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 Langer to Phillebaum regarding a new trial to take place, March 26, 1919
William Langer
This letter, dated March 26, 1919, from Attorney General William Langer to Sarles, ND village marshall Alvah Phillebaum is a reply to Phillebaum's letter of February 24, 1919. Langer replies that he understands that the new trial is to take place shortly, and asks Phillebaum to contact him if anything different comes up.
See also:
Letter From Sarles, ND Village Marshal Phillebaum to Langer regarding Hiram Stepp Flight Risk, 1919 [internal note: ms. 1142]
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Telegram from Attorney General Langer to G. A. D** Regarding Stepp Case, February 25, 1919
William Langer
In this telegram, dated February 25, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to G. A. D** Langer replies to D**'s telegram of the same day asking for Langer to have Hiram Stepp detained on charges of statutory rape. Langer writes that, since Judge Kneeshaw has declared the Stepp matter "finally and definitely disposed of," Langer is without any jurisdiction to pursue the case further.
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Telegram from G. A. D** to Attorney General Langer Asking to Have Hiram Stepp Detained, February 25, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to G. Grimson Regarding Stepp Case, February 25, 1919
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Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, February 26, 1919
John Moses
Letter dated February 26, 1919 from Mercer County State's Attorney John Moses to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer regarding the death of Carl Maier. Moses writes that he must travel to Beulah, North Dakota, to get further information about the Maier Case.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Moses Regarding the Carl Maier Case, January 28, 1919
Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 10, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Moses Regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 20, 1919
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Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 10, 1919
John Moses
Letter dated March 10, 1919 from Mercer County State's Attorney John Moses to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer regarding the Carl Maier Case.
Moses reports from his investigation in Beulah, North Dakota that Maier was found close to a road, shot twice. Maier's brother, John Maier, found Carl and brought him to a doctor. The doctor "Admits that a suicide was probable. . . but did not believe it was probable." Carl lived for several hours after being found. Moses reports that Carl had recently been rejected by a young girl, and that two strangers were in town at the time Maier was shot.
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Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, February 26, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Moses Regarding the Carl Maier Case, January 28, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Moses Regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 20, 1919
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Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, September 20, 1919
John Moses
Letter from Mercer County State's Attorney John Moses to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer regarding the Carl Maier case. Moses writes that he is sending over papers related to the Maier (misspelled as "Meyer") case.
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Letter from John Moses to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Carl Maier Case, February 26, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to John Moses Regarding the Carl Maier Case, March 20, 1919
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Letter from C. J. Murphy to Attorney General Langer Regarding E. F. Meier, September 25, 1919
C. J. Murphy
Letter dated September 25, 1919 from C. J. Murphy, attorney for North Dakota (ND) for the United States Railroad Administration, to ND Attorney General William Langer, regarding recently dismissed railroad employee E. F. Meier. This letter is a reply to Langer's letter of September 16, and outlines Meier's activity regarding enforcement of prohibition law. Murphy writes that Meier appointed himself a "sort of detective but a poor grade one," who on suspicion opened and separated shipments to a local druggist named Knoll, confiscating medicines that contained alcohol, causing problems for Knoll.
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Letter from Attorney General William Langer to C. J. Murphy Regarding E. F. Meier, September 26, 1919
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Letter from ND Supreme Court Clerk J. H. Newton to Attorney General Langer Conveying Denial of Motion to Dismiss in State v. Stepp Case, September 20, 1919
J. H. Newton
In this letter, dated September 20, 1919, from North Dakota (ND) Supreme Court clerk J. H. Newton to ND Attorney General William Langer, Newton informs Langer that an order has been entered denying the motion to dismiss the case of State vs. Stepp.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to E. L. D** Regarding Denial of Motion to Dismiss in State v. Stepp Case, September 23, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Hinegardner Regarding Motion to Dismiss in State v. Stepp Case, September 23, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to S. L. Nuchols Regarding State v. Stepp Case, September 23, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to L. F. Hinegardner Regarding State v. Stepp Case, October 2, 1919
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Letterhead Note Paper from the Office of Attorney General Listing Names of Companies.
North Dakota Office of the Attorney General
Sheet of letterhead paper from the office of Attorney General, William Langer. The notes are a handwritten list of company names including ones that appear to read "Equity Grain & Mercantile" and "S.W. Electric Company."
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Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Recounting Alcohol Sales in Minot, January 3, 1919
Henry G. Owen
In this letter, dated January 3, 1919, from Grand Forks, North Dakota (ND) Attorney Henry G. Owen to ND Attorney General William Langer, Owen recounts his (apparently undercover) investigation of liquor sales in Minot. Owen writes of buying whiskey at establishments in Minot, and expresses his intent to "move into the midst of the lion's den on every occasion."
Owen requests the support of "some reliable men of reputation" who can be present during these illegal transactions to serve as witnesses. He also gives some lodging prices and expresses the need for a place to keep his exhibits away from "nosy" bellhops, but says he "will not incur such expense without your approval."
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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 Regarding Lawlessness in Minot and His Recent Injury, January 4, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Henry G. Owen Regarding Owen's Injury and Hospitalization, January 6, 1919
Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Abuse of Police Power, January 10, 1919
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Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Abuse of Police Power, January 10, 1919
Henry G. Owen
In this letter, dated January 10, 1919, from Grand Forks, North Dakota (ND) Attorney Henry G. Owen to ND Attorney General William Langer, Owen updates Langer on his injury and describes "one of the worst abuses of police power that I have ever heard about," in Minot, in which a young man was shot dead by police as he fled a police raid. In reference to Langer's letter of Jan 6, Owen says he has not yet rented rooms or purchased 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 Attorney General Langer to Henry G. Owen Regarding Owen's Injury and Hospitalization, January 6, 1919
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Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Alcohol and Prostitution in Minot, January 2, 1919
Henry G. Owen
In this letter, dated January 2nd, 1919, from Grand Forks, North Dakota (ND) Attorney Henry Grattan Owen to ND Attorney General William Langer, Owen describes his preliminary findings in Minot. He has made inquiries and been told that alcohol may be bought "by the drayload." He concludes that Minot is "one live town and lots of women to be had for the asking." He hopes to be able to provide more information the following day.
See also:
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 Attorney General Langer to Henry G. Owen Regarding Owen's Injury and Hospitalization, January 6, 1919
Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Abuse of Police Power, January 10, 1919
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Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Lawlessness in Minot and His Recent Injury, January 4, 1919
Henry G. Owen
In this letter, dated January 4, 1919, from Grand Forks, North Dakota (ND) Attorney Henry Grattan Owen to ND Attorney General William Langer, handwritten on Owen and Owen Attorneys at Law letterhead, Owen writes from St. Luke's Hospital in Minot, where he is hospitalized with a broken leg as the result of a "bad fall" he took on his way to the Great Northern Depot to mail his previous report to Langer.
Owen laments his predicament, noting that it comes at a bad time because Minot is "wide open" with "houses of ill fame galore."
Owen asks Langer to have "Sheets" (presumably Albert Sheets, Jr., Assistant Attorney General) drop him a line, as he has "a lot of long day[s] ahead of [him]."
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 Attorney General Langer to Henry G. Owen Regarding Owen's Injury and Hospitalization, January 6, 1919
Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Abuse of Police Power, January 10, 1919
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Letter from F. E. Packard for Attorney General Langer to P. B. Rognli Regarding T. H. Druen, November 10, 1919
F.E. Packard
In this letter, dated November 10, 1919, from F. E. Packard on behalf of North Dakota Attorney General to P. B. Rognli, Packard acknowledges receipt of Rognli's letter and writes that Langer is currently out of the city, but will be made aware of Rognli's letter on his return.
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 Attorney General Langer to P. B. Rognli Regarding T. H. Druen, November 12, 1919
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Letter from Sarles, ND Village Marshal Phillebaum to Langer Regarding Hiram Stepp Flight Risk, February 24, 1919
A. Phillebaum
In this letter, dated February 24, 1919, from Sarles, North Dakota (ND) Village Marshal Alvah Phillebaum to ND Attorney General William Langer, Phillebaum writes he and Ernest D** have hired Langdon Attorney E. E. Fletcher to pursue their claims of statutory rape against Hiram Stepp, and that they have discovered that Stepp has never been tried in the case. Phillebaum explains that the D**'s daughter has now filed a written complaint, and he expects the sheriff to serve Stepp that night or the following day. Phillebaum adds that Stepp is preparing to leave town and if he attempts to do so, Phillebaum plans to detain him, by force if necessary.
See also:
Letter from L. F. Hinegardner to Attorney General Langer regarding the Stepp Case, February 24, 1919
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Letter from Sarles, ND Village Marshal Alvah Phillebaum to Attorney General Langer, February 10, 1919
Alvah Phillebaum
In this letter, dated February 10, 1919, from Sarles, North Dakota (ND) Village Marshal Alvah Phillebaum to ND Attorney General Langer regarding difficulties in prosecuting "booze and gambling" cases due to interference from George McLean. Phillebaum also expresses concern and opinions regarding the "D** case" (State v. Stepp).
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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 Mr. and Mrs. E. L. D** to Attorney General Langer Regarding Mrs. Hiram Stepp Threatening Their Pregnant Daughter, February 10, 1919
Letter from L. F. Hinegardner to Attorney General Langer Accompanying Statement from Mr. and Mrs. D**, February 10, 1919
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Letter from Beach Police Magistrate Thor G. Plomasen to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, December 18, 1919
Thor G. Plomasen
Letter dated December 18, 1919 from Beach Police Magistrate Thor G. Plomasen to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case. Plomasen gives an overview of the case, noting it is a "whiskey case" uncovered by Langer's "Flying Squadron," and that Skrukrud was arrested for offering to sell liquor. Plomasen notes that the court date has been moved several times due to the non-appearance of both parties. Plomasen argues that the defendant should either have his hearing or it should be dismissed if there is no evidence, so as to stop wasting money prolonging the case. A handwritten note at the bottom of the letter states that Mr. Skrukrud was admitted to bail of $2,000.
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 Attorney General Langer to Beach Police Magistrate Thor G. Plomasen Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, December 20, 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 Jay Reed to Attorney General Langer regarding Dickinson, North Dakota Pool Halls, September 4, 1919
Jay W. Reed
In this letter, dated September 4, 1919, from Jay Reed, Police Commissioner and President of the Reed Brothers Department Store in Dickinson, North Dakota (ND), to ND Attorney General William Langer, Reed reports on efforts to shut down gambling in several pool halls in that town. He writes that local police are unable to "get on the inside" and asks that Langer's undercover investigators (known as the "Flying Squadron") take on the case.
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Jay Reed Regarding Dickinson, North Dakota Pool Halls, September 4, 1919
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Letter from P. B. Rognli to Attorney General Langer Regarding T. H. Druen, November 7, 1919
P.B. Rognili
In this letter, dated November 7, 1919, from P. B. Rognli of Esmond, North Dakota (ND) to ND Attorney General William Langer, Rognli informs Langer of a "plea," which he encloses with this letter, that Rognli writes was handed to him by "a party who had received it from one of the prisoners at the Penitentiary." The plea in question is written by Dr. T. H. Druen, who claims to be the innocent victim of a conspiracy to frame him for the death of his young daughter, dreamed up by a Deputy States Attorney who, he claims, also seduced his wife. He also claims to have been sentenced without a proper trial by Judge Alexander Burr.
Rognli urges Langer to investigate the matter and asks to be informed of his findings.
The "plea" mentioned as being enclosed exists as a separate document in the Langer collection, and it linked below.
See also:
"A Plea to the Public and the Taxpayers of North Dakota for Justice" by Dr. T. H. Druen, Undated
Letter from F. E. Packard for Attorney General Langer to P. B. Rognli Regarding T. H. Druen, November 10, 1919
Letter From Attorney General Langer to P. B. Rognli Regarding T. H. Druen, November 12, 1919
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Letter from Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross to Attorney General Langer Regarding Sam Bazant, December 13, 1919
J.H. Ross
Letter dated December 13, 1919 from Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer regarding Sam Bazant, dated December 13, 1919. Ross writes that he has business with Bazant and wonders if Langer knows anything of his whereabouts. Ross issued an arrest warrant for Bazant on November 26, 1919.
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Wanted: Sam Bazant!
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross Regarding Sam Bazant, December 15, 1919
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Wanted: Sam Bazant!
J.H. Ross
Wanted postcard for "check artist" Sam Bazant, issued by Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross on November 26, 1919.
See also:
Letter from Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross to Attorney General Langer Regarding Sam Bazant, December 13, 1919
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Stutsman County Sheriff J. H. Ross Regarding Sam Bazant, December 15, 1919
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Letter from S. A. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley County, February 24, 1919
S.A. Smith
In this letter, dated February 24, 1919, from Golden Valley County Sheriff S. A. Smith to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Smith refers to a " Mr. Sheets," whom Langer has sent to investigate apparent election irregularities. Smith writes that Mr. Sheets is doing a great job, and adds that he thinks there is some merit to the complaints made about the election.
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 Attorney General Langer to S. A. Smith Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley County, February 25, 1919
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Letter from John F. Sullivan to Assistant Attorney General Cox Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, October 18, 1919
John F. Sullivan
Letter dated October 18, 1919 from Mandan Attorney John (abbreviated here as Jno.) F. Sullivan to North Dakota (ND) Assistant Attorney General Edward Cox regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case at Beach, ND. Sullivan writes that he will be comfortable waiving the preliminary examination once he and Cox have met to discuss the evidence that would be introduced at the preliminary examination.
See also:
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 Attorney General Langer to Beach Police Magistrate Thor G. Plomasen Regarding the Ole Skrukrud Case, December 20, 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 the Temple Court Cigar Store and Billiard Parlor Regarding Cigarette Laws, August 21, 1919
Temple Court Cigar Store and Billiard Parlor
In this letter, dated August 21, 1919, from Myers and Hoey of the Temple Court Cigar Store and Billiard Parlor in Minot, North Dakota (ND) to ND Attorney General William Langer, Myers and Hoey refer to a previous meeting in Bismarck with Langer where they discussed laws pertaining to cigar stores and pool halls, but they note that no attention has been paid to Langer's advice.
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Letter from Cavalier County Sheriff Fred Thompson to Attorney General Langer Regarding Rumors of Gambling and Bribes, March 11, 1919
Fred A. Thompson
Letter from Sheriff Fred A. Thompson to Attorney General William Langer regarding rumors of gambling, bribes, and pro-German statements in Cavalier County, dated March 11, 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
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Letter from W. P. Vincent to Attorney General Langer Regarding Pool Hall in Fortuna, North Dakota, September 2, 1919
W. P. Vincent
In this letter, dated September 2, 1919, from Fortuna, North Dakota Village Clerk W. P. Vincent to William Langer, Vincent writes of complaints about a pool hall there and asks whether an ordinance restricting the hours and days of operation of pools halls would be enforceable by law.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to W. P. Vincent Regarding Pool Hall in Fortuna, North Dakota, September 4, 1919