Catherine Langdon’s 1881 Diary •••••••••
Thanks to Ginger Westfall! These are multiple page PDF files. Click on the date for a link to the file.
Catherine Langdon’s Quilts ••••••••••••••••
“I thought you might find these interesting. Catherine Langdon made exquisite quilts. The detail work and color choices are really lovely. The artists among us may have wondered who we inherited that trait from...”
The red and white feathered star quilt is being held by Myrtle Stoops and her sister, (Carrie) Belle Jaus, grand-daughters of Catherine.
Click Image for a larger view
Click Image for a larger view
Quilt for Herbert and Anna Langdon is interesting. This one has embroidered names of Herbert and Anna Langdon and each of the kids through Blanche, and perhaps birthdates (I can't remember anymore). Timing on this would probably be with the time Catherine lived with Herbert and Anna in Oregon. Blanche was the last born in Oregon-the boys were all born in SD, and none of them are on the quilt except for the oldest, Archie. The quilt is being held by Jenner Langdon and cousin, Berdene StJohn. Again, Catherine pieced the squares and it was quilted by someone else later. I'm guessing this was one she may have been working on around the time she died.
Click Image for a larger view
Click Image for a larger view
Anna Langdon Quilt ••••••••••••••••••••••••
This is a quilt made by Anna Langdon. It is not especially artistic, but certainly useable.
Click Image for a larger view
Another view. It is being held by her daughters, (Carrie) Belle Jaus and Myrtle Stoops.
Click Image for a larger view
September 7, 1881 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Click Image for a larger view
1885 advertisement from the New York, NY Clipper. The ad touts their triumphant Wisconsin appearances.
8 Sept. 1881 Green Lake Democrat announces the Swiss Bell Ringers will be performing in Princeton on Friday.
Here’s an interesting recollection about the Swiss Bell Ringers from the same time frame.
"According to present standards we indulged in precious little amusement. Entertainments were few. Once in a while a circus came to town, and there were organizations of musical attractions like The Swiss Bell Ringers."
Source:
A BACKWARD GLANCE AT EIGHTY
RECOLLECTIONS & COMMENT BY CHARLES A. MURDOCK
MASSACHUSETTS 1841 HUMBOLDT BAY 1855 SAN FRANCISCO 1864
Ferdinand ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
1880 Census
Click Image for a larger view
The image above shows Catherine 3 years after Rufus’ death living in Wisconsin with sons Oscar, Herbert and daughter Alice. They also have a 15 year old male living with them who is listed as Farm Laborer. His name is Ferdinand Haas.
Ferdinand Haas Buried in Markesan
This looks like him. According to the above census he would have been born abt 1865. He named one of his sons Erwin. Here’s a link to him in Find-A-Grave:
Here’s his obit in the “Markesan Herald”.
Click Image for a larger view
Here’s his obit in the “Waupun Leader-News”.
Click Image for a larger view
His two sons died in 1906. The first died in January and the second died almost a year later in December. Scarlett fever and diptheria were raging in the area.
Here’s a link to an aticle from 4 Jan, 1912. LINK
His first wife passed in 1918. It looks like he married again after her death.
Click Image for a larger view
Catherine Langdon’s Horrible Year
Click Image for a larger view
• Her son Oscar Langdon falls off a horse. Article is from the July 28, 1881 "Green Lake Democrat".
Later in life he is described as loving horses.
Click Image for a larger view
• Same date as the above article, the "Princeton Republic" claims son Erwin Langdon was kicked by a horse and provides gruesome new details. “As we hear, his forehead was so fractured that the brain oozed out.”
Click Image for a larger view
Click Image for a larger view
• Quit Claim deed from Feb. 10, 1882. It shows Catherine selling land to daughter Mary E. Clark (residence Green Lake, Wisconsin).
• Here’s Catherine in the Clear Lake, Deuel CO., SD - 1888 Methodist Church Records. LINK
