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James Long
~ Washington County, Missouri
JAMES - James Long has contributed
his full share to the development of the mineral resources of
Washington County,
 as
well as its commercial interests, and no one occupies a more
creditable position. He was born in that part of Washington County
now included within the limits of St. Francois County August 2,
1830. His father was Samuel Long. James Long became connected with
the mining and smelting business in early time. He is one of the
largest taxpayers in the county, and owns one of the choicest tracts
of land in the Moses Austin Grant,
which includes 3, 400 acres. He served as
sheriff and collector of the
county four years, and was treasurer six years. He was married in
1862 to Miss Bettie M. Poston, of St. Francois County, a daughter of
Richard and Martha Poston. [Married by John H. Headle, MG,
Methodist Episcopal Church South, St. Francois County] Their
family consists of three daughters: Lillie A. (now Mrs. Nichols),
Mattie D. and Minnie H. In his business relations Mr. Long enjoys,
in an unusual degree, the confidence of the community. From:
Goodspeed's History of Washington County - 1888 Reprint
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James Long built this
beautiful Victorian style house in Potosi
circa 1865 & the grounds occupied the entire
block on Mine, Pine & Clark Streets, with a
stable & carriage house on the rear lots.
The house has approximately 10 rooms not
including the entrance hall, basement &
attic. It is still furnished with many of
the Long family's original furniture. James
died in 1916 in the house at left.
It
is said that his ghost haunts the home.
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He is buried in the
Presbyterian Cemetery on
Breton Street
almost directly across the street from where he lived.
Also buried there are his wife Betty Poston Long, &
daughters Mattie & Minnie Long, & Lily Long Nichols. |
Children of Bettie
Poston & James Long:
Lillie - was
married to Noah Nichols. They had a son & a daughter, Gladys,
who was born in 1892 in Potosi. In 1916 Gladys married a lawyer
Parke Monroe Banta & they lived in the Long House prior to
moving to Arcadia. they had three daughters: Doris, Carol &
Beth. Mr. Banta served in WWI, was Social Security
Administrator for Missouri & was elected to Congress in 1946.
He also served as the first General Counsel for the U. S.
Department of Health, Education & Welfare. On his retirement he
& Mrs. Banta returned to Potosi & took up residence again in the
Long Home. Mr. Banta died in 1970 & Mrs. Banta in 1989.
Mattie - died in
the house in 1894.
Minnie - was
married to James Strother Hutchinson of Shreveport, Louisiana in
1891. He died in 1899. After returning to the house circa 1900
she lived there for over 50 years.
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