born on 28 Sep 1849 in Delaware and died on 12 Sep 1922 in Seaford, Sussex, DE at age 72.

General Notes: 1880 Census: Household includes Lousia J. Lank, 30, widow (she and parents born in DE); dtr Leslie H., 7; son Urias F., 6; Harry, 4; along with "Minus", 50, a colored servant working on the farm; Serena Collins, 15, a white housekeeper.

Research Notes: On file at Dover Archives:
To William H. Wheatley, Esq.
Register of Wills
Sir, I do hereby renounce my right to administration on the estate of my deceased husband Urias Lank and request that you appoint William Gray of Bridgeville his Administrator.
L. Jennie Lank
February 2nd, 1880
Jacob Knowles

Children from this marriage were:

+ 147 F    i. Nancy E. Lank was born on 2 Jul 1871, died on 2 Jul 1871, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 148 F    ii. Leslie H. Lank was born in 1872 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

+ 149 M    iii. Dr. Urias F. Lank was born on 8 May 1874 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 17 Nov 1898 at age 24, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 150 M    iv. Harry K. Lank was born in Apr 1876 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE and was buried in Sussex Co., DE.

60. Hester Ann Comfort Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 10 Jan 1830 and died before 1871.

General Notes: 1850 Census: Household includes Samuel, 25, a farmer; wife Hester A., 20; dtr Mary, 3; son William, 6/12. Also included are Wm. Hearn, 8, and Caroline Holt, 26.

Hester married Samuel B. Holt on 18 Mar 1847. Samuel was born in 1825.

General Notes: 1850 Census: Household includes Samuel, 25, a farmer; wife Hester A., 20; dtr Mary, 3; son William, 6/12. Also included are Wm. Hearn, 8, and Caroline Holt, 26.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 151 F    i. "Mary" Martha A. Holt was born in 1847 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

+ 152 M    ii. William Holt was born in 1850.

61. Elizabeth Eleanor Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 21 Jul 1836, died on 15 Jan 1894 at age 57, and was buried in Mt. Olivet M. P. Church, Seaford, Sussex Co., DE.

General Notes: Levin Lank's will bequeathed to dtr, Elizabeth, wife of Elijah "Colbourn," one undivided half part of land, 200 acres more or less, in NW Fork Hundred (now Seaford), originally purchased in 1837 from Powell & Fiddiman.

Elizabeth married Elijah Coulborn on 13 Feb 1856. Elijah was born in 1814, died on 6 Feb 1905 at age 91, and was buried in Mt. Olivet M. P. Church, Seaford, Sussex Co., DE.

General Notes: 14 June 1860 Census for Cannon's Ferry, NW Fork Hd, Sussex County, DE: Household included Elijah Coulborn, 38, farmer; Elizabeth E., 22; Hugh A., 3; Mary A., 11/12. Also included is Elizabeth's brother, Robert Lank, 12. All born in DE.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 153 M    i. Hugh A. Coulborn was born on 26 May 1857.

+ 154 F    ii. Mary Ann Coulborn was born on 29 Jul 1859.

62. Margarite Ann Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 3 Nov 1838 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 17 Oct 1868 at age 29, and was buried in Nr Mt. Zion Church, W. of Rt. 13.

General Notes: Tombstone reads: "Spicer, Margaret A., wife of T. Spicer, b. Nov. 6, 1838, d. 1868." Levin Lank's will directed payment to his 3 granddaughters, the daughters of his deceased daughter Margaret, of the sum of $1000 to be divided equally.

Margarite married Tilghman L. Spicer Jr., son of Tilghman Spicer Sr. and Lovey. Tilghman was born on 3 Dec 1820 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 11 Jul 1907 at age 86, and was buried in Nr Mt. Zion Church, 3 mi. S. of Seaford & W. of Rt. 13.

General Notes: Graveyard near Mt. Zion Church, Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex Co., Delaware. (located on west side of Alternate Route 13)

Children from this marriage were:

+ 155 F    i. Orella J. Spicer .

+ 156 F    ii. Lovey P. Spicer .

+ 157 F    iii. Anna M. Spicer .

+ 158 M    iv. George W. Spicer was born on 29 Aug 1867, died on 11 May 1868, and was buried in Nr Mt. Zion Church, 3 mi. S. of Seaford & W. of Rt. 13.

63. Levin John Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 12 Dec 1840 and died on 25 Dec 1879 at age 39. The cause of his death was drowning.

General Notes: 1870 Census descrites Levin, 30, as a carpenter. In his household are wife "Junil", 24, and dtr Fanny, "3" (hard to decipher). Value of personal estate is $200.
8 June 1880 Census for Broad Creek Hd., Sussex Cnty, DE: Household included Nancy J. Lank, 32, widow; Fannie, 11; Anna, 9; Jannie, 6; Robert, 4; Levie (fem.), 9/12. Also in household are Thomas Legates, 31, widower, boarding; Mary Boston, 20, servant.
According to one story, Levin and 1/2 brother Urias drowned at sea in Dec. 1879 on the ship "The Cherubim." Albert Lank stated that the two died three days apart at sea of yellow fever. One was captain and the other was mate on the Cherubim, believed to have been owned or partly owned by their father. The seamen aboard were Negroes, and they were alive and well when the ship was picked up for salvage off the Atlantic coast and towed into port. The owners of the ship were unable to pay the salvage bill as there was no insurance, thereby losing the ship. The Lank family has always believed that the brothers met with foul play aboard their ship, as their bodies were never recovered. / Levin's father bequeathed $1500, real estate (except for a half parcel of bog used for cranberrying and purchased from Robt. Colbourn) plus 1/3 interest in his seine and tackle; also "all the... land whereon I now live," and the adjoining 40 acre tract originally purchased from Samuel Chipman. The will appears to give son Levin the title to this land and that Robert shall "receive the rents, issues and profits thereof." Land to be sold only after Robert died, and the proceeds to be given to Robert's heirs. Son Levin could "not intermeddle" with these instructions.

Levin married Nancy J. Nancy was born in 1848.

General Notes: 1880 Census of June 8th lists Nancy, 32, without Levin and with 5 children: Fannie, 11,
Anna, 9, Jennie, 6, Robert, 4. The infant is indicated as a female with a name of Levie, age 9/12, indicating born the previous September 1879--however, the enumerator confuses this by writing 'Sep' in the next column, which has info. for child born within the census year of 1880. Also in the household in 1880 are Thos. Legates, a white male boarder (self & parents born in DE and cannot read or write), and Mary Boston?, a white servant (self & parents born in DE and cannot read or write). Nancy remarried twice to become Cohee and then Prettyman.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 159 F    i. Fannie T. Lank was born in 1869 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

+ 160 F    ii. Anna Lank was born in 1871 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

+ 161 F    iii. Jennie M. Lank was born in 1874 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

+ 162 M    iv. Robert T. Lank was born in 1876 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

+ 163 F    v. Levie L. Lank was born in Sep 1879 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

64. "Kate" Catharine Jane Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 10 Jul 1844, died on 15 Apr 1915 at age 70, and was buried in Bethel ME Church Cemetery, Bethel, Sussex, DE.

General Notes: Kate married her first cousin, Jas. Bayard Wheatley. Their mothers were sisters, and they shared the same grandparents, Robt. and Priscilla Coulborn.....Levin Lank's will directed the payment of $1000 to Catherine.

"Kate" married James Bayard Wheatley, son of Capt. William Asbury Wheatley and Elinor Coulborn. James was born on 8 Jan 1837 in Sussex Co, DE and died on 6 Dec 1918 at age 81.

General Notes: Bayard married his first cousin, Kate. They shared the same grandparents, Robt. and Priscilla Coulborn.
1870 Census for Laurel P.O., Broad Creek Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: Bayard Wheatley, 33, farmer, b. DE; Kate J., 25; daughter Francis, 6; Clarane, 4; Charles, 2.
1880 Census: Household next to Lousia Lank includes James, 43, farmer; wife Catharine J., 35; son Francis W., 16; Clara D., 14; son Charles T., 12; "Modilia" Eskridge, 26, white servant housekeeper and her dtr Minnie W., 2.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 164 M    i. Francis W. Wheatley was born in 1864 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

+ 165 F    ii. Clara Wheatley was born in 1866 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

+ 166 M    iii. Charles Wheatley was born in 1868 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE.

65. Sabra Martin Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 4 May 1845, died on 28 Jun 1913 at age 68, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

General Notes: Source of dates: Hudson & Tatnall. Is this Sabra Lank, dtr of Levin? 1860 Census has her age at 6, or b. 1853-54.
Levin Lank's will bequeathed the other half part of 200 acres, similarly given to Elizabeth. If no children, then it would revert to her bros. and sisters, divided equally.

Sabra married James Allen. James was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 167 M    i. Edward Allen .

+ 168 F    ii. Katie Allen .

+ 169 F    iii. Effie Allen .

+ 170 M    iv. "Willie" William Allen was born on 26 Apr 1882, died on 17 Dec 1895 at age 13, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

66. Robert Richard Lank (Levin J. (Capt.)²⁵, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 22 Jun 1847 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 25 Apr 1931 at age 83, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

General Notes: 8 June 1880 Census for Broad Creek Hd., Sussex Cnty, DE: Household included Robert R. Lank, 33, farmer, b. DE as parents were; Julia A., 29, b. DE as were parents; William T., 10, cripple; John S., 8; Albert J., 6; Levin M., 3; Robert E., 1.
16 June 1900 Census for Broad Creek Hd., Sussex Cnty, DE: Robert J. Lank, 53, farmer, b. June 1847 in DE as were parents, married 30 yrs; Julia A., 49, b. Oct. 1850 in DE as were parents, bearing 9 children with 8 living; Levin M., 23, b. Sep. 1876, farm laborer; Marion, 17, dtr, b. May 1883; Edward G., 13, b. Oct. 1886; Frank, 11, b. Mar. 1889. The farm was owned free of mortgage.
19 April 1910 Census for Rep. Dist. 4, Election Dist. 1: Robert J. R. Lank, 61, shipyard carpenter, married 40 yrs; Julia A., 58. They and parents b. DE.
5 Mar. 1920 Census for Broad Creek Hd., Sussex Cnty, DE: Robert J. Lank, 72, truck farm operator, b. DE as were parents; Julia A., 68, b. DE, father b. MD, mother b. DE.
10 April 1930 Census for Broad Creek Hd., Sussex Cnty, DE: Robert J. Lank, 82, retired; Julia A., 79, married 61 yrs.

"Robert J. Lank, who worked for most of his life at the trade of shipbuilding and farmed the family homestead farm [raising chickens and cantaloupes across the Nanticoke from Seaford] was one of the solid substantial citizens of Sussex County" (W. L. Beven, 1929). Some records indicate middle name was Richard. 1880 census had MI as R. Son Albert stated it should be Robert Richard Lank, and that his dad called himself "Robert J." Tombstone has J. Father's will has Robert R. Lank as one of the executors. Father bequeathed Robert "in addition to what has been left in trust for him, the sum of $1000." Robert himself died without creating a will. Only 2 of 7 sons had children. His wife Julia held him all night to keep him warm, and he died there in their house in her arms.

Robert married Julia Ann Graham, daughter of William Graham and Sally J., on 8 Aug 1869. Julia was born on 16 Oct 1850 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 22 Mar 1936 at age 85, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

General Notes: Julia was descendant of an old family. She was sister to Jennie Bradley Hayman's mother, Emma Graham Bradley. No MD or DE birth records available. 1880 census indicates DE as birthplace. 1920 census indicates DE as birthplace; father born in MD; mother born in DE. Julia A. Lank died intestate and her son, Albert J. Lank, was appointed administrator of her estate by J. Linden Barr, Register for the Probate of Wills and Granting Letters of Administration for Sussex County on 26 March 1936.
Julia Lank Price remembers Grandmother Lank with her long dresses on her long dusty walks from home to Mt. Olivet Church. She was very strict and admonished Lizzie when Julia skipped or hung upside down on her trapeze. Taught Julia to be quiet and not run around the chickens for fear they wouldn't lay the daily eggs.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 171 M    i. William T. Lank was born on 29 May 1870 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 19 Nov 1939 at age 69, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 172 M    ii. John Lewis Lank was born on 9 Dec 1872 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 18 May 1914 at age 41, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 173 M    iii. Albert Jackson Lank was born on 8 Jun 1874 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died 7 May 1968 at 10:30 AM, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 174 M    iv. Levin Martin Lank was born on 11 Sep 1876 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 3 Mar 1912 at age 35, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 175 M    v. Robert Elwood Lank was born on 11 Dec 1878 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 28 Aug 1917 at age 38, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 176 F    vi. Marion Lank was born on 4 May 1883 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 28 Feb 1920 at age 36, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 177 M    vii. Edward Graham Lank was born on 16 Oct 1886 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 11 May 1974 at age 87, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

+ 178 M    viii. Frank Lank was born on 3 Mar 1889 in Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex County, DE, died on 20 Dec 1942 at age 53, and was buried in Seaford Odd Fellows Cmtry.

67. Elizabeth Lank (Nathaniel²⁸, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 10 Jul 1825 and died on 15 Jul 1825.

68. Thomas Lank (Nathaniel²⁸, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 6 Sep 1827 and died on 25 Oct 1831 at age 4.

69. Frances Ann Lank (Nathaniel²⁸, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 22 Oct 1828 and died on 25 Oct 1831 at age 3.

70. Sophie Jane Lank (Nathaniel²⁸, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 24 Feb 1831, died on 17 Mar 1887 at age 56, and was buried in Barratt's Chapel, Frederica, Sussex CO, DE.

71. Frances Ann Lank (Nathaniel²⁸, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 16 Jan 1837.

72. Nathaniel J. Lank (Nathaniel²⁸, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 31 Aug 1839, died on 12 May 1919 at age 79, and was buried in Barratt's Chapel, Frederica, Sussex CO, DE.

General Notes: 17 June 1870 Census for Frederica, Kent Cty, DE: Nathaniel Lank, 30, "vessel builder"; Mary, 30; Sarah E., 1; Ann, 69, his stepmother who raised him as a child.
10 June 1880 Census for Frederica, Kent Cty, DE: Nathaniel Lank, 40, ship carpenter, b. DE as were parents; Mary, 40, b. DE as were parents; Lizzie, 12.
29 June 1900 Census for Frederica, East South Murderkill Hd., Kent Cnty, DE: Nathaniel Lank, 60, widower, b. Aug. 1839 DE as were parents; Elizabeth, 31, dtr.
22 April 1910 Census for Frederica, Kent Cnty, DE: Nathaniel J. Lank, 70, widower, b. DE as were parents,ship carpenter self-employed; Lizzie, 40, music teacher, father b. DE and mother b. PA.

Nathaniel married Mary DeSanno, daughter of Frederick DeSanno and Sarah, on 24 Dec 1867 in Philadelphia, PA. Mary was born on 28 Mar 1837 in Philadelphia, PA, died on 18 Apr 1899 at age 62, and was buried in Barratt's Chapel, Frederica, Sussex CO, DE.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 179 F    i. Sarah Elizabeth Lank was born on 17 Oct 1868.

+ 180 M    ii. Nathaniel Lank was born on 23 Aug 1873, died on 20 Jul 1874, and was buried in Barratt's Chapel, Frederica, Sussex CO, DE.

73. Sarah Elizabeth Lank (Nathaniel²⁸, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 11 May 1843.

General Notes: 10 June 1880 Census for Frederica, SE Murderkill Hd., Kent Cnty, DE: Household includes Sarah E. Fountain, 37, widow; James, 16, son; Nathaniel, 14, son; Jane Lank, 49, sister.

Sarah married Fountain.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 181 M    i. James Fountain was born in 1864 in Delaware.

+ 182 M    ii. Nathaniel Fountain was born in 1866 in Delaware.

74. Nancy E. Black (Nancy Lank³⁰, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 3 Feb 1835, died on 23 Sep 1842 at age 7, and was buried in Coolspring Presbyterian Church Cmtry, Harbison, Sussex Co., DE..

75. John Black (Nancy Lank³⁰, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 4 Dec 1830, died on 14 Oct 1831, and was buried in Coolsprings Presbyterian Ch., N OF RD 247 AT RD 281.

76. David Henry Lank (John³¹, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 20 Jul 1831, died on 24 Jan 1899 at age 67, and was buried in Milford Odd Fellows Cmtry, Kent County, DE.

General Notes: 18 July 1860 Census for Milford, Sussex County, DE: Household included David Lank, 28, shipbuilder; "Sally E.", 27; and Robert J., 2.
10 June 1870 Census for Milford, Cedar Creek Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: David Lank, 36, ship carpenter; Sallie, 35; Robert J., 12; Virginia, 9; Wm. E., 7; Annie M., 3.
3 June 1880 Census for Milford, Sussex Cnty, DE: David Lank, 48, ship carpenter. b/ DE as were parents; Sallie E., 47, "tailoress", b. DE as were parents; John, 22, "wks in ship yd"; Virginia, 19; Wm. E., 17; Anna M., 13; David H., 5.


Milford shipbuilding and David Lank: "M. R. Carlisle and Wm. F. Revill carried on shipbuilding from 1830-1850, when Revill retired and Theo. Carlisle entered partnership with his brother. This lasted 30 years--they built many three-masted schooners of 1000 tons burden. Other shipbuilders were Sylvester A. Deputy and his son, James H. Deputy. William A. Scribner also had a yard where David Lank, son of John Lank, now is. Three yards were in operation in 1888: Abbott's, Carlisle's and Lank's. A tugboat, the first built at Milford, was launched from Lank's yard in 1887. Six to seven vessels were built per year at these yards for many years. They have been mostly sloops or two and three masted schooners, built for coast-wise trade, of from 150-1000 tons burden" (Scharf, J. Thomas, 1888).

David married Sarah Elizabeth Black, daughter of David Black and Sterleno Price, on 28 Dec 1854. Sarah was born on 26 Oct 1832, died on 2 Jul 1903 at age 70, and was buried in Milford Odd Fellows Cmtry, Kent County, DE.

General Notes: 4 June 1900 Census for S. Milford Town, Sussex, DE: Sarah E. Lank, head, 66, b. Feb. 1834 in DE as were parents; Robert, son, 42, b. Mar. 1858 in DE, Captain steam vessel.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 183 F    i. Mary Lank .

+ 184 M    ii. Robert John Lank was born on 23 Mar 1858.

+ 185 F    iii. Virginia Roxalyn Lank was born on 27 Oct 1861 and died on 20 Feb 1949 at age 87.

+ 186 M    iv. Brig. Gen. William Edward Lank was born on 3 Mar 1863, died on 9 Feb 1956 at age 92, and was buried in Milford Odd Fellows Cmtry, Kent County, DE.

+ 187 F    v. Anna May Lank was born on 15 Aug 1866, died on 11 Jun 1923 at age 56, and was buried in Milford Odd Fellows Cmtry, Kent County, DE.

+ 188 M    vi. David Henry Lank was born on 31 Aug 1874 and died on 5 Feb 1909 at age 34.

77. Robert John Lank (John³¹, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 19 May 1835, died on 7 Oct 1929 at age 94, and was buried in Riverside Cem., Vegreville, Alberta, Canada.

General Notes: 19 July 1860 Census for Greensborough, Caroline Co., MD: Robert Lank, 30, merchant, b. MD, in hotel of Esma Lowe, 38, hotel keeper and farmer.
3 August 1870 Census for Harrington, Mispillion Hd., Kent Cty, DE: Robert J. Lank, 37, retail merchant; Sarah J., 27; Mary J., 7; Howard M., 5; Orlando A., 3; Robert D., 4/12.
23 June 1880 Census for Smolan Twp., Saline Cty, KS: Robert Lank, 45, farmer, b. DE, both parents b. DE; "Sary" J., 35, b. MD, both parents b. DE; Howard M., 14, b. MD; Orlando A., 12, b. NJ; Robert D., 10, b. DE; Marcy J., 16, b. MD; George W., 7, b. DE; "Clarans" D., 4, b. DE; Wilber H., 2, b. MD.
19 June 1900 Census for Lincoln Twp, Dickinson Cnty, KS: Robert J. Lank, 65, farmer, b. May 1835 DE, parents b. DE; Sarah, 55, b. Nov. 1844 MD, parents b. DE; Robert D., 30, farmer, b. Apr. 1870 DE; Wilber H., 22, farmer, b. Mar. 1878 DE.

Research Notes: MD Public Archives: Robt J. Lank applied to marry Sarah J. Watson in Caroline County 10-20-1862.

Robert married Sarah Jane Watson, daughter of George W. Watson and Sarah Rust, on 21 Oct 1862 in Greensboro, Caroline, Maryland. Sarah was born on 6 Nov 1844, died on 9 Jan 1916 at age 71, and was buried in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

General Notes: 1906 Canada Census of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta:
Name: Sarah Lank
Birth Date: abt 1845
Birth Place:
Residence Date: 1906
Residence Place: Strathcona, Alberta
Arrival Date: 1901

Children from this marriage were:

+ 189 F    i. Mary Jane Lank was born on 22 Sep 1863 in Greensboro, Caroline, Maryland and died on 28 Sep 1950 in Vegreville, Alberta, Canada at age 87.

+ 190 M    ii. Howard Meads Lank was born on 20 Oct 1865 in Greensboro, Caroline, Maryland and died on 3 Feb 1946 in Abilene, Dickinson, Kansas at age 80.

+ 191 M    iii. Orlando Anderson Lank was born on 12 Jan 1867 in Camden, Camden, New Jersey and died on 14 Aug 1961 in Vegreville, Alberta, Canada at age 94.

+ 192 M    iv. Robert David Lank was born on 3 Apr 1870 in Harrington, Kent, Delaware and died on 8 Oct 1908 in Wichita, , Kansas, at age 38.

+ 193 M    v. George Watson Lank was born on 9 Feb 1872 in Milford, Sussex, Delaware and died on 26 Jan 1949 in Solomon, Dickinson, Kansas at age 76.

+ 194 M    vi. Clarence Dill Lank was born on 1 Oct 1875 in Milford, Sussex, DE and died on 18 Jul 1963 in Wichita, Kansas at age 87.

+ 195 M    vii. Wilber Hubbard Lank was born on 6 Mar 1878 in Kennedyville, Kent, Maryland and died on 2 Oct 1965 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at age 87.

78. Louisa Lank (John³¹, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 1 Oct 1837 and died on 4 Mar 1908 at age 70.

Louisa married James Beauchamp.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 196 M    i. James Kenneth Beauchamp was born on 22 Apr 1859 and died on 20 Nov 1935 at age 76.

+ 197 M    ii. Benjamin Dill Beauchamp .

+ 198 M    iii. Robert Beauchamp .

+ 199 F    iv. Rosalie Beauchamp was born about 1871 in Delaware and died in Guymon, Oklahoma.

79. Sarah E. Lank (John³¹, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in 1840 and died on 4 Apr 1926 at age 86.

Sarah married Dr. Robert D. Weeks.

The child from this marriage was:

+ 200 F    i. Glendora Weeks was born on 1 May 1879.

80. Mary E. Lank (John³¹, Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹).

General Notes: Named in the Will of her mother 20 April 1877 WP 11 Jun 1877 Caroline County,Maryland [penrose.org]

81. Elizabeth Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in 1834.

82. Elanir Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in 1836.

83. Amanda Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in 1838.

General Notes: 29 June 1900 Census for Mill Creek Twp, Hamilton Cnty, OH: Amanda Lank, 59, single, seamstress, b. Nov. 1840 OH, parents b. OH.

84. Naomi Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in 1841.

85. Thomas Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in 1843.

86. David Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 4 Oct 1844.

87. William Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in 1848.

88. Elhanan M. Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 15 Jul 1850 in Ohio and died on 13 Aug 1915 in LA, California at age 65.

General Notes: 12 June 1880 Census for Cincinnatti, Hamilton Cty, OH: Household of Mary Ann Lank, 63, keeping house, b. OH, father b. MD, mother b. Ireland; Amanda, 35, dtr, b. OH; Lucy, 21, b. OH; Elhana Lank, 29, son, carriage maker, b. OH; Emma, 22, dtr-in-law, b. OH as were both parents.

Elhanan married Emma M. Smith, daughter of Samuel Smith and Elen Guy, on 26 Feb 1879 in Ohio. Emma was born on 18 Jul 1858 in Cincinnati, OH and died on 22 Oct 1909 in Boyle Hts., CA at age 51.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 201 M    i. Herbert Morrison Lank was born on 23 May 1883 in Cincinnati, OH and died on 6 May 1948 in LA, California at age 64.

+ 202 M    ii. Elmer G. Lank was born on 22 Feb 1881 in Cincinnati, Ohio and died in Los Angeles, CA.

+ 203 M    iii. Thomas Harry Lank was born on 2 Dec 1879 in Cincinnati, OH and died on 26 Feb 1880 in Ohio.

89. Emely Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 15 Jul 1850.

90. Amelia Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 12 Feb 1854.

91. Lucy Eaton Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born on 11 Feb 1855.

92. Elevan B. Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in Jun 1857 in Ohio.

General Notes: 21June 1900 Census for Mill Creek Twp, Hamilton Cnty, OH: "Elevener" Lank, 43, wheelwright, b. OH June 1857, parents b. OH; Nellie P., 29, wife, b. Sept. 1870 OH, parents b. England; married 8 yrs.
20 April 1910 Census for Mill Creek Twp, Hamilton Cnty, OH: Elevan B. Lank, 52, b. OH (father b. DE and mother b. OH), woodworker in factory; Nellie P., 39, b. OH, married 18 yrs, no children.
7 Jan. 1920 Census for Mill Creek Twp, Hamilton Cnty, OH: Leven E. Lank, 62, b. OH as were parents, woodworker; Nettie P., 49, b. OH and parents b. England. Included in household are 4 boarders.

Elevan married Nellie P. in 1892. Nellie was born in Sep 1870 in Ohio.

93. John Henry Lank (Thomas³², Thomas Barr⁵, Levin¹) was born in 1859.

94. Peter Marsh (Naomi Lank³⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 11 Sep 1817.

95. Mary Wilson Marsh (Naomi Lank³⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 21 Apr 1819.

96. Susanna Lank Marsh (Naomi Lank³⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹).

General Notes: (Died Young - lived 1 Month)

97. Julia A. Marsh (Naomi Lank³⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹).

98. John Craig Lank (Mitchell³⁶, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 18 Dec 1818 and died on 27 Mar 1878 at age 59.

General Notes: One source (Genealogical Gleanings...) has his birth at 2 AM, 12-23-1818.
11 Oct. 1850 Census for Grove Twp., Davis, IA: John C. Lank, 32, farmer, b. DE; Catharine W., 26, b. DE; Samuel J., 8, b. DE; Mitchell, 6, b. DE; David O., 4, b. IA; William T., 2, b. IA.
27 June 1860 Census for Millsboro, Lewis and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: Household included John C. Lank, 40, farmer; Samuel, 18; Mitchel, 16; William, 10, b. Iowa; Iowa D., 8; Nehemia, 2; Hannah, 6/12. All born in DE exc. William.
30 June 1870 Census for Lewes and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: John C. Lank, 51, farmer; Hetty M., 35; Mary, 8; Alettia S., 6; Elizabeth, 4; John C., 2.

John married Catherine W. Russell on 17 Jan 1841. Catherine was born on 30 Nov 1823 and died on 16 Feb 1855 at age 31.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 204 M    i. Samuel James Lank was born on 12 Jun 1842 and died on 26 Oct 1927 at age 85.

+ 205 M    ii. Mitchell Lank was born on 2 Feb 1844, died on 25 Dec 1862 in Civil War at age 18, and was buried in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

+ 206 M    iii. David P. Lank was born on 29 Mar 1847 and died on 24 Jan 1851 at age 3.

+ 207 M    iv. William T. Lank was born on 10 May 1849 and died on 7 Jul 1887 at age 38.

+ 208 F    v. Iowa Delaware Lank was born on 24 Jun 1854 and died on 7 May 1925 at age 70.

+ 209 F    vi. Catherine P. Lank was born about Jul 1855, died in Jul 1855, and was buried in Whites Chapel Cemetary.

John next married Hannah N. Holland on 5 Feb 1857. Hannah died in 1859.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 210 M    i. Nehemiah Lank was born on 12 Feb 1858 and died on 3 Aug 1860 at age 2.

+ 211 F    ii. Hannah N. Lank was born on 15 Nov 1859 and died on 27 Sep 1920 at age 60.

John next married Hester M. Hart on 3 Feb 1861. Hester was born on 10 Jan 1835 and died on 18 May 1897 at age 62.

General Notes: 22 June 1880 Census for Lewes and Rehoboth Hd., Sussex Cnty, DE: Household includes Hetty Lank, 60, farmer, William's stepmother; William Lank, 31, farmer, b. DE as were parents; Idia, 27, b. DE as were parents; Hannah, 21; Susan, 19; Lettie, 15; Lizzie, 14; John, 12; Lydia, 10.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 212 F    i. Mary Susan Lank was born on 15 Mar 1862.

+ 213 F    ii. Letitia Ann Lank was born on 3 Oct 1864 and died on 21 Jun 1928 at age 63.

+ 214 F    iii. Elizabeth Lank was born on 7 Jul 1866 and died on 20 Oct 1921 at age 55.

+ 215 M    iv. John Castor Lank was born on 7 Sep 1868 and died in Feb 1902 at age 33.

+ 216 M    v. Henry White Lank was born on 19 Oct 1871 and died on 22 Jan 1875 at age 3.

+ 217 F    vi. Lydia Hester Lank was born on 11 Sep 1874.

99. Mary Susan Lank (Mitchell³⁶, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 12 Feb 1822 in Delaware and died in 1900 at age 78.

Mary married Peter Coulter Lank, son of James Lank and Nancy Hopkins, on 25 Dec 1843. Peter was born on 12 Dec 1819 and died on 2 Jul 1891 at age 71.

General Notes: 15 Oct. 1850 Census for Prairie Twp., Davis, IA: Peter C. Lank, 30, b. DE; Mary S., 28, b. DE; James F., 5, b. DE; Hannah D., 3, b. DE; Mitchell A., 1, b. IA.
24 June 1870 Census for Georgetown P.O., Broadkiln Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: Peter C. Lank, 50, farmer; Mary S., 47; William M., 17, farmhand; John H., 15; Robert W., 11; Peter A., 9; Sophia Lank, 69.
10 June 1880 Census for Georgetown P.O., Broadkiln Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: Peter C. Lank, 60, farmer, b. DE as were parents; Mary S., 57, b. DE as were parents; Robert, 21; Alfred, 19.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 218 M    i. James F. Lank was born on 4 Nov 1844, died on 20 Jul 1930 at age 85, and was buried in Lewes and Coolspring Presbyterian Church, Lewes, Sussex CO, DE (N OF RD 247 AT RD 281).

+ 219 F    ii. Hannah DeMamar Lank was born on 5 Nov 1846.

+ 220 M    iii. Mitchell Albert Lank was born on 6 May 1849 and died on 15 Aug 1850 at age 1.

+ 221 M    iv. William Mitchell Lank was born on 21 Jul 1851.

+ 222 F    v. Mary Ann R. Lank was born circa 16 Nov 1852 and died on 31 Dec 1854 at age 2.

+ 223 M    vi. John Henry Lank was born on 11 Feb 1856, died on 28 Aug 1946 at age 90, and was buried in White's Chapel Methodist Church Cmtry, Rt 1 N. of Lewes, Sussex Co., DE..

+ 224 M    vii. Robert White Lank was born on 7 Sep 1858, died on 5 Jan 1913 at age 54, and was buried in Slaughter Neck ME Ch. (N OF DE 14 .1 N OF DE 1, nr. Milford).

+ 225 M    viii. Alfred Lank was born in 1860 in Delaware.

100. James Lank (Mitchell³⁶, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 12 Apr 1824 and died on 18 Feb 1902 at age 77.

General Notes: 22 Aug. 1850 Census for Lewes and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex County, DE: Household (second interview after father's) included James Lank, 26, farmer, b. DE; Mariah, 24, b. DE; John E., 1; Hetty E. Holland, 18; Thomas Calhoun, 18; laborer.
28 June1860 Census for Lewes and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex County, DE: Household included James Lank, 36, farmer; Maria, 33; John M., 12; Sarah E., 9; Henry E., 5; Ellen S., 2; and Joseph C., 7/12.
30 June 1870 Census for Lewes and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex County, DE: James Lank, 46, farmer; Mariah, 43; John M., 21; Sarah E., 19; Henry E., 15; Alice, 13; Joseph, 10; Albert H., 8; Lydia A., 4; Hannah C., 2.
23 June 1880 Census for Lewes and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex County, DE: James Lank, 56, farmer, b. DE as were parents; Mariah, 53, b. DE as were parents; Joseph, 20; Ella S., 22; Albert H., 18; Lydia A., 15; James T., 6.
8 June 1900 Census for Lewes and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex County, DE: James Lank, 76, farmer, married 53 yrs, b. Apr. 1824 DE as were parents; Mariah, 72, b. June 1827 DE as were parents.

James married Mariah Holland, daughter of Ebenezer Holland and Elizabeth Turner Dodd, on 20 Jan 1847. Mariah was born on 20 Jun 1827 and died on 9 Oct 1905 at age 78.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 226 M    i. John Mitchell Lank was born on 26 Feb 1849 and died on 12 Jun 1920 at age 71.

+ 227 F    ii. Sarah Elizabeth Lank was born on 5 Apr 1851 and died on 20 Mar 1931 at age 79.

+ 228 F    iii. Hannah Ellen Lank was born on 4 Jul 1853 and died on 26 May 1854.

+ 229 M    iv. Henry Ebenezer Lank was born on 15 Mar 1855 in Delaware and died on 27 Sep 1929 in Sussex Co, DE at age 74.

+ 230 F    v. Ella Susan Lank was born on 26 Jul 1857.

+ 231 M    vi. Joseph Carey Lank was born on 26 Oct 1859 and died on 21 Dec 1909 in Sussex Co, DE at age 50.

+ 232 M    vii. Albert Holland Lank was born on 11 May 1862 and died on 2 Jun 1922 at age 60.

+ 233 F    viii. Lydia Ann Lank was born on 18 Feb 1866 and died on 26 Jul 1922 at age 56.

+ 234 F    ix. Hannah Catherine Lank was born on 19 Jun 1868 and died on 10 Mar 1871 at age 2.

+ 235 M    x. James Triford Lank was born on 25 Jan 1874 and died on 12 Nov 1952 at age 78.

101. Lydia Ann Lank (Mitchell³⁶, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 7 Dec 1826 and died on 23 Jan 1911 at age 84.

Lydia married Joseph Black on 12 Dec 1848. Joseph was born on 26 Nov 1825 and died on 14 Apr 1885 at age 59.

102. Elizabeth P. Lank (Mitchell³⁶, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 30 Sep 1829 and died in 1898 at age 69.

Elizabeth married James Mitchell, M.D. on 21 Feb 1850.

103. William Jefferis Lank (Mitchell³⁶, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 24 Feb 1831 in DE, died on 25 Nov 1911 in DE at age 80, and was buried Mount Salem Cemetery in Wilm., DE.

General Notes: 8 June 1880 Census for New Castle Hd., New Castle Cnty, DE: William J. Lank, 49, farmer, b. DE as were parents; Elizabeth, 39, b. DE as were parents; Mary E., 17; Sarah S., 15; William N., 13; James W., 11; Henri S., 9; Jennie S., 5; Rutherford B., 9/12. Also in household are Maria Stanton, 84, mother-in-law and William's stepchildren: Maria S. Sapp, 12; Joseph H. Sapp, 10; Charles S. Sapp, 8; Phoebe A. Sapp, 5; their father was b. NJ.
25 June 1900 Census for Wilmington City, New Castle Cnty, DE: William Lank, 69, b. Feb. 1831 DE as were parents, no occupation, married 15 yrs [sic]; Elizabeth S., 59, b. May 1841 DE as were parents, bearing 7 children, 7 living; James W., 31, grocer, b. Jan. 1869 DE; Henri S., 29, laborer, b. Feb. 1871 DE; Alvin B., 18, clerk, b. Jan. 1882 DE; "Iaiah" S., 14, office boy, b. Jan. 1886 DE; J. Harvey Sapp, 30, stepson, laborer, b. Jan. 1870 DE as were parents.
7 May 1910 Census for New Castle Cnty, DE: William J. Lank, 79, married 32 yrs, farmer; Elizabeth S., 69, bearing 7 children, 6 living; Isaiah, 24, farm laborer.

Research Notes: Excerpt from "Descendants of William Jefferis Lank," by Dan Harris and provided by Jefferis Kent Peterson, 2007:

William Jefferis Lank was born on February 24, 1831 on a farm near Cool Spring in Sussex County, Delaware. We know little or nothing of his early life and education, although one source indicates that he taught in the public schools, so he must have had a better than average education for the times.

For most of his life he was a farmer, but there is no record of his having owned any land, so we must assume that he was a tenant farmer and probably farmed a number of farms, changing as better opportunities came his way.

He was a large man with a strong voice and sang in his church choirs. He made a considerable name for himself as an auctioneer. He was in great demand for conducting sales and was appreciated not only for his ability to get the best prices for the goods at hand but also for the humor he injected into his selling jargon.

We do not know when he left Sussex County but there is evidence that he spent most of his life in New Castle County. His first two marriages may have been in Sussex County, as the family name of his second wife, Robbins, was and still is a prominent farming family in that county. His third wife, Margaret Melvin, had family ties in the Smyrna area and this may have drawn him north.

He was very active in his church and community where ever he lived. He ran unsuccessfully for sheriff of New Castle County on two occasions. His son, William Nelson, was more successful in this field serving two terms in that office. He was apparently very opinionated in his politics, once falling out with his landowner, Col. H. A. duPont, because the Colonel tried to tell him how to vote.

William married four times. His first wife, Mary Reynolds, died after only seven months of marriage. A year and a half later he married Hannah Robbins. She nursed him through a serious illness only to contract the disease herself and die leaving him with a two month old baby.

Five months after Hannah's death William married Margaret Melvin. We do not know whether Margaret knew Hannah or if she felt deep gratitude for the sacrifice Hannah had made, but her own children felt that Hannah's child, Edwin, enjoyed a favored position in the family.

Margaret was the mother of ten children. When the last child was four months old she too died leaving William with ten children. Her oldest sister, Elizabeth, offered to take the baby provided William would promise not to take her away at some later date. He agreed to this arrangement so Margaret was raised away from her brothers and sisters.

The descendents of Margaret Melvin will be interested to know that her grandmother, Ann Neall George, was the sister of Daniel Neall, a noted Delaware silversmith who went to Philadelphia and became a dentist. He was a friend of the well known abolitionist, Lucretia Mott, and in about 1840 brought her to lower Delaware to speak against slavery. His former friends were so outraged that they tarred and feathered him since they could not attack a lady. His Quaker training stood him in good stead, for he not only forgave them but also invited them to visit him in Philadelphia.

At the time of the Civil War William's church, in recognition of his service to the church and the fact that he had four small children, paid the $300 to hire a substitute for him in the draft. No doubt feeling a strong sense to be of some service to his country in this trying time, he enlisted, at Lipsic, DE in Company F of the 6th Regiment of the Delaware Volunteer Infantry and was sent to guard railroad bridges from sabotage, keeping him out of harm's way but satisfying his desire to serve. He served for only nine months, the wartime pressures on the family at home may have been the cause of this short term of service.

William was unable to cope with his large family when his older daughters married and left home. He decided to "join forces" with a widow, Elizabeth Stanton Sapp, who had three children and an invalid mother. They did not expect any more family but three sons were quickly added. Elizabeth had inherited a farm from her former husband but William, sensing that he would be looked upon as marrying her for the farm, refused to go there, so the farm was rented and he continued to tenant farm other land. The older children, William in particular, were helpful in raising the three younger Lanks.

In the early 1800's the call to "Go West" was heard in the family and four of the children responded. Edwin was the first to go and he took up a homestead in Kansas. Mary Elizabeth, "Molly" had married John F. Thompson and they first settled in South Dakota, then after a try in Nebraska they returned to stay permanently near Presho, South Dakota. John took a homestead near Galva, Iowa. James, although handicapped, took a homestead near his sister in South Dakota, but after qualifying for full ownership of the one hundred sixty acres, returned to Delaware.

William continued to tenant farm until he finally sold out in 1899 and moved into Wilmington, probably continuing with his auctioneering activities. He died on November 25, 1911 and is buried in the Mount Salem cemetery in Wilmington.

William married Mary Reynolds on 2 Mar 1853. Mary died on 9 Oct 1853.

William next married M. Hannah Robbins on 24 May 1855. M. was born on 12 Jan 1828 and died on 14 May 1856 at age 28.

The child from this marriage was:

+ 236 M    i. Edwin Miers Lank was born on 1 Mar 1856 and died on 21 Dec 1955 at age 99.

William next married Margaret Ruth Melvin on 15 Oct 1856. Margaret was born on 14 Oct 1833 in DE and died on 8 Jun 1877 at age 43.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 237 M    i. Mitchell Lewis Lank was born on 30 Jul 1857 and died on 23 Oct 1925 at age 68.

+ 238 M    ii. John Moore Lank was born on 10 Dec 1859 and died on 4 Jan 1937 at age 77.

+ 239 F    iii. Mary Elizabeth Lank was born on 20 Jun 1862 in Delaware and died on 1 Jul 1940 in Presho, SD at age 78.

+ 240 F    iv. Sarah Smithers Lank was born on 24 Aug 1864 in Delaware and died on 7 Feb 1911 in Wilm., DE at age 46.

+ 241 M    v. William Nelson Lank was born on 20 Nov 1866 in Delaware and died on 10 Oct 1951 at age 84.

+ 242 M    vi. James Wilson Lank was born on 6 Jan 1869 in Delaware and died in Feb 1924 at age 55.

+ 243 M    vii. Henri Silver Lank was born on 4 Feb 1871 in Delaware and died on 20 Jun 1940 in Delaware at age 69.

+ 244 M    viii. Oliver Appleby Lank was born on 24 Mar 1872 and died on 1 Feb 1875 at age 2.

+ 245 F    ix. Jennie Steward Lank was born on 24 Mar 1875 in Delaware and died on 26 Oct 1956 at age 81.

+ 246 F    x. Margaret Ruth Lank was born on 20 Feb 1877 in Bear, DE and died on 26 Oct 1969 in Wilmington, New Castle CO, DE at age 92.

William next married Elizabeth Stanton Sapp on 13 Jun 1878. Elizabeth was born on 17 May 1841 in DE and died on 26 May 1913 in DE at age 72.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 247 M    i. Rutherford Barrett Lank was born on 13 Aug 1879 in Delaware and died on 20 Aug 1959 in MD at age 80.

+ 248 M    ii. Alvin Biddle Lank was born on 17 Jun 1882 in DE and died on 7 Nov 1947 in Hyattsville, MD at age 65.

+ 249 M    iii. Isaiah Stanton Lank was born on 30 Jan 1886 in DE and died on 26 Aug 1956 in DE at age 70.

104. Hannah J. Lank (Mitchell³⁶, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 15 Nov 1834 and died on 10 Oct 1852 at age 17.

Hannah married Erasmus Futcher. Erasmus was born on 1 Jan 1830 and died on 8 Jun 1897 at age 67.

105. Peter Coulter Lank (James³⁸, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 12 Dec 1819 and died on 2 Jul 1891 at age 71.

General Notes: 15 Oct. 1850 Census for Prairie Twp., Davis, IA: Peter C. Lank, 30, b. DE; Mary S., 28, b. DE; James F., 5, b. DE; Hannah D., 3, b. DE; Mitchell A., 1, b. IA.
24 June 1870 Census for Georgetown P.O., Broadkiln Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: Peter C. Lank, 50, farmer; Mary S., 47; William M., 17, farmhand; John H., 15; Robert W., 11; Peter A., 9; Sophia Lank, 69.
10 June 1880 Census for Georgetown P.O., Broadkiln Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: Peter C. Lank, 60, farmer, b. DE as were parents; Mary S., 57, b. DE as were parents; Robert, 21; Alfred, 19.

Peter married Mary Susan Lank, daughter of Mitchell Lank and Hannah Jefferis, on 25 Dec 1843. Mary was born on 12 Feb 1822 in Delaware and died in 1900 at age 78.

(Duplicate Line. See Person 99)

106. Naomi M. Lank (James³⁸, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 22 Dec 1822.

Naomi married Kendal B. Atkins on 16 Dec 1840.

107. William D. Lank (James³⁸, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 22 Oct 1828, died on 29 May 1897 at age 68, and was buried in Goshen ME Church, Milton, Sussex, DE (SE OF DE 16 AT RD 22A).

General Notes: 16 July 1850 Census for Broadkiln Hd, Sussex Cty, DE: William D. Lank, 21, b. DE, is included in the household of Robert White, 59, farmer.
29 June 1860 Census for Milton, Sussex Cty, DE: Household included Wm. D. Lank, 29, ship's carpenter; Sarah A., 27; Georgeanna, 7; David E., 1.
18 July 1870 Census for Milton, Broadkiln Hd, Sussex Cty, DE: William D. Lank, 41, ship carpenter; Sarah A., 37; Georgeanna, 17; David E., 11; William, 6; Mary R., 3.
23 June 1880 Census for Milton, Broadkiln Hd, Sussex Cty, DE: William D. Lank, 51, ship carpenter, b. DE as were parents; Sarah A., 47, b. DE as were parents; Edwin D., 21, sailor; William P., 16, sailor; Mary R., 13; John Clarance, 2.

William married Sarah A. Sarah was born in 1833 in Delaware.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 250 F    i. Georgeanna Lank was born in 1853.

+ 251 M    ii. David E. Lank was born on 1 Dec 1858, died on 8 Jan 1884 at age 25, and was buried in Goshen ME Church, Milton, Sussex, DE (SE OF DE 16 AT RD 22A).

+ 252 M    iii. William P. Lank was born on 16 Oct 1863, died on 8 Jan 1884 at age 20, and was buried in Goshen ME Church, Milton, Sussex, DE (SE OF DE 16 AT RD 22A).

+ 253 F    iv. Mary R. Lank was born in 1867.

+ 254 M    v. John Clarance Lank was born in 1878 in Delaware.

108. Levin C. Lank (James³⁸, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 29 Jul 1830.

109. Nancy F. Lank (James³⁸, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 5 Sep 1833.

110. James M. Lank (James³⁸, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 3 Jul 1835.

General Notes: 10 June 1860 Census for Milton, Broadkill Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: Household included a James M. Lank, 23, farmer; Mary A., 23; Millard H., 2.
25 July 1870 Census for Lewes and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: James Lank, 35, farm foreman; Mary, 33; William, 13; James A., 11; Sarah A., 11; John, 3; Elias, 7/12.
8 June 1880 Census for Frederica, SE Murderkill Hd., Kent Cnty, DE: James M. Lank, 44, "works in shipyard", b. DE as were parents; Annie, 35, b. DE as were parents; Sarah A., 18; John, 12; Addie, 4; James, 6/12.

James married Annie. Annie was born in 1845 in Delaware.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 255 F    i. Sarah A. Lank was born in 1862 in Delaware.

+ 256 M    ii. John Lank was born in 1868 in Delaware.

+ 257 F    iii. Addie Lank was born in 1876.

+ 258 M    iv. James Lank was born in 1880 in Delaware.

111. Hannah J. Lank (James³⁸, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 10 Oct 1839.

General Notes: Hannah's MI may be F.

112. Mary Susan Lank (James³⁸, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 30 Jun 1841 and died on 9 Sep 1842 at age 1.

113. John H. Lank (John³⁹, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born in 1819.

General Notes: 31 July 1850 Census for Milton, Broadkiln Hd, Sussex, DE: John Lank, 30, sailor, b. DE; Letty E., 22, b. DE; William H., 4; Joseph E., 2; Emily B. Vent [sic], 15.
29 June 1860 Census for Milton, Sussex Cty, DE: House included John H. Lank, 41, sailor; Lettie E., 32; Wm. M., 15; Joseph E., 13; "Ideus" (sic) A. M., 10; Mary A., 7.
18 July 1870 Census for Milton, Broadkiln Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: John H. Lank, 50, sailor; Lettitia, 42; William L., 24, sailor; Joseph E., 22, ship carpenter; James A. M., 19; Mary A., 17.
23 June 1880 for Milton, Sussex Cnty, DE: John H. Lank, 61, steamboat captain, b. DE as were parents; Laetitia E., 51, b. DE as were parents; James A., 29, steamboat captain; Annie M., 26.

John married Letitia Darby on 21 Dec 1844. Letitia was born in 1828.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 259 M    i. William L. Lank was born in 1845.

+ 260 M    ii. Joseph E. Lank was born in 1847.

+ 261 M    iii. James A. M. Lank was born in 1850.

+ 262 F    iv. Mary A. Lank was born in 1853.

114. Nathaniel L. Hudson (Ruth Lank⁴³, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 15 Feb 1829 and died on 14 Apr 1849 at age 20.

115. Edward Rhodes Messick (Ruth Lank⁴³, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 9 Oct 1833 and died on 14 Feb 1895 at age 61.

Edward married Mary H. Conwell. Mary was born on 2 Mar 1835 and died on 2 Jan 1904 at age 68.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 263 F    i. Martha Conwell Messick was born on 20 Apr 1855 and died on 26 Jun 1922 at age 67.

+ 264 F    ii. Ruth W. Messick was born on 29 Jan 1859.

+ 265 F    iii. Mary W. Messick was born on 5 Apr 1862.

+ 266 F    iv. "Lillie" Lydia C. Messick was born on 24 Sep 1864 and died in May 1894 at age 29.

+ 267 M    v. Edward R. Messick Jr. was born on 25 Jul 1870.

+ 268 F    vi. Clara Wilson Messick was born on 20 Jul 1873.

+ 269 M    vii. Lewes Delaware Messick was born on 11 Jun 1877.

116. George Riley Messick (Ruth Lank⁴³, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 1 Oct 1835.

117. Lydia E. Messick (Ruth Lank⁴³, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 22 Sep 1838.

118. Samuel J. Messick (Ruth Lank⁴³, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 12 Dec 1841.

119. Levin J. Lank (William⁴⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 2 May 1834.

General Notes: 1 July 1870 Census for Georgetown P.O. Broadkiln Hd., Sussex Cty, DE: Levin J. Lank, 36, farmer; Martha A., 40; Sarah V., 12; Mary E., 7; Burton T., 3.
19 June 1880 Census for Lewes and Rehobeth Hd., Sussex Cnty, DE: Levin J. Lank, 45, farmer, b. DE as were parents; Martha, 50, b. DE as were parents; Mary S., 17; Burton T., 14; Mary, 72, mother.

Levin married Martha A. (Jones) Pride on 9 Nov 1857. Martha was born on 15 Oct 1825 and died on 2 May 1907 at age 81.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 270 F    i. Sarah V. Lank was born in 1859 and died in 1901 at age 42.

+ 271 M    ii. William H. Lank was born in 1860 and died on 29 Apr 1860.

+ 272 M    iii. Charles G. Lank was born in 1861 and died on 4 Jan 1861.

+ 273 F    iv. Mary Lank was born in 1862 and died in 1932 at age 70.

+ 274 M    v. Burton T. Lank was born on 10 Nov 1866 and died on 13 Jan 1942 at age 75.

120. Mary E. Lank (William⁴⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 26 Aug 1836.

General Notes: Once source (Genealogical Gleanings...) has Mary E. as wife of James A. Stevens, who died 10-29-1900 (See Elizabeth Lank).

121. Ruth Ann Lank (William⁴⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) was born on 4 May 1839 and died on 14 Aug 1865 at age 26.

General Notes: One source (Genealogical Gleanings...) has her birth at 4-14-1839.

122. Elizabeth Lank (William⁴⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹).

Elizabeth married James Stevens. James died on 29 Oct 1900.

123. Babe Lank (William⁴⁵, Levin Jr.⁷, Levin¹) died on 1 Sep 1842.