Francis Marion Lang
Francis Marion Lang was born April 25, 1850, in Sprigg Township, on the old Lang homestead, the son of Barton S. and Melinda (Parks) Lang.
James Lang, grandfather of our subject, came to Manchester in 1793, and joined Massie's colony. He had a land warrant which he placed on Isaac's Creek, the farm still owned by our subject, but owing to the hostility of the Indians at that time, he was compelled to remain under the protection of the Stockade at Manchester until peace was declared in 1795, at which time he removed to his farm, where he reared a family of four sons: James, John. Thomas and Barton S.
Barton S. Lang, the father of our subject, was born September 22, 1815. Melinda Parks, his wife, was born February 27, 1814. They were married December 15, 1836. Their family record of births is as follows: James M., May 1, 1838; Jeremiah, October 5, 1839; Lucinda, March 14, 1841; Margaret Jane. November 23, 1842; Martha Ann, October 8, 1844; M. Lafayette, October 7, 1846; Amanda Melvina. October 29, 1848; Francis Marion, April 25, 1850; Columbus Clay, April 2, 1852, and Walter Corwin, March 26, 1854. Barton S. Lang died August 8, 1879; his wife died in 1855.
Francis Marion Lang, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm, receiving such education as the common schools of Sprigg Township afforded. He remained with his father until the age of twenty-three, at which time he assumed control of the home farm and resided there with the exception of part of one year, till 1891, when he removed to Manchester to take advantage of the educational advantages for his children and to look after his business interests at that place. While on the farm, he engaged in the dairy business for eighteen months. From 1885 to 1895, he was engaged in the livery business in Manchester, now conducted bv Mr. Erdbrink. For several years he handled leaf tobacco on an extensive scale, and at the same time engaged in packing pork in partnership with S. R. Monteeth.
From 1884 to 1886, he was President of the Ohio Valley Furniture Company at Manchester, and is now Vice-President of the same concern. In 1891, he was engaged in the coal business, which business he conducted till 1897, when Charles Lang, his son, was taken in as a partner. The firm is now styled F. M. Lang & Son. In 1897, the firm of Lang Bros., stoves, hardware, machinery and farm implements, was organized by Charles, Walter and Aultman Lang, sons of F. M. Lang. Charles withdrew from the firm shortly after to give his entire attention to the coal business.
Mr. Lang was married January 24, 1872, to Miss Mary Lou Sinniger, daughter of Augustus Sinniger, of Sprigg Township. She was born March 30, 1856. Their children are Charles W. S., born November 27, 1872; Harry, born October 15, 1874, died November 22, 1874; Morta B., born December 18, 1878, died December 16, 1879; James Walter, born September 1, 1877; Lee Aultman, born September 10, 1879; William Kirker, born May 5, 1882; Esta Kate, born April 14, 1884; Francis Pierce, August 21. 1886: Lulu Claire, born September 13. 1889. died August 30, 1891; Alice Louise, born January 19. 1892, and Helen Augusta, born July 23, 1896.
Mr. Lang is a business man of more than ordinary ability. Although he has engaged in several different kinds of business, he has always been successful and at present is the owner of more real estate than any other person in Manchester. His success is due to his honorable dealings, together with good judgment and strict attention to business.
From "History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time" - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900