Copyright 2022, CABS for Reflections From the Fence
This continues a series of posts, done in a very efficient (make that speedy fast, although not this post, sigh) manner to share some research on the ancestors. This is NOT intended to be the end all to end all report. It's a work in progress, to show you what I have found, right or wrong. Kind feedback is welcomed via comments.
So, let's meet Emma Eleanor, her parents and her first husband.
I spent several frustrating and yet fun weeks researching Emma. She first appeared in my research as a bride of one Alfred Stringer, father-in-law of a Lashbrook woman, thus my interest. Alfred himself, is quite the character, and I was able to put some closure to his story. His wife, Emma Eleanor Stewart Langdon, sent me on a royal chase tho. And, just to make things super duper fun and confusing, Alfred's first wife, was named, Emma. Ya, really. But, this is about wife # 2, soooo back to our story.
Due to the number and length of newspaper transcriptions I have for Emma, I have edited the articles somewhat. I hope I edited enough without ruining the story. (See the ...'s) I have maintained the source, including the date, so you have an idea where you can find the rest of each article.
Chronologically, this is our first encounter with Emma, it came, however, at the end of my search.
William H Steward
in the 1860 United States Federal Census
Name: William H Steward
[William H. Stewart]
Age: 41
Birth Year: abt 1819
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Place: New York
Home in 1860: Richmond, Richland, Wisconsin
Post Office: Orion
Dwelling Number: 815
Family Number: 682
Occupation: Artist
Real Estate Value: 500
Personal Estate Value: 150
Household Members Age
William H Steward 41
Eliza J Steward 36
David S Steward 18
Mary P Steward 16
William Steward
John S Steward 13
Julia Steward 11
Anna E Steward 9
Emma Steward 4 **
Ara Steward 11/12
Emma Stewart
in the 1870 United States Federal Census
Name: [Emma Stewart]
Age in 1870: 14
Birth Date: abt 1856
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Dwelling Number: 35
Home in 1870: Orion, Richland, Wisconsin
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Orion
Attended School: Yes
Inferred Father: William Stewart
Inferred Mother: Eliza Stewart
Household Members Age
William Stewart 46
Eliza Stewart 43
John Stewart 23
Anna Stewart 19
Emma Stewart 14
Mack E Stewart 10
Eddy Perl Stewart 1
I knew that she married Alfred as E. Eleanor Langdon, and that "Langdon" was her first husband's name, but, who was that first hubby?
After a bunch of clicks, and the use of many family trees and multiple databases at both Ancestry dot com and FamilySearch, I finally located her marriage to Mr. Langdon:
Emma Stewart
in the Wisconsin, U.S., Marriage Index, 1808-1907
Name: Emma Stewart
Marriage Date: 19 Aug 1875
Marriage Place: Richland, Wisconsin, USA
Volume: 1
Page: 204
*This index has one set for the bride and one set for the hubby, verification is by researching both names, matching the date, place, Volume and Page.
Emma E. Langdon
in the 1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Emma E. Langdon
[Emma E. Stewart]
Age: 23
Birth Date: Abt 1857
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Home in 1880: Baraboo, Sauk, Wisconsin, USA
Dwelling Number: 487
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: George W. Langdon
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Birthplace: New York
Occupation: Keeping House
Household Members Age Relationship
George W. Langdon 32 Self (Head)
Emma E. Langdon 23 Wife
Guy Langdon 4 Son
Emma Langdon
in the 1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Emma Langdon
[Emma Stewart]
Age: 42
Birth Date: Jan 1858
Birthplace: Wisconsin, USA
Home in 1900: Kansas City Ward 8, Jackson, Missouri ***
Ward of City: 8th
Street: Campbell Street
House Number: 720
Sheet Number: 4
Number of Dwelling in Order of Visitation: 53
Family Number: 63
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Widowed **Well, nope, but OKKK
Father's Birthplace: New York, USA
Mother's Name: Eliza J Stewart
Mother's Birthplace: New York, USA
Mother: number of living children: 1 ****
Mother: How many children: 1
Occupation: Music Teacher
Months Not Employed: 0
Can Read: Yes
Can Write: Yes
Can Speak English: Yes
House Owned or Rented: Rent
Farm or House: H
Household Members Age Relationship
Emma Langdon 42 Head
Eliza J Stewart 76 Mother. ** This was a great clue to help me locate Emma's early life and her marriage to Mr. Langdon.
Seems our Mrs. Langdon was an entertainer, we found any number of newspaper accounts, in fact, I still have several that are so long, that I have not transcribed them yet. They do not add anything earth shattering to her story, sooooo, they remain untyped/transcribed. Here are a number that I have typed - -
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on August 23, 1902:
"PULPIT AND PEW
Church Notes.
...at the morning service in the Fremont Avenue Congregational church. Mrs. E. Langdon of Kansas City will sing the evening offertory. A cordial welcome to strangers."
The next performance rated at least 3 news articles/reports.
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Michigan, published on September 20, 1902:
"Minneapolis Chapter Entertains.
The Minneapolis chapter, D. A. R, held a meeting this afternoon
...Mrs. Langdon of Kansas City gave a whistling solo and Miss Goodwin sang. Light refreshments were served in the dining-room "
From the Minneapolis Daily Times, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on September 21, 1902:
"The Minneapolis chapter, D. A. R., gave an informal reception yesterday afternoon ...
Miss Goodwin sang and Mrs. Langdon of Kansas City gave a whistling solo. ..."
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on September 23, 1902:
"DAUGHTERS OF REVOLUTION RECEIVE
The Minneapolis chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, gave an informal reception Saturday afternoon ... Miss Goodwin sang and Mrs. Langdon, Kansas City, gave a whistling solo.
The rooms were bright with many hued leaves and flowers, the dining room presenting an attractive appearance with asters for decoration."
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on January 5, 1903:
"Allie Orders
POST REPORTS Morgan Post.
At the meeting Friday night after the regular business had been disposed of, the post of the W. R. C. held an open meeting for the installation of the officers for the new year. ... Post Commander Wright then made his annual report, which showed the post to be in excellent condition. Miss Eleanor Langdon then sang a solo, after which the following officers were installed, ... A piano duet was then rendered by Misses Bishop and Mahaffa. A whistling solo with piano accompaniment followed and then ..."
Not long after we find Alfred and Mrs. Langdon married:
Alfred Stringer *** This is also his second marriage
in the Minnesota, U.S., Marriages Index, 1849-1950
Name: Alfred Stringer
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 9 Jan 1903
Marriage Place: St Paul, Ramsey, Minnesota
Spouse's Name: E Elenore Langdon
Spouse Gender: Female
Event Type: Marriage
FHL Film Number: 1313334
The newspaper articles soon followed, I'll give you a heads up, some of these articles are a weeeeee bit of a stretch of the truth.
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on January 10, 1903:
"SPANISH WAR ROMANCE
Culminates in the Marriage of Alfred Stringer and Mrs. Langden in St. Paul.
Alfred Stringer, foreman in a local mill, was married yesterday at St. Paul by Justice of the Peace Mills to Mrs. E. Eleanor Langden of Kansas City. Mrs. Langden had a previous husband, who is still living. He proved a disappointment and they were divorced. Afterwards she went to Chickamauga, and during the war with Spain nursed soldiers in the hospitals. One of her patients was Alfred Stringer of the Fourteenth Minnesota. He had typhoid fever. He would die, said the doctors, unless he could receive the best of nursing. This kind of nursing he obtained from Mrs. Langden. In return for his life he gave her his heart. But for four years she hesitated to run the risk of transforming romance into matrimony."
From the Saint Paul Glove, Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, published on January 10, 1903:
"ROMANCE BEGUN IN HOSPITAL ENDS IN WEDDING
Alfred Stringer, a Member of the Late Fourteenth Minnesota, Marries a Kansas City Woman Who Nursed Him Through Typhoid Faber at Chickamauga.
A romance, ... at Chickamauga, in 1898, culminated yesterday afternoon in the marriage of Alfred Stringer, now a mill foreman in Minneapolis, and Mrs. E. Eleanor Langdon, of Kansas City. The marriage ceremony was preformed by Justice of the Peace Mills, in this city, ...
While doing duty at Chickamauga Stringer contracted a case of Typhoid fever, and while in the fever ward was nursed by Mrs. Langden. The friendship between the two developed into a stronger affection, and resulted in an engagement. The marriage has been postponed from time to time, but arrangements were finally made, and yesterday Mrs. Langden, who has for some time been divorced from her former husband, came to St. Paul and met Stringer, and the marriage was quietly performed at the office of Justice Mills. Stringer is forty years old and has been a widower for several years.
Tried to Keep Marriage Quiet.
An attempt was made on the part of Stringer and his fiancé to have the marriage kept a secret, Stringer desiring to keep the matter from his Minneapolis friends, and it was for this reason that the couple were married in St. Paul. ...
Stringer gave as his reason for keeping the marriage quiet that he intended going away on a wedding trip and did not want his fellow workmen to learn of the affair until he was safe out of the way.
...
In applying for a license it was admitted that the woman had been divorced from her first husband, but whether or not the divorce was secured for the purpose of marrying Stringer was not learned. The requirement of the law, which provides that the parties applying for a license must have been divorced more than six months was complied with."
The war/love part of the story falls apart - -
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on January 13, 1903:
"Alfred Stringer's Romance - - Alfred Stringer of this city, whose recent marriage ... was reported to have followed a romantic courtship, is said to have been placed in a false light. The romance, his friends assert, was not absent, but different. Mr. String never served with the Fourteenth Minnesota in the Spanish war. ... Mr. Stringer did not have typhoid fever in Virginia. Neither was Mrs. Stringer an army nurse down south four years ago. But, she was a barytone-vocalist and a whistler up north last August - - which, Mr. Stringer thinks, is far more usual and equally romantic."
And, here she is with her second hubby:
Despite the love story gone awry, life continues, whistling away - -
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on July 17, 1904:
"Among the Clubs
At the ice cream fete given by the North Side French Canadians ... Thursday evening Mrs. Eleanor Langdon Stringer, ?? baritone singer, elocutionist and professional whistler from Kansas City, gave numerous selections, accompanied by Mrs. C. H Dumes, organist of the Church ?? St. Anne. ..."
**NOTE: This article appeared at the left edge of the paper, and several letters were cut off, other letters were filled in as what we hope are good guesses.
From the Minneapolis Daily Times, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on July 5, 1905:
"AMUSEMENTS
The addition of Eleanor Langdon Stringer to the bill at the Unique theater provides another taking feature. She whistles charmingly and has an attractive personality. ... "
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on November 15, 1908:
"CHURCH NOTICES
PEOPLE'S
PEOPLE'S CHURCH - - Unique theater - - Rev. G. L. Morrill will preach on "Clairvoyance," at 11 o'clock this morning. Pictures of forest fires will be shown and Eleanor Langdon will sing."
New skills come to light - -
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on November 15, 1908:
"Writes a Song for Newsboys
Another Minneapolis woman has made good in the field of song writing. She is Eleanor Langdon, the professional whistler. Her latest contribution is a popular song, "Mister Won't You Buy a Paper?", which she has dedicated to the newsboys of Minneapolis. Eleanor Langdon sang her composition the first time election night at an entertainment which was given for the benefit of the newsboys' home. This morning she will gain sing it at the Unique theater and has contributed 300 copies which will be sold for the benefit of the newsboys' new club rooms. In private life Miss Langdon is Mrs. Alfred Stringer."
This is the article that led me to discover her parents, siblings and first husband. Yes, it was a roundabout search - -
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on July 11, 1909:
"Freedom's Natal Day"
Poem Recited by Local Writer at Recent Patriotic Exercises.
Miss Eleanor Langdon, the friend of the newsboy, recently made her debut into the realm of poetry and song though her little song, "Mister, Won't You Buy a Paper?" Her sister, Mrs. Julia S. Nichols, who lives at Glendale Park, Cal, is also a writer.
At the Unique theater last Sunday, Miss Langdon recited Mrs. Nichols' poem, "Freedom's Natal Day." It is here given.
Wave our banner, float it high o'er the brow of fair July,
For Columbia will celebrate anew;
So with patriotic hand every daughter of the land
Robes American in red and white and blue;
While with honest pride and joy beats the heart of man and boy.
As the voice of Uncle Sam is heart to say:
"Let rejoining fill the sky, on the fourth of each July,
As you celebrate sweet Freedom's natal day.
"Sound the craters at each door; let the cannons loudly roar;
Joint the drum, the fife and bugle as they plat;
Float the stars and stripes on high, on the fourth of each July.
As you celebrate sweet Freedom's natal day.
"With all honors deck the grave of each should who fought and gave
Cap of Liberty to grace the stars and bars;
Bearing high the laurel leaf for the hearts at home in grief - -
Cheerers brave who helped to save the stripes and stars;
For each child and mother sad, for the deeds which made them glad,
Were it voice or pen, or sword that strove to say,
Independence is the cry, we'll have liberty or die.
And we'll bring about sweet Freedom's natal day.
"As the coming years unroll, may each voter at the poll,
Bear within a loyal breast the bird of peace,
With a welcome to soil for the brain and hands that toil,
If prosperity and union they increase!
Teach the nations of the earth they shall honor Freedom's birth
That your love for home and country lives for aye.
That the eagle wings the sky on the fourth of each July,
As you celebrate sweet Freedom's natal day."
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on February 2, 1910:
"SINGER AIDS NEWSBOYS' CLUB
Miss Eleanor Langdon Sells Copies of Her Song for Benefit.
Miss Eleanor Langdon, ... has through the Miles theater donated and sold 1,500 copies of her newsboys' song, "Mister, Won't You Buy a Paper?" The amount realized from this sale was $88.12. This, with Miss Langdon's other contributions given at different times from the proceeds of this song, totals $112, which has been turned over to the board of directors of the Newsboys' club."
Here they are in the 1910 census enumeration, captured from Alfred's point of view, noting, her name is given as "Mrs. Alfred Stringer":
Alfred Stringer
in the 1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Alfred Stringer
[Alfred Stunger]
Age in 1910: 59
Birth Date: 1851
[1851]
Birthplace: Massachusetts
Home in 1910: Minneapolis Ward 5, Hennepin, Minnesota, USA
Street: 6 Street
House Number: 526
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Alfred Stringer
Father's Birthplace: Canada
[Canada English]
Mother's Birthplace: Ireland
Native Tongue: English
Occupation: Cooper
Industry: Barrelles
Employer, Employee or Other: Wage Earner
Home Owned or Rented: Rent
Farm or House: House
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Years Married: 6 ******
Number of Children Born: 5
Number of Children Living: 4
Out of Work: N
Number of Weeks Out of Work: 0
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Alfred Stringer 59 Head
Alfred Stringer 58 Wife *Mrs. Alfred Stringer, married 2 times, no children, born Illinois, both parents born Illinois.
And, soon, trouble in their marriage makes lots of press, LOTS and LOTS of press. Let's just say, either the papers are writing for "thrill", or the reporters are lousy at reporting the facts, or someone is "stretching" the truth.
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on March 19, 1911:
"At Odds Over Singing
Wife Says She is Accomplished Musician - - Husband Takes Another View.
Mrs. Alfred Stringer says she is 42 years old and an accomplished musician.
Alfred Stringer says his wife is 56 years old and that her musical ability is not greater than that of the average schoolgirl.
Mrs. Alfred Stringer says she went on the stage on her husband's demand that she be self-supporting.
Alfred Stringer says his wife became "stage struck" and was unfitted for a dramatic career because of her advanced age.
...
In her complaint, after saying that she is 42 years old, Mrs. Stringer charges that she has been abused by her husband, ... She says she married Mr. Stringer in 1903. That fall, ... she was ill and Mr. Stringer refused to provide medical aid for her.
Mrs. Stringer says that she is an accomplished musician and that in 1905, ... After that, according to her complaint, she obtained several engagements with road companies, but her health broke down and she finally went to Mexico. She says that when she retired to Minneapolis her husband failed to provide proper medical attention for her and that when she asked him for money he "threw it at her in petty amounts."
Mr. Stringer's story is different. He says he always cared for his wife and when she was ill provided medical attention for her. Concerning Mrs. Stringer's career on the stage, Mr. Stringer is not enthusiastic. He says that shortly after their marriage Mrs. Stringer became "stage struck" but says that her advanced age totally unfitted her for success and that she was twice discharged. So poor and opinion has Mr. Stringer of his wife's stage career that he says flatly she didn't earn more than $25 in her whole stage experience.
Mr. Stringer says his wife is a "faddist." He says that after she left the stage she sold pencils in the street for a blind boy and that afterward she became interested in the uplift of newsboys. He says all this made things uncomfortable for him. To add to his trouble, according the Mr. Stringer, Mrs. Stringer spend's $200 in publishing musical compositions written by herself, which wouldn't sell."
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on March 28, 1911:
"MUSICIAN ASKS DIVORCE
HUSBAND, DEFENDANT, DENIES THAT HIS WIFE HAD EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY ON PIANO.
Mrs. Emma Stringer, who says she has musical ability and made her own living on the stage part of the time since she married Alfred Stringer in 1903, told her story today to Judge H. D. Dickinson ... Her suit for divorce is being contested by her husband.
Mrs. Stringer says she is 42 and her husband 46. Stringer, in answer, says his wife is 55 and he is 56. ..."
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on March 29, 1911:
"FORMER MARRIAGES FIGURE IN DIVORCE
Woman Received Alimony After Marrying Man Who Was Paying Alimony.
Overlapping alimony payments formed the chief subject of the testimony in the divorce suit before Judge H. D. Dickinson of Emma E. Stringer against Alfred Stringer.
On cross examination today Mrs. Stringer ... said that for some time after her marriage to Stringer in February, 1903, she received alimony payments from her former husband. At the same time, she said, Stringer was bound for three years to pay alimony to his former wife. Mrs. Stringer said that at the request of her husband she gave her alimony to him and that he used it in paying various bills, ...
She received alimony from her former husband for seventeen months ... and that he had stopped payment.
A. D. Smith, attorney for Stringer, after a serious of questions said he thought Mrs. Stringer was doing pretty well while she was in Mexico on a tour with a theatrical company. He said she was receiving money regularly from three sources. Mr. Stringer, her first husband and Dr. H. Harris, manager of the company with which she was playing.
In response to a question calling for her age, Mrs. Stringer said she did not know how old she was, she only knew what had been told her she said... In her pleadings her age is given as 43, but Stringer in his answer declares she is 52 years old."
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota published on March 30, 1911.
"LOVE FOLLOWS WHISTLE
DIVORCE SUIT WITNESS TELLS STORY OF EARLY DAYS OF ROMANCE
The sound of sweet whistling on the street outside the barber shop was what led to the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Stinger, according to Mrs. Stringer's sister, Mrs. Edna Belle Stewart, ...
"Alfred told me, "said Mrs. Stewart, "that he was first attracted to my
sister by the sound of a sweet whistle passing a barber shop when he was being shaved. He said he had never heard such sweet whistling and that he almost loved her for that. ...
...
The attorneys expect the case to last until the end of the week. The plaintiff had not rested today, and the defense proposes to introduce at least as much evidence."
*For the record, I could not find Mrs. Stewart, nor a sister that I could identify as such.
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on March 31, 1911:
"Her Whistle Won "Hubby"
Now Mrs. Alfred Stringer Sues for Divorce From Man She Captivated
... Mrs. Edna Belle Steward, sister of Mrs. Stringer, occupied the stand during the greater part of the morning session. It was brought out that in her testimony that Mrs. Stringer captivated her husband by her ability to whistle, Stringer became enamored of her sister's whistle, ...
Others testified as to the alleged bad associates of both the defendant and plaintiff. Alfred Stringer, defendant, took the stand in his own behalf later in the afternoon. He declared that his wife accompanied a Dr. H. Harris of Mexico City on a trip to that country, at which time, he said, she deserted her family in Kansas City. ...
Before Mrs. Edna Bell Stewart, sister of the plaintiff, was called on the stand, she applied to the county attorney's office for a legal ruling as to the amount of testimony she would be completed to give. Assistant County Attorney Lind informed her that his office could give no such ruling and suggested that she consult with her sister's attorney, Albert H. Hall, for the information desired."
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on March 31, 1911:
"PRAISES WIFE, BUT WITH RESERVATION
Defendant in Divorce Case Says Plaintiff Was Sweet Woman When Not "Crossed"
Alfred Stringer, ... told Judge H. D. Dickinson in district court today his story of his domestic difficulties.
Mr. Stringer said he wanted the court to know in the beginning that Mrs. Stringer was as sweet a woman as ever lived until she was "crossed." "When she is crossed she not that kind of a woman," he said.
... He said that she continually asked him to deed all his property to her and that when he refused she attacked him.
Thought It Was Stove.
"Once she threw a stool of some kinda at me," he said. "I don't know whether it was a piano stool. I thought it was a stove."
Mr. Stringer said that his wife's illness, ... was largely imaginary and that she was once ill for a month after she went to a beauty doctor and had a treatment for the complexion.
Mrs. Stringer's clothes were the envy of all South Minneapolis, according to the witness, who said that his own clothing had cost him but $40 in six years.
Says Guitar Was Broken.
"She was ashamed of me because I was a carpenter and said that my occupation hindered her in her public work, whatever that was," ... She jumped on my guitar and broke it when I refused a deed at one time, and on another occasion she scratched my face and I had to tell my friends that I ran into the clothesline."
The witness said he lost much money because his wife annoyed the tenants in their flat building and ordered them to move. She would not allow one family to split wood in the forenoon, because she slept at that time, Stringer said. Another family she ordered out, he said, because he called the woman by her first name, Marie.
Mr. Stringer said he had treated his wife kindly in every way."
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on April 1, 1911:
"DRAMA MAKING IN DIVORCE CASE
Husband Defendant Tells of Writing "The Traveling Man's Love."
Alfred Stringer's experience as a playwright caused the district court proceedings to go astray for a moment yesterday while he and A. H. Hall, attorney for Mrs. Stringer in a divorce action, argued about romance. ...
In cross-examination, Mr. Stringer admitted he had been attracted to his wife by her whistling ability and that they whistled and sang together during their honeymoon. ...Mr. Hall produced a manuscript and asked Mr. Stringer if he had ever written a sketch or a drama. He replied that he had. He had previously testified that he had a prejudice against the vaudeville stage.
Writes A Drama.
"Now, didn't you write this drama entitled 'The Traveling Man's Love,' which tells how a wild traveling salesman was reformed by the sweet character of his wife?"
"Yes, I wrote that," said Mr. Stringer. That's easy. I can write one of those every day. I can write an ordinary vaudeville sketch in an hour. I wrote that one and others to amuse my wife. I gave it to her thinking she might sell it."
"It is written for two persons," said Mr. Hall. "Didn't you intend to appear in it with our wife, or perhaps, your counsel?"
At this intimation, A. D. Smith, attorney for Stringer, interrupted.
"Bosh," he said. "Do you think I would cavort around at such business as that?"
Stringer said he wrote the sketch for other fools to dance to. ...
...
The case has been continued until Monday."
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota published on April 2, 1911:
"Domestic Drama Portrayed
Marital Trials and Tribulations Cited in Divorce Case Attracts Attention.
With descriptions of quarrels in which he alleged his wife broke five sets of dishes on his head and struck him so hard on the side of the head with the piano stool that he thought it was the kitchen stove, down to the writing of dramas during his idle moments, Alfred Stringer in the district court told of the ups and downs of his domestic relation with Emma E. Stringer, ...
Mr. Stringer admitted on cross-examination that he had been attracted to his wife by her whistling ability and that during their courtship they had both looked forward to a happy career of big "hits" on the stage. Mr. Stringer admitted with out reluctance that it was an easy matter for him to dash off a drama in a couple of hours and all without much of an effort. He asserted that he wrote a drama called "The Traveling Man's Love," with was introduced into evidence, but said his efforts were for commercial purposes and not to urge his wife on the stage.
...
The case will be continued tomorrow."
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on April 3, 1911:
"WILL GET DIVORCE
Mrs. Emma Stringer to Be Granted Decree, Says Judge.
Judge H. D. Dickinson of the district court announced late today that he would grant Mrs. Emma E. Stringer a divorce from Alfred Stringer. The case has been on trial for more than a week ...
Both Mr. and Mrs. Stringer are musicians, and they first quarreled when Mrs. Stringer went on the stage. At the conclusion of the testimony today Judge Dickinson said he would grant Mrs. Stringer her divorce. No order for alimony has been made."
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on April 4, 1911:
"Woman to Get $2,000 Alimony.
Judge Dickinson yesterday announced at the close of the divorce proceedings brought by Emma E. Stringer against her husband, Alfred, that he would grant the divorce on the grounds of cruel treatment and would make an order for $2,000 alimony."
Now divorced, it's back to "entertaining" and such -
From the Star-Tribune' Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota published on July 15, 1911:
NEWSBOYS CHEER SONG WRITER
Eleanor Langdon Pays Her Way to "Newsies" Hearts.
The name of Eleanor Langdon gets three rousing cheers whenever it is heard inside the Boys' club. Miss Langdon is a song writer and dramatic reader, and is the author of the son dedicated to Minneapolis newsboys, "Mister, Won't You Please Buy a Paper?"
Miss Langdon sold her song the week of June 18 at the Metropolitan theater and the week of June 25 at the Shubert, and turned over half of the proceeds, $13.60 to the Boy's club. The boys have interpreted the gift as a sign of interest by the author, and Miss Langdon says the interpretation is "perfectly correct."
The money will make possible many good things for the members of club."
*Attempts to discover any record of the words of this piece have escaped me.
*Attempts to discover any record of the words of this piece have escaped me.
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on August 11, 1911:
"Miss Eleanor Langdon Ill.
Miss Eleanor Langdon is ill at the Mollan hospital suffering from a nervous breakdown. Miss Langdon is known as a warm friend of the Boys club. She is composer of the song, "Please Mister Will You Buy a Paper," the proceeds on the sale of which were recently donated to the club. Reports from the hospital last night state that Miss Langdon is doing nicely."
*Note address of this hospital was 2429 27th Ave S. It was a private home with just one "nurse", Ada E. Mollan, who cared for 25 patients by herself.
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on October 12, 1911:
"STATE MAY COLLECT ALIMONY
Alfred Stringer May Help Support Former Wife in Asylum.
Alfred Stringer,...may have to pay alimony to the state. When he and his wife were divorced she was awarded $30 a month. Last month Court Commissioner Bates committed Mrs. Stringer to the asylum in Rochester, and yesterday Mr. Stringer's attorney wanted to know what to do about the alimony. County Attorney Robertson instructed ... his assistant, to see if arrangements could not be made for this alimony to be paid the state for the maintenance of the woman ... The law provides that when relatives are able to pay for the maintenance of patients the state may require payment."
Four years pass, no news articles were discovered on Emma Eleanor until - -
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, published October 17, 1915:
"BOY SCOUT NEWS
(The article is 2 long columns, I have transcribed, some but not all of the article, focusing on the portions pertaining to Eleanor Langdon.)
BEAN FEED.
The first Scout bean supper was held at Unity Settlement house Friday evening, with about 150 Scouts and leaders in attendance.
After the beans, buns, cocoa and pie had disappeared and the troop yells had died away, the whistle for attention gave the signal for the program to begin.
…
Miss Eleanor Langdon, dramatic reader, recited an original poem, dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America, and also rendered a whistling selection, with piano accompaniment.
…
TO THE LOYAL SCOUTS
Dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America by Eleanor Langdon.
Here's to the Scouts that laugh at fear.
Soldiers young - - 'mid woodland roaming,
Some, may be brave boys to go to sea,
And far away from home be roving.
Your motive sublime. You'll ne'er decline
In facing your duty ever.
Then your khaki suits, will bear you fruits
Of justice, that none can sever.
Be true to your trust, as soldiers must,
Be brave, be proud, and remember
Wher'er you go, you're to meet the foe,
But now, to your mates be tender.
Like our "Boys in Blue," ever be true
To stand for your freeman's country.
Tho' "Peace" your motto be, ne'er you bend the knee.
When tyranny offer affrontery.
Then stand erect, and face about.
Let your brilliant eyes be glowing.
And give three cheers, for the Loyal Scouts,
As we view "Old Glory" floating."
From the Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, published on May 20, 1917:
"SHINES ON SUNDAY ARE HELD ILLEGAL
Judge Montgomery Gives Decision in Case Brought by Social Worker.
Minneapolis residents who want their shoes shined Sundays will have to get their own outfit ... Municipal Judge F. A. Montgomery in a decision filed yesterday, held valid the state law requiring shoe shining establishments to be closed Sunday.
As a result of the decision, Mrs. Eleanor Langdon, a social worker, who brought a test case in order to free the shine boys from Sunday work, said she would ask the police to enforce the law according to the decision.
...
Mrs. Langdon, who for years has been interest in boys' clubs and social work, filed a complaint against the Arcade Shoe Shining company. The company attacked the validity of the law, but after the decision it paid its fine of $5, indicating that there would be no appeal."
*NOTE the reference to interest in "boys' clubs", this leans some credence to this being the same Eleanor Langdon we are chasing around Minneapolis. It is interesting to note she is referenced as a "social worker".
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on August 5, 1917:
"No Shines Today; Parlors Are Shut Every Sunday Now
Proprietors Decide to Close as Result of Fining of Law Violators.
Proprietors of Minneapolis Shoe shining parlors announced yesterday that, beginning today, all of their places of business will be closed on Sundays. ...
The campaign against Sunday operations of the shining parlors were instituted by Miss Eleanor Langdon. She, asserting that her activities were due to the interest in the lads employed in the shops, took out the complaints that brought about convictions last week. ... Yesterday she announced pleasure at the action of the proprietors.
..."
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on August 6, 1917:
"Only Two Shoe Shine Parlors Open Sunday.
Woman Says Owners Will Be Arrested on Charges of Violating Closing Law.
In spite of the refusal of Chief of Police Harthill to close the shoe shining parlors on Sunday, Minneapolis was practically a "shoe shineless" city yesterday. Miss Eleanor Langdon, who has been consuming a campaign for the Sabbath closing of the shining parlors, reported last night that after an inspection of the city she found only two places open. ...
The closing was brought about after the mangers of five parlors had been convicted and fined in municipal court last week for keeping their places open on Sunday.
Miss Langdon said last night that her campaign was not for religious reasons but that the boys employed in the shining parlors might have one day a week to enough as they pleased. ...
An attempt to obtain a law which would govern the hours a boy may be employed in a shining parlor also was hinted at by Miss Langdon."
From the Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, published on August 7, 1917:
"Two Shoe Shine Shop Owners to Face Court
Complaints Charging Sunday Violations Issued at Request of Woman.
Complaints for two shoe stinging proprietors who, it is alleged, titled the Sunday shoe shining lid, clamped down by Miss Eleanor Langdon, after Chief of Police Harthill had refused to act, were issued by Assistant city Attorney John O'Donnell late yesterday. ..."
No newspaper articles have found for Emma Eleanor (with surname Langdon or Stewart) in the Minneapolis area after August 1917.
I found no marriage record for her to any other man, after her divorce from our Alfred Stringer. I checked the Stringer, Stewart and Langdon surnames for marriages.
No death index record in Minnesota for Emma or Eleanor or any variation of her given name as Stewart, Stringer or Langdon. When a brother, William H. dies in 1925, his obituary does not mention any siblings as survivors. When a sister, Mary Gross died in 1926, Mary's obit does not mention any siblings.
No Find A Grave memorial has been found that can be identified as hers.
She seemingly disappeared as she appeared, here and then gone.
* Disclaimers, I use Find A Grave, Ancestry dot com, FamilySearch, several newspaper subscriptions, free sites, such as Virginia Chronicles, Virginia Chancery Cases online at the Library of Virginia and more to research my ancestors. I pay for subscriptions, full price.
** My judgements may or may not be correct. Transcriptions may or may not have errors.
*** Links, URL's, for the most part will not be included henceforth on my posts, as so many of them change and then I have to come back and try to re-discover and relink. Frankly folks, I have no desire to spend my limited time here on this side of the sod with those kinds of do overs. As researchers, or just members of the internet community, sites such as Find A Grave are easy to find, some are free to use and with the information I am sharing with you, hopefully, you can duplicate the research/findings. That said, I have seen memorials at Find A Grave be removed. If you have questions, I suggest you leave a nice comment for me. OR find the method I have outlined on my blog for contacting me.
**** I hope the usual happens, within hours, sometimes minutes, I do another search and something shows up. Well, I can hope.
***** Due to the amount of transcriptions/typing involved in this lady and her escapades, it is quite likely there are some errors, aka, typos. My apologies.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment