William Langer graduated from UND in 1906 and had a long career in politics. He was North Dakota Attorney General from 1917 until 1920 and served twice as Governor: from 1933 to 1934 and from 1937 until 1939. Elected to the United States Senate in 1941, he served until his death in 1959.
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Letter from Dorothy Gwinn for Senator Langer to Martin Fox Enclosing Report from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Regarding Concern about the Tribal Council, May 12, 1952
Dorothy Ford Gwinn
This letter dated May 12, 1952, from Dorothy Ford Gwinn on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Martin Fox, encloses a copy from Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillon Myer's report on the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council delegates' trip to Washington, D.C. and their per diem payments.
There are several handwritten notes on the letter, including "Spotted Bear, Justin" and "Cross, Martin."
See also:
Letter from Martin Fox to Senator Langer Conveying a Dissatisfaction with the Tribal Council, March 28, 1952
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Letter from Irene Edwards for Senator Langer to Evelyn B. Mendez Regarding Per Capita Payments, October 6, 1952
Edwards Irene
This letter, dated October 6, 1952, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Evelyn B. Mendez of Elbowoods North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation, makes reference to Mendez's letter of September 26, which, in turn, refers to previous correspondence regarding the fact that Mendez, on behalf of her children, did not received the $1000 per capita payment made to enrolled members of the Forth Berthold Reservation. Edwards writes that Langer's staff is again taking the matter up with "the authorities" in Langer's name, and that, as soon as a reply is available, Mendez will hear from Langer's staff again.
See also:
Letter from William Langer to Dillon S. Myer Regarding Evelyn B. Mendez's Per Capita Payments, October 6, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding February 7 Congressional Record, February 8, 1952
Senator Langer
This letter dated February 8, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, encloses a copy of the US Congressional Record for February 7th. This Record contains the resolution adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee concerning the US Indian Service Medical Program. The record is not enclosed with this letter.
See also:
Congressional Record (Senate), February 7, 1952 Vol. 98, Part 1--Bound Edition
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee Resolution, February 3, 1952
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Letter from Dorothy Gwinn on Behalf of Senator Langer to Marjorie Slocum et al. Regarding the Relocation Problem Due to the Garrison Dam Project, June 25, 1952
William Langer
This set of letters dated June 25 and 26, 1952, from Dorothy Ford Gwinn, Secretary to United States (US) Senator William Langer, on Behalf of Langer to Marjorie Slocum, Ruth Sears, Myra Baker, Bernard Chase, and Bertha Driver acknowledge the receipt of correspondence from these five citizens of Elbowoods, North Dakota, regarding what Gwinn calls “your relocation problem due to the Garrison Dam project.” The wording of these letters varies slightly, but the substance of them is identical: that Langer is in North Dakota and the addressee will hear from him on his return to Washington, D.C.
See also:
Letter from Acting Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Lee to Senator Langer Regarding Relocations Problems Due to the Garrison Dam Project, July 11, 1952
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Letter from Irene Edwards for Senator Langer to the Reverend H. W. Case Regarding Church Relocation Expenses, October 6, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated October 6, 1952, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Reverend H. W. Case of the Fort Berthold Mission, makes reference to a letter Langer received from Case and forwarded to the US Office of Legislative Counsel for a determination on whether Case might receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in relocating his church in order to make way for the construction of the Garrison Dam project.
Langer includes with his letter the reply he received from the US Office of Legislative Counsel, which, he regrets to have learned, explains that the law in question, US Public Law 534, does not cover Case's situation.
See also:
Letter from the Reverend H. W. Case to Senator Langer Regarding Church Relocation Expenses, September 15, 1952
Letter from Edwards for Senator Langer to the Reverend H. W. Case Regarding Senate Bill 1187, March 26, 1953
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Letter from Irene Edwards Senator Langer to the Reverend H. W. Case Regarding Church Relocation Expenses, October 6, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated October 6, 1952, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Reverend H. W. Case of the Fort Berthold Mission, makes reference to Case's recent letter inquiring of the possibility of receiving reimbursement for expenses associated to the relocation of Case's church to make way for the construction of the Garrison Dam project. Martin assures Case that Langer's office is looking into the matter and will be contacting Case in the future.
See also:
Letter from the Reverend H. W. Case to Senator Langer Regarding Church Relocation Expenses, September 15, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to A. N. Winge Regarding Condemnation Proceedings, March 3, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated March 3, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to A. N. Winge of Van Hook, North Dakota, informs Winge that Langer has contacted the Chief of Engineers to find out “what can be done to help you.” Langer writes that a representative from the Corps of Engineers will come to see Winge and that that she can “find out” from the representative “what sort of settlement they are prepared to make.” Langer assures Winge that he will contact “other members of our delegation down here” and asks if anything further can be done.
The letter includes the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Senator Young, Representative Burdick, and Representative Aandahl Regarding the A. N. Winge’s Treatment During the Condemnation Proceedings, March 3, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to A. N. Winge Regarding the Legality of the Condemnation Process, May 7, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated May 7, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to A. N. Winge of Van Hook, North Dakota, marks the receipt of Winge’s letter from April 28, 1952. Langer writes that “it is extremely difficult to advise you concerning this matter from this end," explaining that “an action has been instituted in the [US] Federal Court for the condemnation of the land and under such circumstances there is nothing that anyone here can do to be of help.” Langer advises Winge to procure a private attorney to “look after your interest and he really is the only one that can do anything for you.” Langer writes that he will help Winge if her private attorney “runs into some snag, and concludes by assuring Winge that she should get in touch with him if there is anything further he can be helpful in.
The letter includes the all caps annotations “DICTATED BY H.A. MACKOFF” and “GARRISON DAM.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Senator Young, Representative Burdick, and Representative Aandahl Regarding the A. N. Winge’s Treatment During the Condemnation Proceedings, March 3, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Arne Tollefson Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 10, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated December 10, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to McKenzie Country Auditor Arne Tollefson, expresses Langer's pleasure in receiving a copy of the resolution prepared by the McKenzie County Board of Commissioners regarding the construction of a road to connect the Fort Berhold Reservation to Highway no. 23. Langer pledges to do "everything I possibly can in this matter," and that as soon as he has additional information Tollefson will be hearing from him again.
See also:
Letter from Arne Tollefson to Senator Langer Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 2, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Arne Tollefson Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 30, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated December 30, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to McKenzie County Auditor Arne Tollefson, references their recent correspondence regarding highway construction, and includes the reply Langer received from Commissioner of Public Roads Thomas H. MacDonald regarding the question of possible federal funding for a proposed road. MacDonald's reply indicates that federal funding may be possible for four of the seven miles of proposed road, though the state has so far not requested federal aid for those qualifying miles. Langer recommends that Tollefson take the matter up directly with the State Highway Department.
Langer adds that he has also contacted Colonel R. J. B. Page of the Army Corps of Engineers, Garrison District, regarding the matter, and will contact Tollefson as soon as he has further information.
See also:
Letter from Arne Tollefson to Senator Langer Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 2, 1952
Letter from Senator Langer to Arne Tollefson Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, January 2, 1953
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Letter from Senator Langer to Arthur S. Bensell et al. Requesting Suggestions for Betterment of Service, March 12, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated March 12, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to a number of people employed by the Fort Berthold Agency, asks the recipients to share their “views . . . concerning the present status of Indian affairs and what suggestions [they] may wish to offer for betterment of the Service.”
Recipients of the letter include:
Reservation Principal Arthur S. Bensell
Realty Officer Floyd MacSpadden
Supervising Highway Construction and Maintenance Engineer Ralph M. Shane
Soil Conservationist Eddie M. Coker
Placement Officer Wilbur E. Peacock
Medical Officer Edwin A. Shelby, M.D.
Chief Policeman Ben Kills Thunder
Range Conservationist Otis J. Johnson
Social Administration Research Analyst Robert W. Reitz
Agricultural Extension Agent Clyde W. Pensoneau
Chief Clerk Frank J. Gordon
Construction Superintendent George Shubert
Chief Maintenance Engineer Theodore H. Gillette
Agency Superintendent Reginald W. Quinn
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Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Forwarding Guy Fox’s Letter Concerning Settlement Funds Received by Indians for the Garrison Dam Project, January 2, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated January 2, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillion S. Myer makes reference to an enclosed letter, dated January 2, 1952, from Guy Fox of Van Hook, North Dakota. Langer asks Myer to advise “just what the situation is regarding this.”
The letter refered to as being enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
This letter includes the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Guy Fox Regarding the Settlement Received by Indians for the Garrison Dam Project, January 2, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Regarding Relocation Problems Resulting from the Garrison Dam Project, June 27, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated June 27, 1952, from United States Senator William Langer to Commissioner of Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillon Myer (misspelled here as "Myers") is the cover page to an enclosure regarding the “relocation problem resulting from the Garrison Dam project.” No enclosure is included in the letter. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from Dorothy Gwinn on Behalf of Senator Langer to Marjorie Slocum et al. Regarding the Relocation Problem Due to the Garrison Dam Project, June 25, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Regarding Request from Justin Spotted Bear to Stop Per Diem for Martin Cross, March 28, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated March 28, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Commissioner for the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillon Myer, encloses Justin Spotted Bear's March 21st telegram regarding per diems for Martin Cross and other delegates in Washington, D.C. Langer asks for Myer's input on the issue. The telegram and a copy of the telegram are enclosed with this document.
See also:
Telegram from Irene Martin Edwards for Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear in Reply to March 21 Telegram Regarding Martin Cross, March 22, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Regarding the Moving of Graves in the Area to be Covered by the Garrison Dam, April 16, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated April 16, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillon S. Myer alerts Myer to the services of Mr. W. E. Pike, who is interested in the job of moving the graves in the area that will be covered by the Garrison Dam.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to W. E. Pike Regarding the Moving of Graves in the Area to be Covered by the Garrison Dam, April 30, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon S. Myer Regarding Fred Burr's Request for Full Payment of His Tribal Funds, July 2, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated July 2, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner Dillon S. Myer, refers to Fred Burr, who is from the Fort Berthold Reservation of North Dakota but now lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. Burr was forced to sell 400 acres of land on the reservation due to the construction of the Garrison Dam, and would now like to receive his full share of tribal funds in connection with this sale and then "sever relations."
Langer asks Myer to advise him in this matter at his earliest convenience.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon S. Myer Regarding Relocation Problems Faced by Marjorie Slocum, November 25, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated November 25, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Dillon S. Myer, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, makes reference to an enclosed letter Langer has received from Marjorie Slocum of Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, concerning problems Slocum faces in her relocation from Elbowoods due to the pending inundation of her home by the rising waters of the Garrison Dam reservoir.
Langer writes that he is forwarding Slocum's letter for Myer's attention, and asks to hear from Myer at his "early convenience," and that Myer return Slocum's letter with his reply.
The letter from Slocum referred to as enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon S. Myer Regarding Ruby Fox Enrollment Issue, May 19, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated May 19, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Dillon S. Myer, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, makes reference to an enclosed letter Langer received from Ruby Fox of Billings, Montana regarding, in Langers words, "the refusal of the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation to to enroll her three other children although her oldest child, Gwendolyn Dorine Fox was accepted and enrolled."
Langer asks that Myer look into the matter and advise him on it, including any recommendations he may wish to offer.
The letter Langer mentions as enclosed was not found with this letter in the Langer papers.
See also:
Letter from Dorothy Gwinn for Senator Langer to Ruby Fox Regarding Enrollment Issue, May 19, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Dwight J. Pinion Regarding Church Relocation Expenses, September 25, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated September 25, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Dwight J. Pinion in the US Office of Legislative Counsel, refers to letter Langer has received from Reverend H. W. Case of the Fort Berthold Mission, in which Case asks about the possibility of his church being covered by a recent law that allows for reimbursement of moving expenses for residents of Fort Berthold who have been displaced in order to make way for construction of Garrison Dam.
See also:
Letter from the Reverend H. W. Case to Senator Langer Regarding Church Relocation Expenses, September 15, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Frank O. Homme Regarding Roads on Fort Berthold Reservation, December 22, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated December 22, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Frank O. Homme of Minot, North Dakota, is a reply to Homme's letter of December 11 requesting information on roads on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer expresses his pleasure at receiving Homme's letter and pledges to take the matter up with Thomas H. MacDonald, Commission of the Bureau of Public Roads, if Homme will send him the location he is inquiring about.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Guy Fox Regarding the Settlement Received by Indians for the Garrison Dam Project, January 2, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated January 2, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Guy Fox of Van Hook, North Dakota acknowledges the receipt of Fox’s letter concerning the “settlement received by the Indians because of the Garrison Dam project.” Langer informs Fox he will check into the matter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Forwarding Guy Fox’s Letter Concerning Settlement Funds Received by Indians for the Garrison Dam Project, January 2, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to James Black Dog Regarding Request for FBI Investigation of Tribal Funds, March 10, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated March 10, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold tribal member James Black Dog, is a reply to an earlier letter from Black Dog in which Black Dog requests help with getting the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to conduct an investigation of the tribes' financial dealings. Langer includes in his reply a report he has received from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner Dillon S. Myer which Myer gives a detailed explanation for why such an investigation would not be justified.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to J. Howard McGrath Regarding James Black Dog's Request for FBI Investigation of Tribal Funds, January 18, 1952
Letter from Senator Langer to Oscar Chapman Regarding Resolution Demanding Audit of Tribal Funds, February 14, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to James E. Curry Regarding Adverse Report on US Senate Bill 2424, March 20, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated March 20, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Attorney James E. Curry of Washington, D.C., makes reference to an enclosed adverse report from the US Bureau of the Budget regarding US Senate Bill no. 2424 which "provides for the distribution of certain funds on deposit in the Treasury to the credit of the Indians of the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota.
Langer explains that he is forwarding this to Curry in view of Curry's previous interest in this bill.
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Letter from Senator Langer to J. Howard McGrath Regarding James Black Dog's Request for FBI Investigation of Tribal Funds, January 18, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated January 18, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Attorney General J. Howard McGrath, introduces McGrath to Fort Berthold tribal member James Black Dog of Elbowoods, North Dakota. Langer explains that Black Dog will be calling McGrath's office on Monday, January 21st to ask for an appointment in connection with his effort to get the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to make an investigation of tribal funds. Langer urges McGrath to give Black Dog "every consideration in hearing his problem."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Oscar Chapman Regarding Resolution Demanding Audit of Tribal Funds, February 14, 1952
"Voice of the People" from Justin Spotted Bear et al., Demanding an Audit of Tribal Funds, January 28, 1952
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Letter from Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear Enclosing Report from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Regarding Request to Stop Per Diem for Martin Cross, May 3, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated May 3, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Justin Spotted Bear, follows-up on Spotted Bear's request to stop per diem payments for Martin Cross and other delegates to Washington, D.C. Langer encloses a letter from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs written by Dillon Myer indicating that the per diem was authorized by the Fort Berthold Agency.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear Responding to March 21 Telegram, March 31, 1952
Letter from Dillon Myer to Senator Langer Regarding Request from Justin Spotted Bear to Stop Per Diem for Martin Cross, April 22, 1952