My Genealogy Hound

JOHN LANG. In modern times the number of gentlemen who, beginning without capital, have gained wealth and influence is so large that such instances have ceased to be remarkable. The qualifications, however, necessary to secure such success will never cease to command our admiration. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is one of the progressive business men of Watkins, who has for years been prominently connected with the railroad interests of this section of the country, and whose information concerning every detail connected with railroading is considered accurate and thorough. He owns and occupies an elegant residence in Watkins, which, with its beautiful grounds, is an object of admiration to every passer-by.

The subject of this sketch was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., in 1826, being a son of Alexander and Maria (Ross) Lang. At the early age of eight years he was orphaned by his father’s death, but continued, for some years afterward, to reside in his native place, where he was a student in the public schools, laying the foundation of the liberal and broad education he now possesses. When sixteen years of age he went to Tioga County, Pa., where he made his home with his grandfather, and for four years he attended the schools of that locality.

The business career of Mr. Lang began at the age of twenty, when he became a bookkeeper for the Blossburg Coal Company. His services were so satisfactory that he was retained by the firm for nine years, when he resigned to accept another position. The year 1860 witnessed his arrival in Watkins, where he has since been connected with the Fall Brook Coal Company as Treasurer and Vice-President. His interests have been versatile, and perhaps no citizen has contributed more to the advancement of the material interests of the place than has he. At present he holds the positions of Vice-President of the Fall Brook Railway Company and Vice-President of the Syracuse, Geneva & Corning Railway Company, the principal offices of the latter company being at Watkins. In addition to these interests, he also holds the position of President of the Chest Creek Land and Improvement Company of Cambria and Clearfield Counties, and is Trustee of the estate of John Magee, besides being a Director or Trustee in several other corporations. He has an office at Corning, N. Y., where a portion of his time is spent.

Beginning in business with no other capital than his mental and physical endowments, Mr. Lang has accumulated a competence by a determined effort to overcome all obstacles in the pathway of complete success, and by the exercise of quick, unerring judgment in regard to the best means of investing money. While he has a keen pleasure in the respect and confidence of his fellow-men, yet he has ever been averse to pushing himself forward in any manner for the purpose of gaining applause or notoriety. He has an extensive acquaintance in Watkins and Schuyler County, of which he has been a resident for thirty-five years, and is well known as a reliable and capable business man.