Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-09-18

modest disposition. He took great inter
est in literary work, being charter mem
Der of the Philomathian literary society
and greatly assisted that society In its
struggles IN competition with the older
and more firmly established associations.
While in the city Mr.. Lqngdon lived at
the old Samuel D. Hastings residence, on
the corner of Lake and Langdon streets, in
a very quiet manner. He was IN n Of
very cool temperament. and was never
known to get into trouble while in the
university, no matter what the occasion
and those who kne him best speak most
favorab!y of him.
Details of the Tragedy.
GRAND MOUND. Iowa, SPECIAL Tele-
gram, Sept. 15.-Another awful double
tragedy has occurred in CIintoL county.
1t is only a few months since the whole
country round about was shocked by the
tidings of The Nurre double murder, yet
fresh in the minds of all, and still I'M
avenged. This morning at about half
past ten clock the people were startled
with the INTEL gence that Mrs. VIM. H.
Langden and man named Bevan were
murdered at a farm house a half-mile
west of here The shooting is the out
growth of d love affair Of several years
standing The real facts in the case are
about as follows:
Three years ago John W. Bevan, an
Englishman, was attending school at Val
paraiso, Ind. Before he had been there
long he became acquainted with Miss
Ella Smith, attending the school from
Madison, Wis. In the course of
time the young couple became fondly at
tached to each other and were finally en-
gagged When the girl completed her
course at school she returned home and
Bevan went to Chicago where be found
employment RE wrote to his sweetheart
early and often, but his letters were
not sufficient to stem the variable
tide of affection, for Miss
Ella fell in love with another man in her
own city by the name of VIM. FL. Lang
don. She finally Tilted Bevan and became
engaged to marry Langdon. Bcvan, who
was irretrievabIy in love. heard that Lang
don had won Miss Ella S heart and made
up his mind at once to wreck dire veng
ence upon him.
July 9th last was set for the day of the
Langdon- Smith wedding. A day or two
before Bowen appeared on the scene and
threatened to take Langdon's life If be
married the girl. Langdon, TO avoid
trouble, left Madison. and Bevan re-
turned to Chicago. The wedding came
off in private afterward and the
successful lover and bride came to Clinton
county, he entering into the employ of his
father. C. A. Langdon, railroad contractor
between Grand Mound and Calamus for
the Chicago & Northwestern. Bevan had
been trying to fud Langdon and his wife
since their wedding and he ring where
they were few days ago, he started for
Grand Mound.
He arrived ats o'clock this morning,
got shaved, left his grip at hotel and
set out for the Langdon domicil, He
went to the house and Langdon, his
former rival, appeared at the door. He
stated to Langdon that he wanted an in
terview with Mrs. Langdon, Having re-
ceived threatening letters from Bevan,
Langdon, anticipated trouble
He at first refused and then consented to
let Mrs Langdon have a talk with him.
Mr.. Langdon went up stairs and told his
wife Bevan wanted to see her. She went
down stairs into the yard and Langdon
staid up stairs, holding his rife in range
in case of trouble He finally laid it
away and came down with loaded
revolver in his pocket Just us he stepped
out in the yard, Bevan, who had been up
braiding Mrs. Langdon for jilting him,
drew revolver and shot her twice in
the throat and head and then shot him
self. As soon as Langdon saw Bevan fir
ing he rushed toward him. planting six
bullets in the face of his wife's murderer
Langdon then picked up his wife and
carried her into the house where she
died few minutes later.
Bevan and Mrs. Langdon were each %
wears of age. Langdon has been arrested
aud taken to Clinton. All three of the
parties have heretofore borne good repu-
tations. Bevan came here wearing belt
| full of cartridges and with 32-calibre re-
volver and dirk. 1t is believed he was
insane.
Another Report.
DUBUQUE, Iowa, special telegram Sept.
| 15.-News has been received here that a
stranger In Grand Mound, Clinton county,
! INQUIRED this afternoon for the residence
of Mr.. Langdon, a contractor for the
Chicago & Northwestern railroad
company He was directed to
| the house, and upon arriving
! there called for Mrs. Langdon, whom he
! shot as she came towards him. Mr.. Lang
don came upon the scene on nearing the
report and instantly shot the stranger
Further particulars are not obtalnable to-
night 1t was stated that Mr.. Langdon
says he does not know who the stranger
was. The Langdon family CAME to Grand
Mound recently irom Baraboo,
By Associated Press.
CLINTON, Iowa, Associated Press, Sept
IA tragedy too kplace today at Grand
Mound. w II. Langdon is member OF
the we'll known firm of Langdon d Co.,
railroad contractors, who have the contract
for layinga double track for the Chicago 4
Northwestern between Clinton and Cedar
Rapids. He had established his head
quarters at Grand Mound and with his
wife boarded with the family
Of man named Twogood
Today man calling himself J. w. Bevar
arrived at Grand Mound and meeting
Langdon, went with the latter to his
boarding house where they conversed
with Mrs. Langdon. A quarre
arose and drew his revolver and shot
Mrs. Langdon. killing her instantly
Langdon drew his revolver and shot the
murderer dead on the spot.
To Dredse the MenOminee.