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 Attorney General Langer to Beach Police Magistrate Thor G. Plomasen Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, December 20, 1919
William Langer
Letter dated December 20, 1919 from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Beach Police Magistrate Thor G. Plomasen in response to Plomasen's letter of December 18, 1919 regarding the Ole Skrukrud case. Langer writes that it is his and Assistant Attorney General Edward Cox's understanding that the defendant wants to plead guilty and that Cox will take care of the issue one way or the other immediately.
See also:
Letter from John F. Sullivan to Assistant Attorney General Cox Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, October 18, 1919
Letter from Assistant Attorney General Cox to John F. Sullivan Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, October 22, 1919
Letter from Beach Police Magistrate Thor G. Plomasen to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, December 18, 1919
Letter from Assistant Attorney General Cox to Beach Police Magistrate Thor G. Plomasen Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, December 22, 1919
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Letter From Attorney General Langer to Cavalier County Sheriff Fred Thompson Regarding Rumors of Gambling and Bribery, March 12, 1919
William Langer
March 12, 1919, letter from Attorney General Langer in response to an earlier letter from Cavalier County Sheriff Fred Thompson. Langer writes that he has absolute confidence in Gudmunder Grimson, the States Attorney of Cavalier County. Langer ignores any bribery rumors and notes that "I wish I had as much confidence in every States Attorney as I have in him (Grimson)."
See also:
Letter from Cavalier County Sheriff Fred Thompson to Attorney General Langer Regarding Rumors of Gambling and Bribes, March 11, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to E. H. Tostevin Requesting Investigation of a Liquor Law Violation in Litchville, October 29, 1919.
William Langer
In this letter, dated October 29, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND State Pool Hall Inspector Earle H. Tostevin Langer requests that Tostevin do everything he possibly can regarding liquor, gambling and cigarette violations in Litchville, North Dakota. Langer includes the text of a letter from Ole J. Belling, Justice of the Peace in Litchville, claiming a current pool hall is in violation of the liquor law along with gambling and the sale of cigarettes. Belling adds that another pool hall is being erected by a gambler and "booze fighter," and the license of this pool hall should be rejected.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Emmet Country, Iowa Attorney F. J. Kennedy Regarding the Death of Carl Maier, January 6, 1919
William Langer
Letter dated January 6, 1919 from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Emmet Country, Iowa attorney F. J. Kennedy in response to Kennedy's letter of January 2, 1919 regarding new information about the death of Carl Meier. Langer thanks Kennedy for the lead and writes that he is investigating the matter further.
See also:
Letter from Emmet County, Iowa Attorney F. J. Kennedy to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Death of Carl Maier, January 2, 1919
Copy of Letter from Emmet County, Iowa Attorney F. J. Kennedy to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Death of Carl Maier, January 2, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to G. Grimson Regarding Stepp Case, February 24, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated February 24, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Cavalier County, ND State's Attorney Gudmundur Grimson, Langer replies to Grimson's letter of February 22, 1919, writing that he will write back as soon as he has heard from Judge Kneeshaw.
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to W. J. Kneeshaw Regarding Complaints about Handling of State v. Stepp Case, February 14, 1919
Letter from G. Grimson to Attorney General Langer Requesting New Warrant for Hiram Stepp, February 22, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Henry G. Owen Regarding Owen's Injury and Hospitalization, January 6, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated January 6, 1919, from North Dakota, (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Grand Forks, ND attorney Henry G. Owen, Langer replies to Owen's report of January 4, 1919 informing Langer that he had had a bad fall and was hospitalized with a broken leg, and inquiring about renting space and buying furniture in Minot. In his reply, Langer expresses his regrets over Owen's bad luck getting injured, and gives his approval to Owen for renting space and purchasing furnishings, cautioning him to "go light on the furniture."
See also:
Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Alcohol and Prostitution in Minot, January 2, 1919
Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Recounting Alcohol Sales in Minot, January 3, 1919
Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Lawlessness in Minot and His Recent Injury, January 4, 1919
Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Abuse of Police Power, January 10, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Jay Reed Regarding Dickinson, North Dakota Pool Halls, September 4, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated September 4, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Jay Reed, Dickinson, ND Police Commissioner and President of the Reed Brothers Department Store, Langer replies to Reed's recent letter regarding the pool hall situation in Dickinson. Langer acknowledges receipt of Reed's letter and explains that the State's Attorney is working on a number of cases and Langer is confident the situation will be cleaned up before long.
See also:
Letter from Jay Reed to Attorney General Langer regarding Dickinson, North Dakota Pool Halls, September 4, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to J. H. Johanson Regarding Outcome of Investigation, September 30, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated September 30, 1919, from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to J.H. Johanson of Horace, North Dakota, Langer inquires whether the investigation conducted by State Inspector Valentine Koch was satisfactory. Langer requests that Johanson write his response in confidence.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Albers Regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 26, 1919
William Langer
Letter dated March 26, 1919 from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to John Albers. Langer writes he has a new lead in the Carl Maier Case and he would like to speak to Albers about the matter.
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Albers Regarding the Carl Maier Case, September 29, 1919
Memo from Caleb S. Haines to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, September 16, 1919
Copy With Handwritten Notes of Memo from Caleb S. Haines to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, September 16, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Albers Regarding the Carl Maier Case, September 29, 1919
William Langer
Letter from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to John Albers from September 29, 1919 informing Albers that Langer has sent his assistant, Caleb S. Haines, to investigate the Carl Maier Case in Iowa. Langer requests Albers to meet with him because the matter is serious.
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Albers Regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 26, 1919
Memo from Caleb S. Haines to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, September 16, 1919
Copy With Handwritten Notes of Memo from Caleb S. Haines to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, September 16, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Moses Regarding the Carl Maier Case, January 28, 1919
William Langer
Letter dated January 28, 1919 from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Mercer County states attorney John Moses asking Moses to investigate the possible murder of Carl Maier in a three step manner: 1. Find out about Fred Lang; 2. Find out all he can about Russie White; 3. Find the exact date of Maier's murder. Langer cautions Moses to handle the investigation with the utmost secrecy.
See also:
Letter from Emmet County, Iowa Attorney F. J. Kennedy to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Death of Carl Maier, January 2, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Emmet Country, Iowa Attorney F. J. Kennedy Regarding the Death of Carl Maier, January 6, 1919
Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, February 26, 1919
Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 10, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Moses Regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 20, 1919
William Langer
Letter from dated March 20, 1919 from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Mercer County State's Attorney John Moses regarding the Carl Maier Case. Langer asks Moses to read an enclosed letter from "the County Attorney." Langer instructs Moses to, "note the story about the nurse."
The letter Langer refers to as enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
See also:
Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 10, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Emmet Country, Iowa Attorney F. J. Kennedy Regarding the Death of Carl Maier, January 6, 1919
Letter from Emmet County, Iowa Attorney F. J. Kennedy to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Death of Carl Maier, January 2, 1919
Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, September 20, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Lewis Easton Regarding Tax on Movie Theaters, August 23, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated August 23, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Lewis Easton of Buffalo, ND, Langer responds to Easton's inquiries regarding the payment of state tax for a movie theater and laws regarding hunting with dogs. Langer writes that he is enclosing a copy of the laws related to movie theaters, and a legal opinion regarding hunting with dogs.
See also:
Letter from Lewis Easton to Attorney General Langer Regarding Tax on Movie Theaters, Laws Pertaining to Hunting with Dogs, August 22, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to L. F. Hinegardner Regarding Acquisition of Legal Transcript, February 14, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated February 14, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to L. F. Hinegardner of Sarles, ND in response to Hinegardner's letter of February 10, 1919.
Langer acknowledges receipt of Hinegardner's letter, as well as the enclosed statements from Mr. and Mrs. D** and Sarles village marshall Alvah Phillebaum.
Langer says that everything said during the proceedings should have been recorded by a stenographer, and says he will contact Judge Kneeshaw to request a transcript of the proceedings.
See also:
Letter from G. Grimson to Attorney General Langer Regarding Initial Proceedings in Stepp Case, January 18, 1919
Statement of Ernest and Matilda D** Regarding Initial Proceedings in Stepp Case, February 10, 1919
Letter from L. F. Hinegardner to Attorney General Langer Accompanying Statement from Mr. and Mrs. D**, February 10, 1919
Letter from L. F. Hinegardner to Attorney General Langer regarding the Stepp Case, February 24, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to L. F. Hinegardner Regarding State v. Stepp, July 9, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated July 9, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to L. F Hinegardner of Sarles, ND, Langer acknowledges receipt of Hinegardner's letter of July 7 and informs Hinegardner that Judge Nuchols will appear on his behalf in the Supreme Court free of charge, and that Langer is glad that Hinegardner is pleased with the way Nuchols tried the case [in the lower court], and that that trial ended in a conviction.
Note: The July 7, 1919 letter from Hinegardner to Langer that this letter is a reply to was not found anywhere in the Langer Collection.
See also:
Letter from L. F. Hinegardner to Attorney General Langer regarding the Stepp Case, February 24, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to L. F. Hinegardner Regarding State v. Stepp Case, October 2, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to L. F. Hinegardner Regarding State v. Stepp, March 26, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated March 26, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General Langer to Sarles, ND resident L. F. Hinegardner, Langer acknowledges receipt of Hinegardner's letter "some time ago" and informs Hinegardner that he understands that new trial proceedings in the Stepp case are to take place shortly. He asks Hinegardner to let him know "if anything different from this should come up."
See also:
Letter from L. F. Hinegardner to Attorney General Langer regarding the Stepp Case, February 24, 1919
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Letter From Attorney General Langer to P. B. Rognli Regarding T. H. Druen, November 12, 1919
William Langer
Letter dated November 12, 1919 from William Langer to P.B. Rognli responding to Rognli's letter of November 7, 1919 regarding a plea Rognli received from T.H. Druen. Langer has reviewed Druen's plea and there is no question in Langer's mind that Druen received absolute justice.
See also:
"A Plea to the Public and the Taxpayers of North Dakota for Justice" by Dr. T. H. Druen, Undated
Letter from P. B. Rognli to Attorney General Langer Regarding T. H. Druen, November 7, 1919
Letter from F. E. Packard for Attorney General Langer to P. B. Rognli Regarding T. H. Druen, November 10, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Rollin Welch Regarding Telegram from Jennie Clark, May 23, 1919
William Langer
Inn this letter, dated May 23, 1919, from North Dakota Attorney General Langer to Sheriff Rollin Welch regarding a telegram from Jennie Clark. The letter contains the text of the telegram, which states that Jennie Clark, a dairy farmer of Sterling ND, believes that her life and the lives of her family are in danger from Frances Elness who, working for John Elness, possesses a deadly weapon and has been using a hay meadow leased by Clark.
Langer asks that Welch investigate the matter and make sure the Clark is protected.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to S. A. Smith Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley County, February 25, 1919
William Langer
Letter from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer in response to Smith's February 24 letter. Langer writes that he is glad things are going well.
See also:
Letter from S. A. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley County, November 10, 1918
Letter from Attorney General Langer to S. A. Smith Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley County, November 13, 1918
Letter from S. A. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley County, February 24, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Sheriff of Polk County, Minnesota Regarding a Suspect, October 4, 1919
William Langer
In this telegram, dated October 4, 1919, from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to the Sheriff of Polk County, Minnesota, Langer makes reference to a suspect named Keyes, and asks the Sheriff to keep all information about Keyes confidential.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross Regarding Sam Bazant, December 15, 1919
William Langer
Letter from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross in response to Ross's letter asking for help in determining the whereabouts of Sam Bazant. Langer writes that he does not know where Bazant is and has not heard from him in a long time.
See also:
Wanted: Sam Bazant!
Letter from Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross to Attorney General Langer Regarding Sam Bazant, December 13, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to W. J. Kneeshaw Regarding Complaints about Handling of State v. Stepp Case, February 14, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated February 14, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Judge Kneeshaw, Langer refers to complaints he has received from various parties regarding the handling of a case in Sarles, ND involving allegations of statutory rape against Hiram Stepp. Langer encloses letters from the D** family and Sarles village marshall Alvah Phillebaum, and asks Kneeshaw to read them and advise him on whether to have G. Grimson re-arrest Mr. Stepp.
The letters referred to as enclosed are not included with this letter, but are linked below.
See also:
Letter from G. Grimson to Attorney General Langer Regarding Initial Proceedings in Stepp Case, January 18, 1919
Statement of Ernest and Matilda D** Regarding Initial Proceedings in Stepp Case, February 10, 1919
Letter from Sarles, ND Village Marshal Alvah Phillebaum to Attorney General Langer, February 10, 1919
Letter from L. F. Hinegardner to Attorney General Langer Accompanying Statement from Mr. and Mrs. D**, February 10, 1919
Letter from L. F. Hinegardner to Attorney General Langer regarding the Stepp Case, February 24, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to W. P. Vincent Regarding Pool Hall in Fortuna, North Dakota, September 4, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated September 4, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Fortuna, ND Village Clerk W. P. Vincent, Langer replies to Vincent's letter of September 2, 1919 regarding whether an ordinance passed by the village restricting hours and days of operation of the pool hall there would be enforceable. Langer acknowledges receipt of Vincent's letter and writes that he has referred the matter to the State Pool Hall Inspector, E. H. Tostevin.
See also:
Letter from W. P. Vincent to Attorney General Langer Regarding Pool Hall in Fortuna, North Dakota, September 2, 1919
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Letter from Attorney General William Langer to C. J. Murphy Regarding E. F. Meier, September 26, 1919
William Langer
This letter, dated September 26, 1919 from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to C. J. Murphy, attorney for the United States Railroad Administration, acknowledges receipt of Murphy's letter of September 25, 1919. Langer thanks Murphy for the information and asks that if additional information becomes available, he send it to Langer.
See also:
Letter from C. J. Murphy to Attorney General Langer Regarding E. F. Meier, September 25, 1919
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Letter from Governor Langer To Judge W. J. Kneeshaw Regarding Kneeshaw's Conclusion Regarding Stepp Case, February 25, 1919
William Langer
In this letter, dated February 25, 1919, from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Judge W. J. Kneeshaw, Langer replies to Kneeshaw's letter of February 20 and accepts Kneeshaw's conclusion.
Langer elaborates that Attorney [E. E.] Fletcher of Langdon has informed Langer that "they" (Sarles, ND Village Marshal Alvah Phillabaum, Ernest D** and Matilda D**, according to a letter from Phillbaum linked below) are taking steps to have Mr. [Hiram] Stepp arrested again, and that Cavalier County, ND State's Attorney G. Grimson would issue a warrant. Langer writes that he told Fletcher that Kneeshaw's conclusion would be the final word, but that he had not yet heard from Kneeshaw. Now that Kneeshaw had replied, Langer says he will agree to Kneeshaw's conclusion and regard the case as closed.
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to G. Grimson Regarding Stepp Case, February 24, 1919
Letter from Sarles, ND Village Marshal Phillebaum to Langer Regarding Hiram Stepp Flight Risk, February 24, 1919