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Letter From G. Grimson To Attorney General Langer Requesting New Warrant For Hiram Stepp, February 22, 1919, G. Grimson

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated February 22, 1919, from Cavalier County, North Dakota (ND) States Attorney G. Grimson to ND Attorney General William Langer, Grimson refers to the case in which Hiram Stepp is accused of the statutory rape of F******* D**. Grimson writes that the D** family has now filed a written complaint with Justice Power and is asking for a new warrant to be issued for Stepp's arrest.

Grimson explains that Judge Kneeshaw has advised against a issuing a new warrant, and that Justice Power won't issue a warrant without authorization from Grimson or Langer. Grimson writes that he …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To W. J. Kneeshaw Regarding Complaints About Handling Of State V. Stepp Case, February 14, 1919, William Langer

William Langer Papers

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.

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Letter from G. Grimson to Attorney …

Statement Of Ernest And Matilda D** Regarding Initial Proceedings In Stepp Case, February 10, 1919, Ernest D**, Matilda D**

William Langer Papers

This document, dated February 10, 1919, is described as "statements by Mr. and Mrs. D**" regarding the initial proceedings in the case against Hiram J. Stepp, whom the D**s accused of raping their daughter and fathering her child. It was sent to Attorney General Langer by Luther Frank Hinegardner - a blacksmith in Sarles, North Dakota, who had previously visited Langer in person about the Stepp case. The statement describes how F******* D** was put under oath in front of her mother Matilda D**, States Attorney Gudmundur Grimson, Director of the Fargo Children's Home F. R. Hinkle, Judge W. J. …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To John Moses Regarding The Carl Maier Case, January 28, 1919, William Langer

William Langer Papers

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.

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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, …

Letter From G. Grimson To Attorney General Langer Regarding Initial Proceedings In Stepp Case, January 18, 1919, Gudmunder Grimson

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated January 18, 1919, from States Attorney for Cavalier County, North Dakota (ND) Gudmundur Grimson to ND Attorney General William Langer, Grimson provides a chronological account of the steps he took upon hearing the D** family's accusation that Hiram J. Stepp of Sarles, North Dakota had raped and impregnated their teenage daughter F******* in February 1918. Grimson describes his initial interviews in December 1918 with the D**s, Stepp, and Stepp's nephew Larry who was also a person of interest in the alleged crime, as well as the events that led to Judge Kneeshaw's dismissal of the case …

Letter From Henry G. Owen To Attorney General Langer Regarding Abuse Of Police Power, January 10, 1919, Henry G. Owen

William Langer Papers

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.

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Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Alcohol and Prostitution in Minot, January …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Henry G. Owen Regarding Owen's Injury And Hospitalization, January 6, 1919, William Langer

William Langer Papers

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."

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Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Emmet Country, Iowa Attorney F. J. Kennedy Regarding The Death Of Carl Maier, January 6, 1919, William Langer

William Langer Papers

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.

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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, …

Letter From Henry G. Owen To Attorney General Langer Regarding Lawlessness In Minot And His Recent Injury, January 4, 1919, Henry G. Owen

William Langer Papers

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 …

Letter From Henry G. Owen To Attorney General Langer Regarding Alcohol And Prostitution In Minot, January 2, 1919, Henry G. Owen

William Langer Papers

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.

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Letter from Henry G. Owen to Attorney General Langer Recounting Alcohol Sales in Minot, January 3, 1919

Letter from Henry G. Owen to …

"A Plea To The Public And The Taxpayers Of North Dakota For Justice" By Dr. T. H. Druen, Undated, T.H. Druen

William Langer Papers

In this undated statement, Dr. T. H. Druen, an inmate at the North Dakota State Penitentiary, claims he is innocent of the murder of his young daughter and is the subject of a conspiracy hatched by George Ryerson, States Attorney for Renville County. Druen further alleges that he did not receive a fair trial from Judge Alexander Burr.

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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

Letter From Attorney General …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To S. A. Smith Regarding Pool Hall Confrontation, November 16, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated November 16, 1918, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Golden Valley County Sheriff S. A. Smith, Langer responds to Smith's letter of November 14, 1918 regarding a confrontation over the closure of a pool hall. Langer writes that he has sent a telegram and that if the requested warrants are not issued, his office will take action against the parties mentioned in Smith's letter, as well as action to remove the States Attorney for not doing his duty with regard to the warrants.

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Letter from S. A. Smith to Attorney General …

Letter From S. A. Smith To Attorney General Langer Regarding Pool Hall Confrontation, November 14, 1918, S. A. Smith

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated November 14, 1918, from Golden Valley County Sheriff S. A. Smith to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Smith describes an incident in which, on the order of the Board of Health, he attempted to close all pool halls. After a hall run by B. S. Davis re-opened, Smith's efforts to re-close the hall were challenged by Sheriff-elect Pazini. Smith writes that he has requested warrants for the arrest of both Davis and Pazini from States Attorney Gallagher, and that he will wire Langer if the requested warrants are not issued, and hopes that Langer …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To S. A. Smith Regarding Election Irregularities In Golden Valley County, November 13, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Golden Valley County Sheriff S. A. Smith, Langer replies to Smith's letter of November 10 regarding possible missing ballots, writing that he will go over the matter and write back the next day.

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Letter from S. A. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley County, November 10, 1918

Letter from S. A. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley County, February 24, 1919

Letter from Attorney General Langer to S. A. Smith Regarding Election Irregularities in Golden Valley …

Letter From S. A. Smith To Attorney General Langer Regarding Election Irregularities In Golden Valley County, November 10, 1918, S.A. Smith

William Langer Papers

In this letter from Golden Valley County Sheriff S. A. Smith to North Dakota Attorney General William Langer Smith describes election irregularities involving possible missing absentee ballots.

Smith writes that in three of his precincts, where there were twenty absent voter's ballots but none for Governor Lynn Frazier, even though three voters say they voted for him. Smith asks whether there is any way to see the ballots without contesting the election.

Smith also adds in a handwritten note that he hopes Mrs. Langer is "fully recovered."

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Letter from Attorney General Langer to S. A. Smith Regarding Election …

Letter From Assistant Attorney General Edward Cox To S. A. Smith Regarding Expense Reimbursement, October 26, 1918, Assistant Attorney General

William Langer Papers

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.

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Letter from S. …

Letter From S. A. Smith To Attorney General Langer Regarding Captured Bootleggers, Reimbursement Of Expenses, October 23, 1918, S. A. Smith

William Langer Papers

Letter dated October 23, 1918 from Golden County Sheriff S. A. Smith to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer reporting that Smith has caught two men coming in from New Salem, ND with "booze." He writes that he turned the two men over to the U.S. Marshall's Office. Smith explains that he has incurred a lot of expenses related to the case and asks if he has permission to send Langer a bill.

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Letter from Assistant Attorney General Edward Cox to S. A. Smith Regarding Expense Reimbursement, October 26, 1918

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Don C. Smith Regarding Law Enforcement Situation In Marmarth, Nd, September 23, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

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.

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Letter from Don C. Smith to Attorney General Langer Regarding Law Enforcement in Marmarth, September 19, 1918

Letter From Don C. Smith To Attorney General Langer Regarding Law Enforcement Situation In Marmarth, September 19, 1918, Don C. Smith

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated September 19th, 1918, from Don C. Smith to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Smith describes the current state of law enforcement in the city of Marmarth, ND. Smith writes that city officials are doing nothing about the unlawful sale of alcohol and are actively hindering the local police and sheriff, and that the local telephone exchange is conspiring with transporters of illegal alcohol to warn them of plans to intercept them, while refusing to place calls to the county sheriff and county attorney, claiming that those lines are out of order. Smith asks Langer …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Sheriff George Laney Regarding Gambling In Napoleon, Nd, August 28, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated August 28, 1918, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Sheriff George Laney of Napoleon, ND, Langer replies to Laney's letter of August 26, 1918 regarding gambling in Napoleon, writing that as far as he understands, the party Laney mentioned in his letter is still engaged in gambling, and expresses his confidence that Laney will take the necessary actions to stop the gambling.

Letter From Attorney General Langer To T. N. Hartung Regarding Threats To Jacob Hehn, August 8, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated August 8,1918, from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Stark County Sheriff T. N. Hartung, Langer refers to a letter he has received describing threats of death and arson to Jacob Hehn and his family, and listing Mrs. A. Kehrli, Mrs. John Knecht, Mr. John Knecht, Mrs. A.C. Palmer, and Miss Blanch Florek as parties who can corroborate the story. Langer asks Hartung to investigate the matter.

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

William Langer Papers

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.

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Letter from F. H. Lohr to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Night Kersey Gowin was Killed, Situation in Minot, April 29, 1918

Letter From F. H. Lohr To Attorney General Langer Regarding The Night Kersey Gowin Was Killed, Situation In Minot, April 29, 1918, F. H. Lohr

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 29, 1918, from F. H. Lohr to North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer, Lohr refers to being in Minot, ND the recent Friday night when two "force" men [one of them undercover detective Kersy Gowin] were shot. Lohr writes that on Saturday all the "vice holes" had closed out of fear of the police. He also offers the general assessment that the drinking in Minot is worse than ever, and that the chief of police is "nothing more than a bag of hot air" and a "co[w]ard."

Lohr explains that he was called home …

Letter From Attorney General Langer To Kersey Gowin Pledging Protection And Payment For Snow And Requesting Report On Situation In Minot, April 17, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 17th, 1918, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Kersey Gowin Langer responds to Gowin's letter of April 15, assuring him that he will protect Snow in every way he possibly can. Langer also attaches a blank bill for Snow to sign and return to him promptly. Langer promises to get Snow the money he needs.

Langer also urges Gowin to give him a full report of the situation in Minot, ND, and pledges to do all he can to help "O. B." out.

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Letter from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General …

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Beer Labeled "Great Northern Dining Services," April 17, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

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

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

William Langer Papers

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.

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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Regarding Langer's Stay in Fargo, Judge Coffee, April 18, 1918

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Payment For Snow, April 15, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

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 George Laney Regarding The Henry Biersdorf Case, April 14, 1918, William Langer

William Langer Papers

In this letter, dated April 14, 1918, from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Sheriff George Laney of Napoleon, North Dakota, Langer refers to the death of Henry Biersdorf, writing that Laney should investigate the Biersdorf's death, as Langer believes him to have been murdered. Langer adds that Laney may or may not need to hire additional detectives.

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding Keg Party, Fundraising To "Beat The League", April 13, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

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."

Letter From Kersey Gowin To Attorney General Langer Regarding The Death Of Dan Brennan, April 8, 1918, Kersey E. Gowin

William Langer Papers

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 …