Lena Markham (1888-1999) validation

The GRG announces the age validation of Lena Markham, nee Dilwood. Lena was born in Texas, USA, on October 25th 1888 to Thomas Dilwood and Telitha Dilwood, nee Dewberry. She had an adopted brother named Willie. The family lived in San Antonio, Texas, until she married Clarence M Markham Sr on May 31st 1910, after which they moved to Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, in 1920. They went on to have at least three children – a son and two daughters – Clarence III, Claylee and Jean Lois. In 1950, the family was living in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, but later moved back to Toledo, Ohio. Lena continued to live there for the rest of her life. She was heavily involved with the Catholic Church, helping found a church for black Catholics in Toledo. Lena’s mother was reportedly born a slave and her father had been a member of the 10th cavalry, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, an all-black unit in the army. Lena passed away in Toledo, aged 110 years, 122 days, on February 24th 1999. At the time of her death she had many descendants, including great-great-grandchildren.

Lena’s age was verified by Anson Davis and Ilias Leivaditis, accepted by the GRG as validated with a retroactive date of November 3rd 2016.