Neuenschwander, William 1835-1893

NEUENSCHWANDER

Posted By: Linda Mohning (email)
Date: 4/3/2012 at 20:50:40

SHOT AT REMSEN. Nic Lang Shoots and Kills John Neiswanger (William Neuenschwander). SELF DEFENSE IS CLAIMED BY LANG. Lang Delivers Himself up to the Sheriff in Le Mars – Coroner’s Inquest This Afternoon.
Sheriff Boyle received a dispatch about 11 o’clock this morning from Nicholas Lang of Remsen, stating that he had a fuss with John Neiswnager of Meadow township, had shot him and that he would come to Le Mars at once and give himself up.
Lang accompanied by Nicholas Kettle, E.S. Loyd, the Remsen attorney, and three of Lang’s brothers, drove to Le Mars and at once gave himself up to the sheriff.
No particulars could be learned from any of the party, but from direct report from Remsen it is learned that Neiswanger was shot a half past ten and died an hour afterwards. Neiswnager was a wealthy farmer living in the northern part of Meadow township and Lang is the ex-mayor of Remsen. Both parties are well connected and stand well in their communities.
Neiswanger went to Remsen this morning to take his wife to the cars, as she was going to the deathbed of her father in Clayton county. He left his team at the hotel, and started to the depot to tell his wife good-bye.
When near John Kramer’s meat market he met Nicholas Lang, who shot him twice in quick succession with a 32-calibre revolver. The bullets entering the lower part of the lungs, one on each side of the breastbone.
Neiswanger was carried into Seiver’s restaurant, where he was attended by Dr. Hunter, but nothing could be done to save his life, and he soon expired in the presence of his grief-stricken wife and friends.
John Kramer was a witness of the affair. It is reported that he saw the revolver in Lang’s hand and told him not to shoot.
John Lang is a prominent and popular citizen, and the shooting was a great surprise to everyone, as he has never ben quarrelsome. In this affair he claims the shooting was justifiable and in self-defense.
It does not seem that Neiswanger was armed or had any weapon in his hand.
There was an old grudge between Neiswanger and Lang. Neiswaner was guardian of the woman who is now Lang’s wife, and opposed the match bitterly. At one time he is said to have threatened Lang’s life.
So strong was his opposition that the young people were obliged to elope in order to get married.
Cororner Duer will hold an inquest this afternoon and further evidence in the affair may give it altogether a different aspect. - Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Feb. 16, 1893, page 4.