Sturgis advertiser. (Sturgis, Dakota [S.D.]) 1887-1???, 1891-06-25
HE LOVED HIS MOTHER.
Al DESPERATE CONVICT. BUT
NOT HEARTLESS. 4

william Langosch, Notorious Thief,
Thought Only OF His Mother, Though
Mortally Wounded Shot while Trying
to Rob q Stranger.
William Langosch, q Chicago tough,
was fatally shot In Schroeder's saloon,
~ North Desplaines street. In company
with Charles Hemmng he called for q
drink. Schroeder and his son Fred were
behind the bar Near by stood W. H
Holiday, manufacturer Of saw-mill
tools, 40 West Lake street, who was
counting over $50 In bills. From the
manner in which the two men called for
liquor and at the same time eyed Mr..
Holidays money, the proprietor sus-
pected them. Before he could give
Holiday warning Langosch and his
companion stepped up to Holidays side,
each taking him by the arm. Schroeder
seized billiard cue, shouting to HOlli-
day to guard his money.
The fight that followed was lively
one. In it Langosch received the shot
that will cost him his life. Schroeder
attempted to fell him to the floor with
the cue, but was grappled, Langosch
overpowering the saloon-keeper, knock
ing him down with his own weapon.
Meanwhile, Hemming and Holiday were
fighting fiercely. Mrs. Schroeder hear
ing the scuf1e ran into the room, only to
be knocked down. just as the men were
preparing to leave Fred Schroeder, who
had gone upstairs for revolver, rushed
into the saloon. His sudden appearance
put stop to proceedings. Seeing his
mother and father both lying on the
floor, young Schroeder did not hesitate
to fire Immediately, leveling his gun
directly at Langosch. The latter sank
to the floor instantly.
The police arrested Hemming and Fred
Schroeder. Langosch was removed to
his home, where upon examination it
was found the bullet had passed entirely
through his stomach and lodged in his
back. The attending physician said he
could not live. Langosch is well -known
character and served term in Joliet.
Mr. and Mrs Schroeder were not seri-
busly injured, although their wounds
were of a painful nature.
Langosch is a notorious character,
and has been feared by almost every
one who knew him. He was released
from the penitentiary only five weeks
ago, but since then has been known to
have taken no less than six rides in the
patrol wagon. On one occasion he en-
gagged in fight and was. stabbed eleven
times, the marks of which are still fresh
on his body. But, criminal that he is,
he showed a tenderness after being shot
which touched the hearts of the officers,
who, all their lives, have been ac-
customed to scenes of violence
and hard character Langosch Dos
lively refused to be taken to the
hospital, and insisted on being carried
to his home. Officer Byrnes asked
him il he had any one to care for him
at home, and he replied that he had
"kind old mother" When the patrol
came within 100 feet of the house Lam
Eosch begged the officers to allow him to
walk the remainder of the way. He said
his mother would faint, and the thought
of that hut him more than the fatal
wound in his body. The officers grant
ed his request and Langosch without
assistance walked to his mothers house.
With the utmost composure he seated
himself i'm a summer-house and buttoned
his clothes so that no blood was seen.
The mother, who is 65 years old, alarm
el by the presence of tho officers, came
in wringing her hand.
When LangoSch saw her he crossed his
legs and, putting cigar to his mouth,
said: mother, give me match" Mrs.
Langosch brought him q match, and the
cigar was lit. He took few puffs and
quantity of blood filled his mouth.
Even then he seemed to forget that he
was mortally wounded, and, thinking
only Of his mother, asked an officer
to step aside that he might spit
in. the weeds, where his mother
would not see the blood. A physician
arrived and ordered him to be
placed on bed. Langosch would not
be carried. but arose and walked con-
tidently into another room, where he lay
down. There his nerve did not desert
him. He requested not to be chloro-
formed while the bullet was probed for,
saying that it must be done while his
eyes were open, that his mother would
not think him badly hurt. And he even
went so far as to ask for a razor that he
might reach around to his back and cut
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