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 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).
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 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.
See also:
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.
See also:
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.
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to W. P. Vincent Regarding Pool Hall in Fortuna, North Dakota, September 4, 1919
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Letter from Assistant Attorney General Edward Cox to S. A. Smith Regarding Expense Reimbursement, October 26, 1918
Assistant Attorney General
Letter dated October 26, 1918 from North Dakota Assistant Attorney General Edward Cox to Golden Valley County Sheriff S.A. Smith regarding reimbursement for expenses incurred while capturing two bootleggers. Cox refers to Smith's letter of October 23, 1918 to ND Attorney General William Langer, in which Smith explains that he has incurred substantial expenses in a recent arrest, and asks Langer whether he can submit a bill. Cox relates that the State of North Dakota has no appropriated funds for expenses related to catching bootleggers and advises Smith to send his bill to his county.
See also:
Letter from S. A. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Captured Bootleggers, Reimbursement of Expenses, October 23, 1918
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Letter From Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer regarding Beer Labeled "Great Northern Dining Services," April 17, 1918
Kersey E. Gowin
In this letter, dated April 17th, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer Gowin refers to beer acquired from bootleggers that appears to be labeled as Great Northern dining service product. He says part of the label has been torn off, but is "a nough to show where it come from."
See also:
Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Bootlegging and Prostitution in Minot, October 29, 1917
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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer regarding Drunkenness in Camps, April 1, 1918
Kersey E. Gowin
In this letter, dated April 1, 1917, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Gowin reports that he has just seen "O. B.," who is "feeling fine and says to go all the way down the line." According to Gowin, "O. B." was previously "inclined to go Slow, but on March 29 our Boys were going to the camps and about a dozen of them got pretty drunk...Mr. Henrickstad says we will now go to them and clean them up again." Gowin asks that, if possible, "D. V. B." (Assistant Attorney General Daniel V. Brennan) can be present "on the wind-up" and adds that he is sending a letter he has received from a Mr. Elton, so that Langer can "see where I am at on that account."
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Reporting Return of "O. B.," death of Dan Brennan, and Payment to Gowin, April 3, 1918
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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Keg Party, Fundraising to "Beat the League", April 13, 1918
Kersey E. Gowin
In this letter, dated April 13th, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer Gowin updates Langer on the situation in Minot. Langer tells of plans being made by "Smith and the PM" for a keg party, and warns that E. H. Stenvick "has a scheme to get a democrat into Dan's place and one they can trust, I am told." He elaborates that the Democrats and Republicans are working to "beat the League men this fall" and gives information on donations locals have been making in order to "beat the League."
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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Payment for Snow, April 15, 1918
Kersey E. Gowin
In this letter, dated April 15th, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Gowin refers to a man named Snow who did some work for Gowin on the recommendation of "Dan" (likely Assistant Attorney General Daniel V. Brennan, who had recently died), who hadn't been paid because Dan "is no longer here."
See also:
Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Bootlegging and Prostitution in Minot, October 29, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Reporting Return of "O. B.," death of Dan Brennan, and Payment to Gowin, April 3, 1918
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Pledging Protection and Payment for Snow and Requesting Report on Situation in Minot, April 17, 1918
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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Death of Dan Brennan, April 8, 1918
Kersey E. Gowin
In this letter, dated April 8th, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Gowin refers to the recent death of Assistant Attorney General Daniel V. Brennan, of pneumonia. Gowin expresses his condolences and his admiration for Brennan, and thanks Langer for arranging a recent payment. Gowin writes that he needs to hire another man, as one is not enough "with the Police & Sheriff Office all on the other side." Responding to Langer's statement in Langer's previous letter, that since Brennan's death everything is "up in the air," Gowin expresses his willingness to continue in his efforts if Langer is to start things up again, and if not, asks whether Langer could place him in another state where there is work for him.
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Reporting Return of "O. B.," death of Dan Brennan, and Payment to Gowin, April 3, 1918
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Regarding Death of Dan Brennan and the Minot Situation, April 12, 1918
Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding Keg Party, Fundraising to "Beat the League", 1918
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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Reporting on Situation in Minot and Requesting that Langer contact IRS Official J. A. Coffee, April 16, 1918
Kersey E. Gowin
In this letter, dated April 16, 1918, from Kersey Gowin to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Gowin informs Langer of rising prices for bootlegged alcohol and asks him to contact Internal Revenue Collector J. A. Coffee in Aberdeen, South Dakota and ask him for a list of people who have paid for government licenses, and to suggest that the two offices might cooperate with mutual benefits to both.
See also:
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Regarding Langer's Stay in Fargo, Judge Coffee, April 18, 1918
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Certification of Nomination of William Langer For North Dakota Attorney General in General Election, August 1, 1918
Thomas Hall
This an official document, dated August 1, 1918, from the North Dakota Department of State certifies that in the Primary Election of June 26, 1918, William Langer was nominated as the Republican candidate to the office of Attorney General for the year's General Election to be held on November 5th, 1918.
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Special Rules on Feeding Stuff, US Food Administration, 1918
Herbert Hoover
United States Food Administrator Herbert Hoover distributed this memo in February 1918 highlighting new rules on the production, storing, and distribution of feed. The US Food Administration was responsible for the domestic food market during the First World War.
Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States and served one term from 1929 until 1933.
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Letter from Logan County Sheriff George Laney to Attorney General Langer Regarding Gambling in Napoleon, August 26, 1918
George Laney
In this letter, dated August 17, 1918, from Logan County Sheriff George Laney to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer, Laney replies to Langer's letter of August 17, writing that while there has been gambling in Napoleon in the past, he believes that the practice has stopped, with the exception of the party mentioned in the previous letter (A.W. Draeger).
See also:
Letter from Logan County Sheriff George Laney to Attorney General Langer Regarding Gambling in Napoleon, August 26, 1918
Letter From Attorney General Langer to Logan County Sheriff George Laney Regarding A. W. Draeger, December 5, 1918
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Letter From Attorney General Langer Replying to F. H. Lohr Regarding the Night Kersey Gowin Was Killed, Situation in Minot, May 3, 1918
William Langer
In this letter, dated May 3, 1918, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to F.H. Lohr Langer replies to Lohr's letter of April 29 regarding the night of Kersey Gowin's killing. Langer asks whether Lohr can go to Minot if Langer is able to arrange to have his expenses paid.
See also:
Letter from F. H. Lohr to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Night Kersey Gowin was Killed, Situation in Minot, April 29, 1918
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Cass County Sheriff, November 18, 1918
William Langer
Attorney General William Langer sent this letter to Cass County Sheriff Andrew Ross on November 18, 1918. Langer asks the Sheriff to meet with Cass County State Attorney Fowler regarding the "liquor situation" in Fargo.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Don C. Smith Regarding Law Enforcement Situation in Marmarth, ND, September 23, 1918
William Langer
In this letter, dated September 23, 1918, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Don C. Smith, Langer acknowledges Smith's letter of September 19 regarding the law enforcement situation in Marmarth, ND, and writes that he will do what he can "in the premises," and that he will be glad to get Smith's viewpoint.
See also:
Letter from Don C. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Law Enforcement in Marmarth, September 19, 1918