William A. Lang, who is successfully engaged in partnership with W. J. Wroughton in the importing of fine horses, is a native son of Delaware county and has spent much of his life here. He was born June 14, 1862, a son of N. S. and Charlotte (Squires) Lang, both born near Cleveland, Ohio. In 1856 they removed to this county and settled upon a farm but in 1865 they removed to Payette county, this state. They continued to reside there until called to their final rest.
    William A. Lang was one of nine children, eight of whom are still living and remained at home until he attained his majority. He was given the advantages of a common-school education and also learned much of farm work through assisting his father in the summers. Upon leaving home he went to South Dakota, where he remained for a few years, but in 1890 he returned to Iowa and located at Greeley, becoming interested with A. B. Holbert in the horse business. In 1900 he and Mr. Wroughton became associated as importers of registered horses and that relationship is still maintained to the profit of both. They bring over to this country from Europe annually a number of fine animals of good pedigree and have already built up an enviable reputation throughout the state as horse importers. They own several farms and take the best of care of the horses after they arrive in this country, which insures their being in good condition when sold. The business of the firm is constantly increasing and is proving very profitable.
     Mr. Lang was married in 1889 to Miss Carrie Cross, a native of De Kalb county, Illinois, and a daughter of Alford and Sarah (Fowler) Cross. Mrs. Lang is one of two children born to her parents and by her marriage has two children: Elmer P., born August 14, 1892, who is married and resides upon the farm; and Fred H., who was born June 29, 1893, and is still at home. The mother is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and aids in the work of that organization.
    Mr. Lang is a republican and is one of the town councilmen. Fraternally he belongs to the blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic order and to the subordinate lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He and his wife are both members of the Rebekahs.  They hold a high place in the estimation of those who have associated with them as their salient characteristics are such as invariably command respect.