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.
The digitization of these papers has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Carl Whitman, Jr. et el. Regarding Road Construction, May 12, 1958
William Langer
This letter, dated May 12, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Carl Whitman, Jr., John Cooley of radio station KLPM in Minot, and William H. Johnson of radio station KCJB, also in Minot, is labeled "DAY LETTER, OFFICIAL" and announces that the US Department of the Interior has just issued contracts for construction on the Nishu North Road and Northeast Segment Road on the Fort Berthold Reservation, adding that these improvement will greatly travel for residents and, particularly, for school buses.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Carl Whitman Regarding a Report about Health Services for the American Indian, January 10, 1958
William Langer
This letter dated January 10, 1958, from United States Senator (US) William Langer to Tribal Council Chairperson of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation Carl Whitman, encloses a US Public Health Service report entitled “Health Services for the American Indian.” The letter states that Langer believes the report is “a very valuable booklet and I know that it will be useful to you.” The letter mentions the enclosed pamphlet is in short supply, and Langer has gone over the pamphlet very closely. The referred to report is not enclosed in the letter.
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Ind. Res.”
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Letter from Senator Langer to Colonel Lynn W. Pine Regarding Land Acquisition, July 23, 1958
William Langer
This letter dated July 23, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Lynn W. Pine, thanks Pine for his previous letter regarding land acquisition for the Garrison Dam and Reservoir. There is a handwritten note at the top of the document that reads "Garrison Dam"
See also:
Letter from Colonel Lynn W. Pine to Senator Langer Regarding Land Acquisition, July 16, 1958
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Letter from Senator Langer to David Little Swallow Regarding His Oil Lease, February 27, 1958
William Langer
This letter, dated February 27, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to David Little Swallow of New Town, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation, acknowledges and thanks Little Swallow for his letter of February 14 concerning his oil lease on the Fort Berthold Agency. Langer says he is looking into the matter and that Little Swallow will hear from him shortly.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Owen Morken Regarding David Little Swallow's Oil Lease, February 27, 1958
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Letter from Senator Langer to John Hart Regarding an Industrial Development Program, July 23, 1958
William Langer
This letter dated July 23, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Executive Director of North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission John B. Hart, encloses a letter from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs concerning the establishment of the position of Assistant Area Industrial Development Specialist. In regard to the enclosure, the letter states that Langer thought Hart “may be interested in having this in case you have not already seen it.” The enclosed letter outlines the establishment of the Assistant Area Industrial Development Specialist position, how this position will be located in Bismarck, North Dakota, and how “we believe that our programs for Indian industrial development will achieve their greatest degree of success if there is the fullest cooperation and support of all interested parties.” The enclosure mentions Public Law 959, which provides on-the-job training of “Indians by industries having acceptable training programs.” The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “ND Indian Affairs.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Colonel Lynn W Pine Regarding Land Acquisition, July 23, 1958
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 809, March 26, 1958
William Langer
This letter dated March 26, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes tribal member Martin Cross, informs Cross that US Senator [Richard] Neuberger has not yet held a hearing. This is presumably in reference to US Senate Bill 809 (S. 809) which was the subject of their correspondences around this date. Langer says that he is beginning to feel discouraged. Langer indicates that a group from the Standing Rock Reservation is in town and that they are split in their opinions on per capita payments. Langer still wants to see the bill though.
Handwritten notes on the letter read, "Cross, Martin" and "S. 809."
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bill 809, March 19, 1958
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Letter from Senator Langer to Owen Morken Regarding David Little Swallow's Oil Lease, February 27, 1958
William Langer
This letter, dated February 27, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Superintendent Owen Morkin, makes reference to an enclosed letter from David Little Swallow to Langer regarding Little Swallow's oil lease on the the Fort Berthold Agency. Langer asks that Morken look into the matter and advise him at his earliest convenience.
The letter referenced as enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to David Little Swallow Regarding His Oil Lease, February 27, 1958
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Letter from Senator Langer to Pete Starr Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 22, 1958
William Langer
This letter dated April 22, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Pete Starr, states that Langer has contacted US Commissioner Emmons who has just wired the area director in Aberdeen, so the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation shall have the authority to approve spring loans up to $1,500. The letter states that the area director of the Aberdeen Office is directing the superintendent. The letter concludes that Langer “was happy to be of service to the Indians of Fort Berthold Reservation.”
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Indian.”
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Letter from Senator Langer to Vincent Malnouri Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 18, 1958
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Letter from Senator Langer to S.J. McElwain to Regarding the Naming of the Reservoir Made by the Garrison Dam, March 21, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated March 21, 1958, from United States Senator William Langer to S.J. McElwain, marks the receipt of McElwain’s letter from March 7, 1958. Langer thanks McElwain and confides that “I have felt for some time that if this name is changed that the Reservoir should be named after Severt Thompson who has done so much for the situation in North Dakota.”
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from S.J. McElwain to Senator Langer Regarding the Naming of the Reservoir Made by the Garrison Dam, March 7, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Vincent Malnouri Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 18, 1958
William Langer
This letter dated April 18, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Vincent Malnouri, states that Bill Dean, Charles Fox, Sam Matthews, Pete Starr, and Ben Young of the Fort Berthold Reservation have come to see Langer in Washington, D.C. regarding the immediate processing of spring farming loans for members of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The letter brings to Malnouri’s attention that US Commissioner Emmons has wired the Aberdeen Area Office to begin the immediate processing of these loans. The letter closes by stating that Langer will also take up the matter with authorities in Washington and that there is “no flag or caretaker provided by the Government for that National Cemetary (sic)” at Cemetery Post No.1 on the Fort Berthold Reservation.
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Pete Starr Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 22, 1958
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Telegram from B.J. Youngbird to Senator Langer Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 22, 1958
William Langer
This telegram dated April 22, 1958, from B.J. Youngbird to United States Senator William Langer, states that “Promises are not coming through. $1500.00 or under to be OK by local office is needed right away. Loans for springs work need right now.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Pete Starr Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 22, 1958
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Letter from Fred Massey to Area Director Reifel Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, May 8, 1958
Fred Massey
This letter dated May 8, 1958, from Fred Massey to United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Area Director Benjamin Reifel, calls to Reifel’s attention B.J. Youngbird’s correspondence to US Senator William Langer where Youngbird mentions the issue of old debts “which makes total loans over $1500.00 requiring approval area office rather than locally.” The letter states if Youngbird’s concerns over old debts is “to other creditors” then approval would not be needed. The letter suggests that Reifel should look into this matter and make sure the agreed upon procedures are followed. The letter is written on a teletype and copied to Langer.
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold.”
See also:
Telegram from B.J. Youngbird to Senator Langer Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 22, 1958
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Letter from S.J. McElwain to Senator Langer Regarding the Naming of the Reservoir Made by the Garrison Dam, March 7, 1956
S.J. McElwain
This letter dated March 7, 1958, from S.J. McElwain to United States Senator William Langer, asks Langer to consider naming the reservoir made by Garrison Dam “the Garrison Lake or Reservoir” rather than Lake Sakakawea.
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Telegram from S.J. McElwain to Senator Langer Regarding the Tabling of US HR 104445, March 3, 1958
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Telegram from S.J. McElwain to Senator Langer Regarding the Tabling of US HR 104445, March 3, 1958
S.J. McElwain
This telegram dated March 3, 1958, from S.J. McElwain to United States (US) Senator William Langer, calls Langer’s attention to the information mailed by McElwain to Langer’s office about the Tabling of US HR 10445.
See also:
Letter from S.J. McElwain to Senator Langer Regarding the Naming of the Reservoir Made by the Garrison Dam, March 7, 1956
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Letter from Colonel Lynn W. Pine to Senator Langer Regarding Land Acquisition, July 16, 1958
Lynn W. Pine
This letter dated July 16, 1958, from Colonel Lynn W. Pine of the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers to US Senator William Langer, discusses the scope of land acquisition for the Garrison Dam including both the acres purchased and the total cost of those lands. Pine also mentions that the lands have come from the Fort Berthold Reservation as well as from the towns Elbowoods, Sanish, and Van Hook.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Colonel Lynn W. Pine Regarding Land Acquisition, July 23, 1958
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Telegram from Jackson Ripley to Senator Langer Regarding Tribal Delegation to Washington, August 4, 1958
Jackson Ripley
This telegram dated August 4, 1958, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Jackson Ripley to United States Senator William Langer, informs Langer that the Fort Berthold Tribal Council is enroute to Washington, D.C. regarding "tribal problems" and "will appreciate [his] assistance."
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Letter from Owen D. Morken to Senator Langer Regarding Disbursement of Segregated Shares as Provided for in US Public Law 553, May 16, 1957
Owen D. Morken
This letter, dated May 16, 1957, from Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent Owen D. Morken to United states (US) Senator William Langer notifies Langer that he is being sent a memorandum detailing the plans and procedures governing the disbursement of segregated shares to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold as provided for in US Public Law 85-553.
Morken goes on to detail measures taken and guidelines to be followed in processing the applications submitted by tribal members to claim their segregated shares, touching on, among other things, the handling of minor's shares and those of members living off the reservation.
See also:
Memorandum from Owen D. Morken to Enrolled Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 2, 1957
An Act to Provide for the Segregation of Certain Funds of the Fort Berthold Indians on the Basis of Membership Roll Prepared for Such Purpose
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Memorandum from Owen D. Morken to Enrolled Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 2, 1957
Owen D. Morken
This memorandum, issued May 2, 1957 by Owen D. Morken, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency, to all enrolled members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota, introduces the plans and procedures governing the distribution of segregated shares to the members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, as provided in United States Public Law 553. The memorandum includes an attachment that lays out detailed regulations governing, among other things, the authority of the agency superintendent to approve or deny applications and plans, restrictions on the use of minors' funds, the use of segregated funds to repay debt or delinquent taxes, and procedure for appealing decisions.
See also:
An Act to Provide for the Segregation of Certain Funds of the Fort Berthold Indians on the Basis of Membership Roll Prepared for Such Purpose
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Memo to Senator Regarding Opposition to US Senate Bill 2151, March 6
author unknown
This memorandum dated March 6 is likely from 1956 and is only addressed to "Senator" but is likely written to United States (US) Senator William Langer. The memo informs the senator that US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) will come before the full committee. It further states Carl Whitman Jr., Chief Frank Heart, Ben (B. J.) Youngbird, and John Wilkinson arrived to attend the hearing in opposition to the bill. The men say they speak for the tribe but Mr. Gamble of the US Department of the Interior says they do not. A handwritten note at the top of the memo reads, "S. 2151."
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Letter from Anson Baker to Senator Langer Asking for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, January 31, 1956
Anson Baker
This handwritten letter dated January 31, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Member Anson Baker to United States (US) Senator William Langer, references Langer's support for US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). A name is written at the bottom of the letter and a stamp at the top reads, "rec'd Feb 6 1956."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Anson Baker Regarding Request for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, February 13, 1956
Letter from Senator Langer to Anson Baker Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 Passed the Senate, March 19, 1956
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Letter from James Black Dog to Senator Langer Inquiring about Per Capita Payments, May 2, 1956
James Black Dog
This handwritten letter dated May 2, 1956, from James Black Dog to United States (US) Senator William Langer, encloses a copy of the Fort Berthold Agency News Bulletin and directs Langer to read the Late News Flashes section. This section reports that Martin Cross shared the news that the per capita payment bill passed the US Senate. Black Dog asks Langer how the per capita payment will be made once the bill passes. Black Dog references US House Resolution 10221 (H. R. 10221) which is the same as US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). The letter has a name written on it and a stamp that reads, "Rec'd May 7 1956." The Agency Bulletin is enclosed with this letter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to James Black Dog Informing Him that the House Passed US Senate Bill 2151 and it Will Soon Become US Public Law, May 24, 1956
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Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking for Opposition to Any Amendments to US House Resolution 5566, February 23, 1956
Martin Cross
This telegram dated February 23, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer asks Langer to oppose any amendment to US House Resolution 5566 (H. R. 5566).
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US House Resolution 5566, March 1, 1956
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Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking Langer to Vote Favorably on Senate Bill 51 and to Approve the Confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart for Assistant Secretary of Interior, January 13, 1956
Martin Cross
This telegram dated January 13, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, states that the Tribal Council would like Langer to vote favorably on US Senate Bill 51 (S. 51) which would amend US Public Law 280, also known as "An Act to Confer Jurisdiction on the States of California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin, with Respect to Criminal Offenses and Civil Causes of Action Committed or Arising on Indian Reservations Within Such States, and for Other Purposes." The telegram also says that the Tribal Council would like Langer to approve the confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart for US Assistant Secretary of the Interior.
There are some shorthand notes on this telegram.
See also:
An Act to Confer Jurisdiction on the States of California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin, with Respect to Criminal Offenses and Civil Causes of Action Committed or Arising on Indian Reservations Within Such States, and for Other Purposes
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Indicating that Langer Voted for Senate Bill 51, January 13, 1956
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Acknowledging Cross's Request for Langer to Approve Confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart, January 18, 1956
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Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Delegation from Fort Berthold to Washington, D.C. that is Largely Unsupported by the Tribal Council, March 5, 1956
Martin Cross
This telegram dated March 5, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States Senator William Langer, informs Langer that a delegation consisting of Frank Heart, Carl Whitman [Jr.], and Ben Young Bird are on their way to Washington, D.C. without authorization from the Tribal Council. Cross says that the delegation is not supported by any group of people and says that the Tribal Council wishes to work with the Bureau while this delegation does not, and he suggests that no assistance be given to the delegation.
Handwritten notes on the telegram read, "Cross, Martin" and "file."
See also:
Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Unauthorized Delegation in Washington, D.C., March 5, 1956
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Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bills 2151 and 1528, February 23, 1956
Martin Cross
This telegram dated February 23, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for guiding US Senate Bills 2151 (S. 2151) and 1528 (S. 1528) through the state committee on February 21st.
There are some shorthand notes at the bottom of this telegram.
See also:
Memorandum from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Several Bills that Cross Wants to See Though the Committee, Likely 1955
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for Telegram Regarding US Senate Bills 2151 and 1528, March 2, 1956