Thomas B. Lankford

No Image of the Agent Available
Date of Birth: 
1900
Date of Death: 
May 26, 1926
Location of Death: 
Springfield, IL

Circumstances of Death

Prohibition Agent Thomas Bright Lankford was left to guard a seized still near Springfield, IL, while other agents continued raiding other locations.  During the early morning hours, an automobile that appeared to contain liquor drove up to the still site, the driver apparently unaware of Agent Lankford's presence.  As Agent Lankford questioned Michael Kiren about his activities, he was shot.  Agent Lankford was found by the returning agents and taken to the hospital, but died the following day.  Kiren was later arrested for the murder of Agent Lankford.

Background

Agent Lankford joined the Prohibition Unit on January 30, 1925, with an annual salary of $1,680.

Personal

Agent Lankford was born in Liberty, TN.  He was single and survived by his parents, Robert and Ocia (née Barrett), of Harmony, NC.

Associated Artifacts: 
Image of Thomas B Lankford oath of office document
Image of Thomas Lankford certificate of death
Last Reviewed September 23, 2016