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 (n茅e Barrett), of Harmony, NC.
Associate Artifacts
