Langhorn and Mary

When you tell people that the story line of your book revolves around an African-American boy and a German-American girl who fall in love and elope, that they were married for thirty years, and that the time is the early 1800s and the setting is Southeastern Pennsylvania, the usual retorts are “Incredible!” “Unreal!” and “Impossible!” Even in the 21st century people immediately understand the gravity such a situation would forebode at that time and in that place. Yet it’s true. It was documented. This is perhaps the most unique story of its kind in American history. And it lay waiting, hidden inside stacks of 150-year-old newspapers, church records, and real estate records for you to happen upon in your family research. And now it’s time to tell the world. LANGHORN AND MARY is the book — the true story of the thirty-year marriage of Langhorn H. and Mary (Stone) Wellings of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, from 1835 to 1865. They were common, working-class folks who wanted nothing more than to be left in peace, yet they were inextricably caught in the maelstrom of significant events and issues in those days—slavery, abolition, Underground Railroad, prejudice and racism, Civil War, religion and health. And, Langhorn ultimately having to deal head on with the bigotry and narrow-mindedness of society when, following Mary's death from apoplexy (stroke), his life comes to an intense climax with his arrest and trial charged with murdering her by poison. LANGHORN AND MARY is a book that men and women of all ages will enjoy. It is a historical novel, a docudrama, a love story and an adventure. This is authentic American history seen through the eyes of those who witnessed it firsthand and were most profoundly affected by it. Indeed, it is imperative that their story is told, their triumphs and sufferings acknowledged, and their spirits honored.