Martin Langland (1886-1909)

LANGLAND, HOLLAND

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/26/2016 at 21:23:22

From Nevada Representative July 2, 1909 (page 4)

ROLAND ROCKETS

Accidental Death of Martin Langland

The saddest accident ever occurring in this part of the county was the death of Martin Langland last Monday afternoon at the Henry Nelson home five miles northwest of Roland. In the afternoon Martin and Iver Iverson got a rig of Oscar Lien for the purpose of going up to George Quam's and took along a small target rifle. They drove into the yard of Mr. Nelson and were sitting in the buggy talking to member of the Nelson family. In the meantime one of Mr. Nelson's little boys, aged about six years, got up in the buggy, got hold of the rifle and in the handling, the gun was discharged, the bullet entering the temple of Martin, passing through the brain, and lodging against the skull bone on the opposite side. Dr. Rice was at once sent for, arriving about twenty minutes after the accident but saw that nothing could possibly be done to save the life of this noble young man. Death resulted in about forty minutes from the time of the accident. The body was removed to the home of his sister, Mrs. Ole Holland, where it remained until the time of the funeral Wednesday afternoon. Martin Langland was the youngest child of the late O. C. Langland, was twenty-three years old on the eleventh day of last April, was born and raised on the Langland homestead two miles southwest of Roland. Since the death of the father he had made his home for most of the time with his brother, Sierin. He had recently purchased a farm up in northern Iowa, near Forest City. For a time he was a student at the Capital City Commercial college of Des Moines. Having been his guardian after the death of his father, we think we knew something of the character and disposition of this young man. His policy was "do right" and in this Martin practiced what he preached. He absented himself from all that tended to degrade, and was what might well be termed, a splendid young man. He leaves three brothers and two sisterss, John north of Roland, Mrs. Ole Holland north of Roland, Siverin near Williams, Iowa, Jacob at Windom, Minn., and Olena near Williams. The funeral was held at Bergens church Wednesday afternoon, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Smedal. Sad indeed is the passing of this young life, just entered into the period of manhood with unusually bright prospects. But unto Him who rules and reigns over all we bow the dead and can only say, "Thy will, O Lord, be done."