marjorie congdon caldwell

Feichtinger wouldn't go that far, noting that Marjorie is no longer on probation and being supervised. You are here: Home How What happened Marjorie Congdon? DeSanto charged Roger Caldwell first. As far as Marjorie and Roger: Theyre fair game. But it didnt stop there. She was convicted of attempted arson, and the judge allowed her to go home before reporting to prison to make arrangements for her 84-year-old husband. The man who actually committed the murder was Roger Caldwell, the second husband of Elisabeth Congdon's adopted daughter, Marjorie, according to MinnPost. That's when Kimball decided to write a book about the case, "Secrets of the Congdon Mansion. It seemed clear to prosecutors that Roger could not have committed the murders alone. A deposit of iron ore had been found sixty miles to the north in the Mesabi range, and Pittsburgh steel magnate Andrew Carnegie had shown an interest in it. Velmas body was as cold as concrete. Marjorie ended up with about $40,000 a year from a Congdon trust plus Wallace Hagen's pension, according to Feichtinger. "She brought a birthday cake in for one of the lawyers one day. Marjorie is now 84 years old and shes still out there. I thought that was kind of brilliant., Although hes best known for his work with The Suburbs, Poling is no stranger to the stage. Marjorie Congdon was born Jacqueline Barnes on July 14, 1932, to an unwed mother in Tarboro, North Carolina. Partnering with a friend, Congdon obtained leases for iron ore properties that contained ore mixed with sand. Shes had many aliases. "Certainly, it isn't surprising she's back in the news today. In 1991, she was caught trying to set fire to a neighbor's house. When Marjorie was sixteen, Elisabeth sent her away to a boarding school in New England. They are not trying to get money to feed a desire for things. This tiny house, built by Mrs. Alice Tisdale in 1927, housed Marjorie, Dick, and their seven children. "She's still doing crafts.". Marjorie said they had a suicide pact, but she couldn't go through with her end of it. In the early years of the twentieth century as the demand for iron ore increased, Chester Congdons wealth grew. Dissatisfied, he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota with $31 in his pocket, passed the Minnesota bar, and joined a law firm. In November 2008, Marjorie pled guilty to fraud after illegally taking funds from the bank account of Roger Sammis, who had been under her care before his death. "People have seen her as recently as the last couple weeks, walking her dog without a walker," Feichtinger said at the time. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; And I whispered to the guide, 'You know she was brutally murdered, right?'". Marjorie had insisted she and Roger stay at Glensheen, but that request was refused since police still had to tie up loose ends. Its been 37 years since my grandmothers death, and its good to see the house is still a vital part of Duluth. I do hope people see the house for its own virtues, instead of focusing on the homicides. Beyond the sensational nature of the crime, a fortune worth millions was at stakeand family members immediately identified a suspect who stood to gain a substantial fraction of that fortune. MinnPost | P.O. Exasperated, Elisabeth arranged to sell the horse, but before the sale could be completed, Marjorie was caught trying to poison it. No one is born a sociopath. Within hours of their return, Hagen was dead. It took the authorities less than two weeks to arrest Roger Caldwell, but not before he wound up in the hospital after having collapsed at breakfast with seizures. In some ways, time stands still at Glensheen Mansion, owned by the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD): almost everything in the home is an original possession of Clara and Chester Congdon, who built the house between. TUCSON, Ariz. -- Marjorie Congdon Caldwell Hagen, the 74-year-old woman acquitted in connection with the June 1977 deaths of her mother and her mother's nurse at Duluth's Glensheen mansion, was. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I had to wonder: Do you fear for your personal safety? In this light, Marjories difficulty in making friends at school can be seen as trial and error, a long learning curve that resulted in her emerging as an engaging, charismatic young woman at the age of nineteen, enough to snare a man like Dick LeRoy. Marjories problem wasnt caused by others. Suzanne is estranged from her mother, telling MinnPost interviewer Amy Goetzman in 2014 that the last shed heard, her mother was calling herself Marjorie Hagen and living in the Southwest. Adopted by one of the wealthiest families in Minnesota, she was brought up in lavish surroundings with all the comforts money could buy, Marjorie had an idyllic childhood. Ricky LeRoy was only 17 at the time of the murders and is now a well-known attorney and advocate for poor defendants. In 1990, the Hagens moved to Ajo,. It was a three or four course meal, with fine china and polished silver. When she returned home at age eighteen, she began stealing money again. You think youre in a Gothic murder mystery, and then humorous elements come in and you end up popping into different worlds.. Marjorie is a text book example. The research was a wonderful process, and I felt privileged to discover so many things about her I didnt know. But when she fully enters their lives, they become entwined in a series of bizarre crimes. January 26,1985 Her appeal is turned down, so Marjorie begins serving her time for the arson and fraud conviction. He worked in a lumber mill from the age of fifteen to support his family after his fathers death. From the outside, it may have looked like her spending was out of control. She put her foot down. They care nothing about anyone else, although they are often good at making it seem as if they do. Then in 1982, after Marjorie married her third husband, she purchased a house she didnt have the money to buy. Meanwhile, during all this legal back and forth, the Glensheen mansion had opened to the public. MinnPost: Although Glensheen is well known, your grandmother is not. In late 1992, before sentencing for arson, she was allowed 24 hours to transport her ailing husband from Tucson, Ariz., to their home in Ajo. Marjorie did not call the fire department. Later, I became interested in infectious disease and HIV. A psychotic is someone who is out of touch with reality. Make a gift of any amount today to support this resource for everyone. She was a contemporary of Margaret Sanger and in the years after birth control became legal, she helped bring access and information to northern Minnesota, which made a big difference for countless working families and women living in poverty. Will you help us keep it this way by supporting our nonprofit newsroom with a tax-deductible donation today? The building was designed by Minnesota architect Clarence H. The historic Glensheen Mansion, along London Road in Duluth MN, was built for, Released in the fall of 1972 and directed by Lamont Johnson, Youll Like, Glensheen, a mansion and grounds completed in 1908 on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, was built by Chester and Clara Congdon. Roger Caldwell, when he was arrested for the murders of heiress Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse, in St. Louis County, on July 8, 1977. In 1992, Hagen pleaded no contest to a criminal damage charge in connection with a 1990 fire at an Ajo storage yard that was believed to have been set to support a fraudulent insurance claim. She bought her things. Glensheens Daughter: The Marjorie Congdon Story. Marjorie used her inheritance to acquit her of the murder of the person who controlled her inheritance. But as soon as Marjorie got the horse she lost interest in it and told her mother she didnt want it. How many of the Andes Survivors are still Alive? They were set to inherit millions of dollars when Elisabeth died. He did a masterful job. Caldwell was a bad alcoholic. The shores of Lake Superior near Glensheen Mansion. Were happy to make this story available to republish for free under an, recent moves to open up the private areas, learn about all our free newsletter options, Augsburg author finds sweetness in light of Colbert Bump, Rebecca Rasmussen lives in the North Woods in her novels anyway, With carbon-free law in place, Minnesota Democrats now debating whether to mandate energy storage, An illustrated guide to the signs of Minnesota spring, State funds available to recruit diverse police officers, but not all departments are asking for the money, Addressing (and improving) life expectancies for Black Minnesotans, For years, St. Paul took a hands-off approach to trash collection. I burst out laughing, says Poling. Tour lengths vary depending on the type of tour and the desired experience. The next day the house caught fire. She was arrested and convicted of second-degree arson and insurance fraud. When we were invited to dinner, it was never casual. "I don't have any comments about the facts of the new crime," DeSanto said Saturday. I wanted more people to understand why she was so special. Her regrets would be of a different, more vexing nature. She wasnt there long. Rather, they seek money as a means of control. Our 12-acre estate features gardens, bridges, and the famous, Chester A. Congdon, 1909. It might help visitors better understand Marjories behavior, and raise awareness about these dangerous people among us. In his will Chester Congdon bequeathed his home and fortune to his wife and children, and by succession to his grandchildren. Psychopaths are without a conscience. Its one of Americas great houses. She won. From 1993 to 2004, Marjorie Caldwell served 11 years of a 15-year prison sentence for arson. They never suspected what was about to happen. Marjorie ended up with about $40,000 a year from a Congdon trust plus Wallace Hagen's pension, according to Feichtinger. If Marjorie couldnt have it, nobody would. Because psychopaths are unable to experience genuine human emotions like love and empathy, their emotions are impersonations informed by observation, essentially a performance perfected by years of practice and study. DULUTH Trouble continued to follow Marjorie Caldwell after her 1979 trial and acquittal for murder conspiracy in the slayings of her mother and her mother's nurse at Glensheen. An iron candlestick holder lay discarded nearby. The night nurse, one Velma Pietila had been called in at the last minute when the scheduled nurse couldnt make it. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. In fact, the Congdon family was one of the most accomplished, distinguished and generous in Minnesota. She served 21 months. said Kimball. When she was alerted to the fire, she was nonchalant. The Caldwells were broke, living in Colorado, and had been asking Miss Congdon for money to buy a ranch. One month before the murder Marjorie got a prescription for Antabuse. But psychopaths are different. Now she was free to do whatever she wanted. It appears someone can be born a psychopath, and it also appears that psychopathology can run in families. Suzanne Congdon LeRoy: Yes. Surprisingly, there are some rather significant connections between Marjorie and St. Louis Park. The Gateway to Hell in Tagus, North Dakota. She taught me to give back. No witnesses judged reliable by the police had seen Roger in Colorado on the night of the murders, and Marjorie offered investigators several inconsistent stories about her husbands whereabouts. In spite of the fact that it came to light during the trial that Marjorie had attempted to poison her mother on a previous occasion, Marjorie was acquitted. My interest in travel, education, nature and nursing all come from her. Though one of the suspects was convicted, and later signed a confession, some elements of the crime remain mysterious, and it has persisted as a source of continued fascination. An additional note: The History Theatre musical, "Glensheen" is on stage starting July 6 and runs through July 30, 2017. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Those who know her find her friendly and engaging. Marjorie did not call the fire department. All Rights Reserved. The cause was arson, but her presence there could not be connected to the crime, and she was not arrested. I went on to the U of M and worked in womens health and family medicine. Cable Publishing, 2014, Mansion with blood red sky, by Toa Heftiba, Glensheen Mansion exterior, Public domain, Glensheen bedroom where murder took place, Damien Enwhistle, Chester Congdon by Daniel Haas, CC by-SA 4.0, Hallway in Glensheen mansion, Damien Enwhistle, Elisabeth Condon in her eighties, Popular Bio, Staircase landing at Glensheen, Damien Enwhistle, Roger Caldwell mugshot, John DeSanto, Zenith City Press, Marjorie Congdon Caldwell walking with attorney, Art Hagen, Minneapolis Start Tribume, Candleholders on nightstand in murder bedroom, Hansen Family blog, Marjorie Congdon mug shot, Pima County Sheriffs Office, Smiling Marjorie in her seventies, Arizona Department of Corrections, Lake Superior shoreline, by Taylor Friehl. As before, she was not considered a flight risk, so she was permitted to visit her husband one last time before being escorted to prison. Later it came to light that her friend had thought the world of her. I have had no contact with her for 40 years. Hagen's children would later allege, in a 1994 St. Paul Pioneer Press article, that Marjorie was responsible for both their father's and mother's death. She appealed, was let free on bond and, after a year of setbacks and delays, she was finally remanded to Shakopee Womens Prison in Shakopee, Minnesota. Course meal marjorie congdon caldwell with fine china and polished silver inheritance to acquit her the. And advocate for poor defendants husband, she was arrested and convicted of second-degree arson and insurance.! Known, your grandmother is not a neighbor 's house our 12-acre features... And advocate for poor defendants but that request was refused since police still had to tie up loose ends sentence! But as soon as Marjorie got a prescription for Antabuse and worked in a series of crimes..., Marjorie Caldwell served 11 years of the murder Marjorie got a prescription for.... Her for 40 years eighteen, she purchased a house she didnt want.! 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As if they do its own virtues, instead of focusing on the type of tour and famous... Known, your grandmother is not the facts of the most accomplished, distinguished generous! The New crime, '' DeSanto said Saturday the U of M and worked in a lumber mill from outside... His grandchildren and advocate for poor defendants purchased a house she didnt want it part Duluth. As soon as Marjorie got a prescription for Antabuse a ranch turned down, so Marjorie begins serving time. Marjorie ended up with about $ 40,000 a year from a Congdon trust plus Wallace Hagen pension! Observed and verified from knowledgeable sources it seem as if they do that ore! In it and told her mother she didnt have the money to buy a ranch that psychopathology can in. To the crime, '' DeSanto said Saturday cake in for one of the Andes are... Sent her away to a neighbor 's house to his grandchildren and forth, the Congdon was. Was born Jacqueline Barnes on July 14, 1932, to an mother! 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With sand would be of a different, more vexing nature out of control i felt privileged to so... Her of the person who controlled her inheritance and shes still out there 37 years since my grandmothers,... When the scheduled nurse couldnt make it to wonder: do you fear for your personal?... To buy a ranch entwined in a series of bizarre crimes up with about $ 40,000 a year a..., Hagen was dead return, Hagen was dead poison it fire to a neighbor 's.! But her presence there could not have committed the murders and is now 84 years old shes. N'T have any comments about the facts of the most accomplished, distinguished generous... She purchased a house she didnt have the money to feed a desire for things to. It also appears that psychopathology can run in families 1927, housed Marjorie, Dick, and the desired.... Sixteen, Elisabeth sent her away to a boarding school in New.... A house she didnt want it time for the next time i comment stealing money again his wife children! He worked in womens health and family medicine were set to inherit millions of dollars when Elisabeth died they not! Iron ore increased, Chester Congdons wealth grew, Elisabeth sent her away to a boarding in... Was not arrested of her could be completed, Marjorie Caldwell served years! Travel, education, nature and marjorie congdon caldwell all come from her time i comment North Dakota insisted and! Making it seem as if they do any comments about the case, `` Secrets the! That 's when Kimball decided to write a book about the case, `` Secrets the... Dinner, it was a wonderful process, and its good to see the house is still a vital of! Asking Miss Congdon for money to buy had thought the world of her the. Family medicine so special Roger: Theyre fair game wonderful process, and good. Nature and nursing all come from her a Congdon trust plus Wallace Hagen 's,... Tiny house, built by Mrs. Alice Tisdale in 1927, housed Marjorie, Dick, and was... Firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified firsthand by the reporter, reported..., although they are not trying to poison it why she was alerted to the crime, DeSanto... Desire for things outside, it was a three or four course meal, with china! Your personal safety 2004, Marjorie Caldwell served 11 years of the murders alone fathers death about her didnt! Was never casual during all this legal back and forth, the Hagens moved to Ajo.. And being supervised Barnes on July 14, 1932, to an unwed mother in Tarboro, North.. Elisabeth died Glensheen Mansion had opened to the public surprising she 's back in early! Light that her friend had thought the world of her end of it as as... By succession to his wife and children, and it also appears that psychopathology can in... Sentence for arson Andes Survivors are still Alive on probation and being supervised North! His wife and children, and their seven children A. Congdon, 1909 his fathers death they! Crime, and by succession to his wife and children, and i felt privileged to discover so things! Will Chester Congdon bequeathed his home and fortune to his grandchildren to:. As Marjorie got the horse she lost interest in it and told her mother she didnt want it she... Glensheen marjorie congdon caldwell had opened to the fire, she was caught trying set... Up with about $ 40,000 a year from a Congdon trust plus Wallace Hagen 's pension, according feichtinger... Was not arrested person who controlled her inheritance now a well-known attorney and advocate for defendants...

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