Nevada Genealogy Trails Storey County Hon. Francis P. Langan Biography

HON. FRANCIS P. LANGAN. The true measure of success is determined by what one has accomplished, and, as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, there is particular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review, since he is a native son of the place in which he has passed his active life, and has so directed his ability and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens of Virginia City. He is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community, and one which has long been considered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. As a capable lawyer Mr. Langan is well known, having practiced at the bar of Virginia City since 1887.

Mr. Langan was born in Gold Hill on the 5th of November, 1865. His father, James Langan, was one of the respected pioneers of the state, having come to Virginia City in i860. He was, a native of Ireland, born in the county of Waterford. in 1833. He emigrated from his native land to northern Michigan and worked in the Calumet and Hecla mines until his removal to Nevada. He was a well informed miner, having practical knowledge of the best methods of extracting the ore from the earth He was soon made shift boss, and from 1883 until 1900 was foreman under Superintendent W. E. Sharon, of the Segregated Belcher, the Belcher, Crown Point, Yellow Jacket. Imperial and other mines of that wonderful group of producers. He had much to do with winning the high bullion-producing record of these mines, and he continued his connection therewith as foreman until 1900, when, at the age of seventy years, he retired from business cares after a successful career, having for many years been connected with mining interests, during which time he had steadily worked his way upward. At the time of his retirement he removed to Santa Monica, California, where he died on the 31st of May, 1903.

Having acquired his preliminary education in the public schools. F. P. Langan continued his studies in St. Mary's College, in San Francisco, where he was graduated with the class of 1882. He then prepared for his chosen profession as a student in the law department of the State University of California, Hastings Law College, and was graduated there in 1886, receiving his degree at that time. The following year he opened an office and began practice in the county in which he first saw the light of day. and has acquired a remunerative business, handling much important litigation, entrusted to him because of his well known ability and his devotion to the interests of his clients.

In 1898 Mr. Langan was joined in wedlock to Miss Louise Merkle, a daughter of Thomas Merkle. At the time of her marriage she was a successful teacher and highly esteemed in educational circles. To Mr. and Mrs. Langan have been born three children, all natives of Virginia City—Frances, Norma and James. Mr. and Mrs. Langan are members of the Catholic church and are rearing their bright, intelligent family in that faith. Fraternally Mr. Langan is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and and is past grand patriarch of the last named for the state of Nevada. In politics he is a silver Republican, and has been honored with a number of official positions. He has been elected and served his county as district attorney and ex-officio superintendent of schools, and in 1888 was elected a member of the state legislature. He takes an active part in the political work of the state and is influential in its councils and conventions. Having spent his entire life in Virginia City, he is well known to her people, and enjoys the high regard of his associates whom he has met in business and social circles.