Lang, James A.

James A. Lang was born on January 7, 1871, in Corydon, Indiana, to a pioneer father who settled in Sherman County, Nebraska. Reared on a Nebraska farm, he worked in agriculture before moving to Fresno, California, on February 2, 1894. After working on local ranches for five months, he joined the baggage department of the Southern Pacific Railway Company, eventually managing the department at the Fresno depot for fifteen years until 1912.

Following his twenty-year railway career, James established a successful auto express and delivery business in Fresno. He married Ethel Dunn, daughter of Fresno pioneer R. P. Dunn, and had a son, Austin Lang, who served in the United States Navy. Active in civic and fraternal affairs, he affiliated with Fresno Lodge No. 247 F. and A. M., held memberships in the Eagles, Red Men, and Teamster Union, and helped charter Sunset Lodge No. 7199 Modern Woodmen of America.