The John Lang Family

By Ruth Lang Sanders

John Lang came to the United States from Dietingen, Germany, in 1895. He arrived in Jacksonville in 1909, going to work as a watchmaker for J. J. Spurlock, Jeweler. In 1915, he bought the jewelry store from Mr. McReynolds, and the business has been Lang's Jewelry Store since that time.

John Lang married Lydia Holland, a great-niece of Mrs. W. T. Pinkard, on October 9, 1919. She had come to Jacksonville in 1917 from Powder Springs, Georgia, and before her marriage worked in the P. D. Turner Variety Store and at Jacksonville Drug.

Mrs. Lang was for many years a member of First Baptist Church, and president of the T.E.L. Sunday School class. Later, she became a Methodist. She also was president of Joe Wright Parent-Teacher Association.

Mr. Lang was a member of First Methodist Church and a 32nd Degree Mason. He received his degree of Doctor of Optometry from Northern Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, in 1927, and carried on his practice in an office located in the jewelry store.

In 1922, Mr. and Mrs. Lang purchased from George Tilley a home on 5.4 acres on Mt. Selman road. Their youngest daughter, Ruth, was born in the family home and still resides there. It was rebuilt in 1953.

The Langs had two daughters. Barbara was born March 23, 1921. She graduated from public schools in Jacksonville and studied piano with Mrs. Earle Stephens. She was for many years pianist for the Rotary Club. She worked in Lang's Jewelry Store until her marriage to W. C. McCuIlough in August, 1946. They have three children, Dan, Jim and Vickie, six grandchildren, live in Fallbrook, California.

Ruth was born September 14, 1924, and graduated from public schools here. After working for Western Union and in the jewelry store, she married Billy Jack Sanders in January, 1944. They have two sons, John and Paul. Ruth has been an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for twenty years, served as treasurer of the Volunteer Council of Rusk State Hospital for fifteen years, is a member and past president of Joe Wright P. T. A., and currently serves as secretary. She is a partner in Lang's Jewelry Store.

Billy Jack Sanders graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1951 and recently moved his office from Lang's Jewelry store to 220 South Main Street. He is a member of First Methodist Church.

Mrs. Lydia Lang died on February 1, 1950, and Mr. Lang followed her in death on September 26, 1952.

Early-day picture of Lang Jewelry Store.

Mrs. Lydia Lang and her daughters, Barbara and Ruth, along with the family dog, at their home on Mt. Selman Road.

John Lang, left, Joe Rhodes and J. J. Spurlock in front latter's jewelry store, 1911.