John Willis A. Langley
Born: June 10, 1868     Died: July 10, 1906

Taken from The Panola Watchman newspaper, July 25, 1906

On Thursday, July 10, the hearts of loved ones were broken by the sudden appearance of the death angel near Long Branch, Panola County, who pierced his ever dreadful finger into the breast of the long loved J. W. A. Langley, and brought from its hiding place the praised treasure which we call life.

Uncle Willis was born in Hopkins County, Texas, on the 10th day of May about 1868 or 1869, and was left fatherless in the autumn of 1871 and was carried with his mother to Fair Play, Panola County, Texas, in the year 1872, and around this place he spent the rest of his life.

In his young days he was a truthful and honest boy, was loved by all his play mates and was bright and energetic in school. He grew into noble manhood and made friends of every one with whom he came in contact. What a promising life before him and well did he live it.

He lived with his mother to take care of her til her death, August 1903, he being the pride of her heat. Her last words were, "Where is Willis?" After this he lived with his uncle and sister until Jan. 4, 1905, when he chose the faithful daughter, Bell, of Hon. J. Ras. Jones to be his companion.

This happy couple lived together only 1 year, 6 months, and 6 days, when the cruel current of electricity, in the form of lightning, struck his body and suddenly drifted his precious soul to the fair lands beyond the starry plains.

God has a better purpose for him on high. We must think of God's words as he said, "Come higher children and partake of the enjoyments which thy Father hath in store for thee."

Uncle Willis left two brothers and one sister and dearest of all to him a companion, besides these a host of friends and other relatives to mourn his loss. I say unto these weep not for him, for our loss is his gain, let us live so as to meet him in the golden streets of Zion.

Submitted to the The Panola Watchman by Lee Langley.

Additional information provided by Pat Porter, grandson:

John Willis A. Langley was struck by lightning after a cloud came up while he was plowing. For protection, he and a man who was plowing with him, got under a large pine tree. Lightning struck the tree and killed both men and their mules.

At the time Mr. Langley had a silver dollar in his pocket and the lightning burned a hole through the coin. His daughter, Mr. Pat Porter's mother, kept the coin for many years; however, during the Great Depression of the 1930's, she had to spend it.
Hats Off! to Mr. Pat Porter of Carthage, Texas, for providing th photo and additional information about his grandfather, Mr. Langley. Much of story taken from The Panola Watchman, July 25, 1906.

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