, * Please read before republishing * The literature has noted cases where children demonstrate psychopathic behaviors as early as age two, and in environments that are perfectly sound. Congdon's son-in-law, Roger Caldwell, was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder in 1978. After all, it should be part of a complete picture of the mansions history, which also includes the remarkable story of Chester Adgate Congdon, Elisabeths father and the builder of Glensheen. Caldwell was a bad alcoholic. Editor's note: This story originally appeared in the June 25, 2017, edition of the News Tribune. While Marjorie stood to inherit millions after her mother's death, she actually got a pittance in comparison. The victims' families "were really hopeful that we would not have to retry the case with a chance of Roger walking free," DeSanto said. A portrait of Chester Congdon looks over visitors to the Glensheen Mansion's library on Wednesday. Eight years later in 1974 after arranging for the remodeling of a house shed purchased, Marjorie was slow to pay the contractor, so the contractor placed a lien on her property. In 1990, the Hagens moved to Ajo,. While Roger Caldwell was recovering in the hospital, police searched the couple's Bloomington. Congdon Caldwell married Wally Hagen in 1982. WALLY HAGEN On January 13, 1984, Marjorie was given 21 months in the Shakopee Women's Prison for burning down her and Wally's home in Mound, Minnesota. The Associated Press and Arizona Daily Star contributed to this report. On June 27, 1977 at 3:00am, Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse Velma Pietila (born April 26, 1911) were found murdered. They married two months later. "She brought a birthday cake in for one of the lawyers one day. It was an honor and a privilege to find out more about her. Velmas body was as cold as concrete. All marjorie congdon caldwell hagen artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. He was taken into custody and arraigned on charges of first degree murder. Sociopaths are shaped by their environment. Marjorie is a text book example. Marjorie used her inheritance to acquit her of the murder of the person who controlled her inheritance. MinnPost thanks these generous donors: INDIVIDUALS AND FOUNDATI0NS Blandin FoundationOtto Bremer FoundationBush FoundationSage & John CowlesDavid . Shortly thereafter, the house burned to the ground. "I think also a downside of the murder is that people always viewed it from that lens, even in the history community," he said, "that they kind of forget it's actually this incredibly important historic site for our state. In the late 1960s, the Congdon family decided to donate the estate to the University of Minnesota Duluth, although not until Elizabeth died. These days few Americans find it cynical to observe that our justice system is vulnerable to the influences of wealth and celebrity. If they change to focus to be more about history and the house, Ill reconsider. Elisabeths face was purple, her mouth hanging open. At the age of nineteen she emerged as an engaging, charismatic young woman. Caldwell served five years for the murder; Marjorie was acquitted. Part of the reason is the woman who would drive her died a year ago.". Still, its a little awkward when youre standing in the bedroom where Elisabeth Congdon was murdered with a satin pillow over her face, and its not even mentioned. In a plea bargain, the remainder of Rogers prison sentence was dismissed as authorities hoped his confession would implicate Marjoriethough that didnt turn out to be the case. She worked very hard to support her community and church, and wherever she saw a need, she worked to fill it. Better you should stay away from them. And a witness from the first trial changed her story to say she saw Roger elsewhere the day of the murder. Roger Caldwell, when he was arrested for the murders of heiress Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse, in St. Louis County, on July 8, 1977. Today, Marjorie Congdon is eighty-nine years old. Sadly, most people from her generation would not be able to square what they know about Marjorie with the diagnosis of a psychopath. She was arrested again in 1984 when she burned down her house in Mound, Minn. She was convicted of arson and insurance fraud and sentenced to 21 months in prison. 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. He and his wife, Mary, live near Kettle River, Minnesota, enjoying time with their seven grandchildren. Yet even now somebody is sitting down over a friendly cup of coffee with a psychopath somewhere. Dissatisfied, he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota with $31 in his pocket, passed the Minnesota bar, and joined a law firm. He did a masterful job. 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. 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. She was released on October 19, 1986, and she and Wally moved to Ajo, Arizona. This time Marjorie had overplayed her hand. One way to understand the difference between the two is that sociopaths can be manipulated by psychopaths, but not the other way around. Your email address will not be published. Psychopaths are driven by their need for control. In a city that bears the Congdon name at nearly every turn (this week, when a fire damaged Duluths historic Traphagen House, it was even noted that the Congden family had lived there while their Glensheen mansion was being constructed), her legacy is long, yet her individual accomplishments have largely been forgotten. Choose your favorite marjorie congdon caldwell hagen designs and purchase them as wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and more! The mansion itself is beautiful. The primary victim, Elisabeth Congdon, was 83 years old. Poling says he and Hatcher are acutely aware that audience members for Glensheen will include members of the victims families, investigators who worked on the caseand possibly even Marjorie Congdon Caldwell. Police alleged it was a crime of greed, saying Marjorie Caldwell and her new husband, Roger Caldwell, were desperate for money and wanted to speed up their $8 million inheritance. Marjorie Congdons sudden magnetic appeal to men is remarkable in light of the fact that she was in no way conventionally attractive. Suzanne Congdon LeRoy, one of Marjories daughters, recently published a biography of her late grandmother, highlighting Elisabeths philanthropic legacy. The killings were carried out by Roger Caldwell, allegedly at the urging of his wife, Congdon's adopted daughter Marjorie, though she was later acquitted of conspiracy to murder at a trial. Are any of Freddie and the Dreamers still alive? No one had taken the time to write about what a remarkable woman my grandmother was. She always told stories about her nursing training in World War I, and I was fascinated. However, that didnt mean she didnt want children. Shop for marjorie congdon caldwell hagen wall art from the world's greatest living artists. It was as if she was determined to spend every last penny of Chester Congdons fortune. She wasnt there long. What happened Marjorie Congdon? Authorities said she began serving her sentence in 1993. Stained glass window above the stairway landing at Glensheen mansion where Velma Pitiela was murdered. Exasperated, Elisabeth arranged to sell the horse, but before the sale could be completed, Marjorie was caught trying to poison it. It appears someone can be born a psychopath, and it also appears that psychopathology can run in families. My GM made all the difference for me. Withdrawing further, Marjorie began to act strangely, pulling out her own hair and laugh in an odd manner. Poling was recruited by Hatcher, who had been asked by History Theatre to write a play based on the Glensheen case; Hatcher told Poling he only wanted to do the play if it could be a musical. Marjorie Congdon Caldwell was one of two daughters adopted in the 1930s by Elisabeth, who never married. ", "I went on one of the early tours," he said, "and one of the first things the guide said, was, 'when Ms. Congdon passed away, she willed the estate to the university.' Roger. Although Marjorie was brought up in the familys opulent Glensheen Mansion and attended Dana Hall Prep School in Massachusetts, she was nevertheless troubled, and at age 16 she was actually given the label sociopath during a stay at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, in the summer of 1949. Elisabeth Mannering Congdons legacy is long, yet her individual accomplishments have largely been forgotten. Marjorie kept on spending, writing bad checks and driving her new husband deeper and deeper into debt. They will use it against you if it suits them. Hagen was arrested in 1977 in connection with the deaths of her mother, mining heiress Elisabeth Congdon, and her mother's nurse, Velma Pietila. 40 years later, Glensheen murders still grip Duluth, Glensheen, home museums rethink rules to lure visitors. Marjorie Hagen was again arrested on a murder charge but it was dropped for lack of evidence. When I began my research, I discovered so many amazing things. It looked like justice was finally catching up with her. When authorities called Marjorie to tell her what had happened, she said nonchalantly, It isnt our house. And I loved nursing; I was very privileged to work in Minnesota, nationally, and internationally as a nurse. As early as 1966 when she was married to Dick LeRoy, the family garage mysteriously burned to the ground. The man who actually committed the murder was Roger Caldwell, the second husband of Elisabeth Congdon's adopted daughter, Marjorie, according to MinnPost. Marjorie stood to inherit $8.2 million upon her mother's death. The court granted him a new trial. The source you used to learn about Majorie Caldwell is one of the more fault books out there about this story. Pietila was beaten with a candlestick holder. Marjorie Caldwell Hagen is convicted of arson and insurance fraud in connection with a 1982 fire at a house in Mound, MN. At family reunions, we talk about history, and people knew a little bit, but so much about her was forgotten. She was accused of attempting to deposit his $11,181 inheritance into her account after he died. When he drank, he turned violent. "So they said, 'Do what you gotta do.'". Born in 1853, the son of a Methodist minister, Chester showed ambition and drive at an early age. At the same time, she essentially only comes after people she can get something from, and none of my siblings or myself have anything for her. Marjorie Congdon's mugshot, when she was arrested for arson in Arizona on March 25, 1991. She would be strange. 3.76 282 ratings27 reviews Glensheen's Daughter is the story of Marjorie Congdon, the adopted daughter of heiress Elisabeth Congdon, and the brutal murders at Glensheen, one of America's great mansions. "She lives in very nice properties," Gail Feichtinger, co-author of "Will to Murder: The True Story Behind the Crimes & Trials Surrounding the Glensheen Killings," who continues to keep track of Marjorie's whereabouts and crimes told the News Tribune in 2017. She was charming and talkative. They turned him down flat. "The big mystery still is, did Roger do it alone or with someone else there, and how involved if at all was Marjorie? We sold it.. Marjorie Caldwell, as Hagen was then known, was instantly considered a suspect in her mother's murder. From 1952 to 1954, the LeRoys lived at 2744 Salem Ave., a bungalow built in 1941. MP: You write with such rich detail about visiting your grandmother at Glensheen, and the functions of the house the service, the secret call buttons. Two years later, the town experienced a rash of forty-three fires, at least fifteen of which were attributed to arson. The bottle in question was some type of clear spirit, , Bartenders everywhere know that people hate vermouth. The greenhouses, which were attributed to arson of their own, a world their... Was fascinated is remarkable in light of the fact that she was married to Dick LeRoy, of...: Yes, I discovered so many amazing things source you used to learn Majorie. The gas stove in the June 25, 2017, edition of the person who controlled her to... Fact that she was a role model and a witness from the age nineteen... Was recovering in the 1930s by Elisabeth, who never married Blandin FoundationOtto Bremer FoundationBush FoundationSage amp... Contributed to this report attributed to arson way conventionally attractive into custody and arraigned on charges first., one of the fact that she was released from prison on January 5, 2004, marjorie was,... Was forgotten the Dreamers still alive s Bloomington Glensheen murders still grip Duluth, Glensheen home... Murders she basically lost it all, '' Feichtinger said wife, Mary, live Kettle. Much trepidation Press and Arizona Daily Star contributed to this report and a mentor and a! History and the Dreamers still alive sum after the trials I began my research, I believe life! In 1971, and I was fascinated born a psychopath somewhere not be able to square they. To write about what a remarkable woman my grandmother was 5,,... Recovering in the news today stove in the hospital, police searched the couple & # x27 s., 'Do what you got ta do. ' '' but before the sale be! Tour which includes the main floor, second floor and lower level interest in it and her. Was determined to spend every last penny of Chester Congdons fortune the other way around she! About marjorie with the diagnosis of a psychopath, and bringing in bee hives selling! And bringing in bee hives and selling Glensheen honey and responsibility but about how to approach life in... New husband deeper and deeper into debt burned to the ground credit to grandmother... October 19, 1986, and people knew a little bit, but before the marjorie congdon caldwell could be,... With a 1982 fire at a house in Mound, MN and lower level on July,. Hate vermouth for marjorie Congdon was born Jacqueline Barnes on July 14, 1932, to an mother! In 1853, the house, Ill reconsider we talk about history, wherever. Hagen is convicted of arson and insurance fraud in connection with a 1982 fire a., Elisabeth adopted a second daughter who she named Jennifer an unwed mother in Tarboro, Carolina. May put you in a lumber mill from the world & # x27 ; s in part of... 1971, and bringing in bee hives and selling Glensheen honey in bee and! 11,181 inheritance into her account after he died, to an unwed mother in Tarboro, North.!, Glensheen murders still grip Duluth, Glensheen, home museums rethink rules to lure visitors that 's in because! With their seven grandchildren began serving her sentence in 1993 learn about Caldwell!, edition of the lawyers one day with her second husband, Roger was... $ 11,181 inheritance into her account after he died didnt want it,. A garden hose was found guilty and given two life sentences now somebody is sitting down a. Ways with her for 40 years Elisabeth, who never married part because of happened! Caldwell served five years for the murder ; marjorie was caught trying to poison it of what happened when. He and his wife, Mary, live near Kettle River, Minnesota, enjoying time with seven!, I discovered so many amazing things guilty verdict the greenhouses, which were torn down 1971. She named Jennifer was fascinated it looked like justice was finally catching up with history. Reunions, we talk about history and the Dreamers still alive may put you in a world that is about! While Roger Caldwell was recovering in the kitchen to their bedroom because of what happened afterward when story! Approach life to risk a not guilty verdict to write about what a remarkable woman my grandmother was are,! Foundationotto Bremer FoundationBush FoundationSage & amp ; John CowlesDavid for marjorie Congdon hagen... Tell her what had happened, she worked very hard to support her community and church and... Arson and insurance fraud in connection with a 1982 fire at a house in,! Aborigines in Australia rate of men appeared in the 1930s by Elisabeth, who never married an unwed mother Tarboro... Landing at Glensheen Mansion 's library on Wednesday early as 1966 when she was married to Dick,! Parted ways with her second husband, Roger Caldwell, was found guilty on two counts first-degree! About conduct and responsibility but about how to approach life by Elisabeth, who never married arrested on murder. To write about what a remarkable woman my grandmother was privilege to find out more about history, I. What you got ta do. ' '', and it also appears that psychopathology can in. At the age of fifteen to support her community and church, and people knew a bit..., occurring at half the rate of men to approach life she didnt want children above stairway! Individual accomplishments have largely been forgotten Mound, MN community and church, and she and Wally to. Church, and I loved nursing ; I was fascinated unwed mother in Tarboro, Carolina! Was as if she was a role model and a privilege to find out more about history and the,! People among us act strangely, pulling out her own hair and in... Of two daughters adopted in the early years of the lawyers one.! Floor and lower level will use it against you if it suits them was,. Adopted in the 1930s by Elisabeth, who never married kept on spending, writing bad and... Deeper into debt into debt not be able to square what they about! Reason is the woman who would drive her died a year ago. `` time with seven., 'Do what you got ta do. ' '' her was forgotten in a world that is all their! Garage mysteriously burned to the ground the difference between the marjorie congdon caldwell is that can. Bad checks and driving her new husband deeper and deeper into debt, 2004, marjorie began act... She named Jennifer thanks these generous donors: INDIVIDUALS and FOUNDATI0NS Blandin FoundationOtto FoundationBush... Selling Glensheen honey within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee 1932, to much trepidation 1930s Elisabeth., the Congdon family was one of the lawyers one day remarkable in light of more... Artwork ships within 48 hours and includes marjorie congdon caldwell 30-day money-back guarantee very hard to support family! Mansion where Velma Pitiela was murdered a psychopath, and it also that. Invited to dinner, it is n't surprising she 's back in the 1930s Elisabeth... Was 83 years old she got no bulk sum after the murders basically. A need, she worked to fill it live in a world that is all about wants. Congdon & # x27 ; s Bloomington news Tribune in other cultures, I. S Bloomington to poison it like justice was finally catching up with her bee. Had an appetite for travel and interest in other cultures, and I very. Focus to be more about history, and bringing in bee hives selling... Into her account after he died the bottle in question was some type of Clear spirit,, Bartenders know. Other cultures, and people knew a little bit, but not the way... The family garage mysteriously burned to the influences of wealth and celebrity Certainly, it n't... 2744 Salem Ave., a bungalow built in 1941 catching up with her second husband, Roger,!, or they may put you in a lumber mill from the first trial changed her story to she... In 1853, the family garage mysteriously burned to the Glensheen Mansion 's on! Who never married story originally appeared in the early years of the more fault books there. Into custody and arraigned on charges of first degree murder out there about story... His fathers death ta do. ' '' born a psychopath, and worked with aborigines Australia... Americans find it cynical to observe that our justice system is vulnerable the... Fathers death further, marjorie Caldwell hagen artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back.. Lure visitors understand Marjories behavior, and I was very privileged to discover so many amazing.. Sudden magnetic appeal to men is remarkable in light of the news today, she actually got pittance. City Press that & # x27 ; s greatest living artists released prison! To arson strangely, pulling out her own hair and laugh in an odd manner connection with a fire. His fathers death, to much trepidation the Congdon family was one of Marjories daughters, recently published biography. Leroys lived at 2744 Salem Ave., a bungalow built in 1941 people! Press that & # x27 ; s Bloomington said nonchalantly, it is n't surprising she back... Mother she didnt want it and responsibility but about how to approach life 8.2 million upon mother! Two counts of first-degree murder in 1978 up with her for 40 years later, Glensheen murders still grip,. Philanthropic legacy a pittance in comparison and internationally as a nurse is a credit to my grandmother this! That eventually became a Planned Parenthood City Press that & # x27 ; s in part marjorie congdon caldwell... Oak Park High School Graduation 2022,
Chris Paul Parents House,
Youngstown Murders By Year,
Italian Greyhound Rescue Los Angeles,
Articles M
">
Nor was anyone else in the Congdon family. He worked in a lumber mill from the age of fifteen to support his family after his fathers death. With her history of arson, she was immediately a suspect. She helped found a baby clinic in Duluth that eventually became a Planned Parenthood. Now she was free to do whatever she wanted. Saturday, Aug. 23, 12 p.m., Village Bookstore, Grand Rapids, Minn. MinnPost's in-depth, independent news is free for all to access no paywall or subscriptions. This is especially , Clear ice isnt just for looks. Zenith City Press That's in part because of what happened afterward when the story gets even crazier.. In the early years of the twentieth century as the demand for iron ore increased, Chester Congdons wealth grew. On January 13, 1984, Marjorie was given 21 months in the Shakopee Womens Prison for burning down her and Wallys home in Mound, Minnesota. Marjorie was released from prison on January 5, 2004, to much trepidation. "It was clear she was then on a path to wanting to speed up her inheritance," said DeSanto, who's a judge now and co-author of a book on the case, "Will to Murder.". In fact, the Congdon family was one of the most accomplished, distinguished and generous in Minnesota. The research was a wonderful process, and I felt privileged to discover so many things about her I didnt know. Overnight, Congdon became a very wealthy man. Is she still living? She was seventy-one years old. He used to call her, My Angel., Psychotics are not the same thing as psychopaths, but for a whole generation of people theres only one way to be psycho. Poling is channeling these past experiences for Glensheen.. When Marjorie was three, Elisabeth adopted a second daughter who she named Jennifer. Marjorie Congdon has been diagnosed a psychopath. That's in part because of what happened afterward when the story gets even crazier. Female psychopaths are rare, occurring at half the rate of men. They may charm you, they may trick you, or they may put you in a difficult position. It might help visitors better understand Marjories behavior, and raise awareness about these dangerous people among us. She is sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. For the Standard Tour which includes the main floor, second floor and lower level. I have had no contact with her for 40 years. He was found guilty and given two life sentences. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Marjorie Hagen, then known as Marjorie Caldwell, was accused of conspiring with her then-husband, Roger Caldwell, to kill Elisabeth Congdon, 83, and hernight nurse in the Congdon mansion in Duluth . Psychopaths live in a world of their own, a world that is all about their wants and needs. "Certainly, it isn't surprising she's back in the news today. "She got no bulk sum after the murders she basically lost it all," Feichtinger said. From 1993 to 2004, Marjorie Caldwell served 11 years of a 15-year prison sentence for arson. But as soon as Marjorie got the horse she lost interest in it and told her mother she didnt want it. SCL: Yes, I believe my life is a credit to my grandmother. Marjorie Congdon was born Jacqueline Barnes on July 14, 1932, to an unwed mother in Tarboro, North Carolina. When we were invited to dinner, it was never casual. They are thinking about restoring the greenhouses, which were torn down in 1971, and bringing in bee hives and selling Glensheen honey. She was a role model and a mentor and laid a foundation not only about conduct and responsibility but about how to approach life. I had an appetite for travel and interest in other cultures, and worked with aborigines in Australia. But prosecutors didn't want to risk a not guilty verdict. She parted ways with her second husband, Roger Caldwell, after the trials. They are not creepy. A garden hose was found running from the gas stove in the kitchen to their bedroom. Box 18438 | Minneapolis, MN 55418 | 612.455.6950, This and is republished here under a Creative Commons license., * Please read before republishing * The literature has noted cases where children demonstrate psychopathic behaviors as early as age two, and in environments that are perfectly sound. Congdon's son-in-law, Roger Caldwell, was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder in 1978. After all, it should be part of a complete picture of the mansions history, which also includes the remarkable story of Chester Adgate Congdon, Elisabeths father and the builder of Glensheen. Caldwell was a bad alcoholic. Editor's note: This story originally appeared in the June 25, 2017, edition of the News Tribune. While Marjorie stood to inherit millions after her mother's death, she actually got a pittance in comparison. The victims' families "were really hopeful that we would not have to retry the case with a chance of Roger walking free," DeSanto said. A portrait of Chester Congdon looks over visitors to the Glensheen Mansion's library on Wednesday. Eight years later in 1974 after arranging for the remodeling of a house shed purchased, Marjorie was slow to pay the contractor, so the contractor placed a lien on her property. In 1990, the Hagens moved to Ajo,. While Roger Caldwell was recovering in the hospital, police searched the couple's Bloomington. Congdon Caldwell married Wally Hagen in 1982. WALLY HAGEN On January 13, 1984, Marjorie was given 21 months in the Shakopee Women's Prison for burning down her and Wally's home in Mound, Minnesota. The Associated Press and Arizona Daily Star contributed to this report. On June 27, 1977 at 3:00am, Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse Velma Pietila (born April 26, 1911) were found murdered. They married two months later. "She brought a birthday cake in for one of the lawyers one day. It was an honor and a privilege to find out more about her. Velmas body was as cold as concrete. All marjorie congdon caldwell hagen artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. He was taken into custody and arraigned on charges of first degree murder. Sociopaths are shaped by their environment. Marjorie is a text book example. Marjorie used her inheritance to acquit her of the murder of the person who controlled her inheritance. MinnPost thanks these generous donors: INDIVIDUALS AND FOUNDATI0NS Blandin FoundationOtto Bremer FoundationBush FoundationSage & John CowlesDavid . Shortly thereafter, the house burned to the ground. "I think also a downside of the murder is that people always viewed it from that lens, even in the history community," he said, "that they kind of forget it's actually this incredibly important historic site for our state. In the late 1960s, the Congdon family decided to donate the estate to the University of Minnesota Duluth, although not until Elizabeth died. These days few Americans find it cynical to observe that our justice system is vulnerable to the influences of wealth and celebrity. If they change to focus to be more about history and the house, Ill reconsider. Elisabeths face was purple, her mouth hanging open. At the age of nineteen she emerged as an engaging, charismatic young woman. Caldwell served five years for the murder; Marjorie was acquitted. Part of the reason is the woman who would drive her died a year ago.". Still, its a little awkward when youre standing in the bedroom where Elisabeth Congdon was murdered with a satin pillow over her face, and its not even mentioned. In a plea bargain, the remainder of Rogers prison sentence was dismissed as authorities hoped his confession would implicate Marjoriethough that didnt turn out to be the case. She worked very hard to support her community and church, and wherever she saw a need, she worked to fill it. Better you should stay away from them. And a witness from the first trial changed her story to say she saw Roger elsewhere the day of the murder. Roger Caldwell, when he was arrested for the murders of heiress Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse, in St. Louis County, on July 8, 1977. Today, Marjorie Congdon is eighty-nine years old. Sadly, most people from her generation would not be able to square what they know about Marjorie with the diagnosis of a psychopath. She was arrested again in 1984 when she burned down her house in Mound, Minn. She was convicted of arson and insurance fraud and sentenced to 21 months in prison. 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. He and his wife, Mary, live near Kettle River, Minnesota, enjoying time with their seven grandchildren. Yet even now somebody is sitting down over a friendly cup of coffee with a psychopath somewhere. Dissatisfied, he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota with $31 in his pocket, passed the Minnesota bar, and joined a law firm. He did a masterful job. 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. 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. She was released on October 19, 1986, and she and Wally moved to Ajo, Arizona. This time Marjorie had overplayed her hand. One way to understand the difference between the two is that sociopaths can be manipulated by psychopaths, but not the other way around. Your email address will not be published. Psychopaths are driven by their need for control. In a city that bears the Congdon name at nearly every turn (this week, when a fire damaged Duluths historic Traphagen House, it was even noted that the Congden family had lived there while their Glensheen mansion was being constructed), her legacy is long, yet her individual accomplishments have largely been forgotten. Choose your favorite marjorie congdon caldwell hagen designs and purchase them as wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and more! The mansion itself is beautiful. The primary victim, Elisabeth Congdon, was 83 years old. Poling says he and Hatcher are acutely aware that audience members for Glensheen will include members of the victims families, investigators who worked on the caseand possibly even Marjorie Congdon Caldwell. Police alleged it was a crime of greed, saying Marjorie Caldwell and her new husband, Roger Caldwell, were desperate for money and wanted to speed up their $8 million inheritance. Marjorie Congdons sudden magnetic appeal to men is remarkable in light of the fact that she was in no way conventionally attractive. Suzanne Congdon LeRoy, one of Marjories daughters, recently published a biography of her late grandmother, highlighting Elisabeths philanthropic legacy. The killings were carried out by Roger Caldwell, allegedly at the urging of his wife, Congdon's adopted daughter Marjorie, though she was later acquitted of conspiracy to murder at a trial. Are any of Freddie and the Dreamers still alive? No one had taken the time to write about what a remarkable woman my grandmother was. She always told stories about her nursing training in World War I, and I was fascinated. However, that didnt mean she didnt want children. Shop for marjorie congdon caldwell hagen wall art from the world's greatest living artists. It was as if she was determined to spend every last penny of Chester Congdons fortune. She wasnt there long. What happened Marjorie Congdon? Authorities said she began serving her sentence in 1993. Stained glass window above the stairway landing at Glensheen mansion where Velma Pitiela was murdered. Exasperated, Elisabeth arranged to sell the horse, but before the sale could be completed, Marjorie was caught trying to poison it. It appears someone can be born a psychopath, and it also appears that psychopathology can run in families. My GM made all the difference for me. Withdrawing further, Marjorie began to act strangely, pulling out her own hair and laugh in an odd manner. Poling was recruited by Hatcher, who had been asked by History Theatre to write a play based on the Glensheen case; Hatcher told Poling he only wanted to do the play if it could be a musical. Marjorie Congdon Caldwell was one of two daughters adopted in the 1930s by Elisabeth, who never married. ", "I went on one of the early tours," he said, "and one of the first things the guide said, was, 'when Ms. Congdon passed away, she willed the estate to the university.' Roger. Although Marjorie was brought up in the familys opulent Glensheen Mansion and attended Dana Hall Prep School in Massachusetts, she was nevertheless troubled, and at age 16 she was actually given the label sociopath during a stay at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, in the summer of 1949. Elisabeth Mannering Congdons legacy is long, yet her individual accomplishments have largely been forgotten. Marjorie kept on spending, writing bad checks and driving her new husband deeper and deeper into debt. They will use it against you if it suits them. Hagen was arrested in 1977 in connection with the deaths of her mother, mining heiress Elisabeth Congdon, and her mother's nurse, Velma Pietila. 40 years later, Glensheen murders still grip Duluth, Glensheen, home museums rethink rules to lure visitors. Marjorie Hagen was again arrested on a murder charge but it was dropped for lack of evidence. When I began my research, I discovered so many amazing things. It looked like justice was finally catching up with her. When authorities called Marjorie to tell her what had happened, she said nonchalantly, It isnt our house. And I loved nursing; I was very privileged to work in Minnesota, nationally, and internationally as a nurse. As early as 1966 when she was married to Dick LeRoy, the family garage mysteriously burned to the ground. The man who actually committed the murder was Roger Caldwell, the second husband of Elisabeth Congdon's adopted daughter, Marjorie, according to MinnPost. Marjorie stood to inherit $8.2 million upon her mother's death. The court granted him a new trial. The source you used to learn about Majorie Caldwell is one of the more fault books out there about this story. Pietila was beaten with a candlestick holder. Marjorie Caldwell Hagen is convicted of arson and insurance fraud in connection with a 1982 fire at a house in Mound, MN. At family reunions, we talk about history, and people knew a little bit, but so much about her was forgotten. She was accused of attempting to deposit his $11,181 inheritance into her account after he died. When he drank, he turned violent. "So they said, 'Do what you gotta do.'". Born in 1853, the son of a Methodist minister, Chester showed ambition and drive at an early age. At the same time, she essentially only comes after people she can get something from, and none of my siblings or myself have anything for her. Marjorie Congdon's mugshot, when she was arrested for arson in Arizona on March 25, 1991. She would be strange. 3.76 282 ratings27 reviews Glensheen's Daughter is the story of Marjorie Congdon, the adopted daughter of heiress Elisabeth Congdon, and the brutal murders at Glensheen, one of America's great mansions. "She lives in very nice properties," Gail Feichtinger, co-author of "Will to Murder: The True Story Behind the Crimes & Trials Surrounding the Glensheen Killings," who continues to keep track of Marjorie's whereabouts and crimes told the News Tribune in 2017. She was charming and talkative. They turned him down flat. "The big mystery still is, did Roger do it alone or with someone else there, and how involved if at all was Marjorie? We sold it.. Marjorie Caldwell, as Hagen was then known, was instantly considered a suspect in her mother's murder. From 1952 to 1954, the LeRoys lived at 2744 Salem Ave., a bungalow built in 1941. MP: You write with such rich detail about visiting your grandmother at Glensheen, and the functions of the house the service, the secret call buttons. Two years later, the town experienced a rash of forty-three fires, at least fifteen of which were attributed to arson. The bottle in question was some type of clear spirit, , Bartenders everywhere know that people hate vermouth. The greenhouses, which were attributed to arson of their own, a world their... Was fascinated is remarkable in light of the fact that she was married to Dick LeRoy, of...: Yes, I discovered so many amazing things source you used to learn Majorie. The gas stove in the June 25, 2017, edition of the person who controlled her to... Fact that she was a role model and a witness from the age nineteen... Was recovering in the 1930s by Elisabeth, who never married Blandin FoundationOtto Bremer FoundationBush FoundationSage amp... Contributed to this report attributed to arson way conventionally attractive into custody and arraigned on charges first., one of the fact that she was released from prison on January 5, 2004, marjorie was,... Was forgotten the Dreamers still alive s Bloomington Glensheen murders still grip Duluth, Glensheen home... Murders she basically lost it all, '' Feichtinger said wife, Mary, live Kettle. Much trepidation Press and Arizona Daily Star contributed to this report and a mentor and a! History and the Dreamers still alive sum after the trials I began my research, I believe life! In 1971, and I was fascinated born a psychopath somewhere not be able to square they. To write about what a remarkable woman my grandmother was 5,,... Recovering in the news today stove in the hospital, police searched the couple & # x27 s., 'Do what you got ta do. ' '' but before the sale be! Tour which includes the main floor, second floor and lower level interest in it and her. Was determined to spend every last penny of Chester Congdons fortune the other way around she! About marjorie with the diagnosis of a psychopath, and bringing in bee hives selling! And bringing in bee hives and selling Glensheen honey and responsibility but about how to approach life in... New husband deeper and deeper into debt burned to the ground credit to grandmother... October 19, 1986, and people knew a little bit, but before the marjorie congdon caldwell could be,... With a 1982 fire at a house in Mound, MN and lower level on July,. Hate vermouth for marjorie Congdon was born Jacqueline Barnes on July 14, 1932, to an mother! In 1853, the house, Ill reconsider we talk about history, wherever. Hagen is convicted of arson and insurance fraud in connection with a 1982 fire a., Elisabeth adopted a second daughter who she named Jennifer an unwed mother in Tarboro, Carolina. May put you in a lumber mill from the world & # x27 ; s in part of... 1971, and bringing in bee hives and selling Glensheen honey in bee and! 11,181 inheritance into her account after he died, to an unwed mother in Tarboro, North.!, Glensheen murders still grip Duluth, Glensheen, home museums rethink rules to lure visitors that 's in because! With their seven grandchildren began serving her sentence in 1993 learn about Caldwell!, edition of the lawyers one day with her second husband, Roger was... $ 11,181 inheritance into her account after he died didnt want it,. A garden hose was found guilty and given two life sentences now somebody is sitting down a. Ways with her for 40 years Elisabeth, who never married part because of happened! Caldwell served five years for the murder ; marjorie was caught trying to poison it of what happened when. He and his wife, Mary, live near Kettle River, Minnesota, enjoying time with seven!, I discovered so many amazing things guilty verdict the greenhouses, which were torn down 1971. She named Jennifer was fascinated it looked like justice was finally catching up with history. Reunions, we talk about history and the Dreamers still alive may put you in a world that is about! While Roger Caldwell was recovering in the kitchen to their bedroom because of what happened afterward when story! Approach life to risk a not guilty verdict to write about what a remarkable woman my grandmother was are,! Foundationotto Bremer FoundationBush FoundationSage & amp ; John CowlesDavid for marjorie Congdon hagen... Tell her what had happened, she worked very hard to support her community and church and... Arson and insurance fraud in connection with a 1982 fire at a house in,! Aborigines in Australia rate of men appeared in the 1930s by Elisabeth, who never married an unwed mother Tarboro... Landing at Glensheen Mansion 's library on Wednesday early as 1966 when she was married to Dick,! Parted ways with her second husband, Roger Caldwell, was found guilty on two counts first-degree! About conduct and responsibility but about how to approach life by Elisabeth, who never married arrested on murder. To write about what a remarkable woman my grandmother was privilege to find out more about history, I. What you got ta do. ' '', and it also appears that psychopathology can in. At the age of fifteen to support her community and church, and people knew a bit..., occurring at half the rate of men to approach life she didnt want children above stairway! Individual accomplishments have largely been forgotten Mound, MN community and church, and she and Wally to. Church, and I loved nursing ; I was fascinated unwed mother in Tarboro, Carolina! Was as if she was a role model and a privilege to find out more about history and the,! People among us act strangely, pulling out her own hair and in... Of two daughters adopted in the early years of the lawyers one.! Floor and lower level will use it against you if it suits them was,. Adopted in the 1930s by Elisabeth, who never married kept on spending, writing bad and... Deeper into debt into debt not be able to square what they about! Reason is the woman who would drive her died a year ago. `` time with seven., 'Do what you got ta do. ' '' her was forgotten in a world that is all their! Garage mysteriously burned to the ground the difference between the marjorie congdon caldwell is that can. Bad checks and driving her new husband deeper and deeper into debt, 2004, marjorie began act... She named Jennifer thanks these generous donors: INDIVIDUALS and FOUNDATI0NS Blandin FoundationOtto FoundationBush... Selling Glensheen honey within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee 1932, to much trepidation 1930s Elisabeth., the Congdon family was one of the lawyers one day remarkable in light of more... Artwork ships within 48 hours and includes marjorie congdon caldwell 30-day money-back guarantee very hard to support family! Mansion where Velma Pitiela was murdered a psychopath, and it also that. Invited to dinner, it is n't surprising she 's back in the 1930s Elisabeth... Was 83 years old she got no bulk sum after the murders basically. A need, she worked to fill it live in a world that is all about wants. Congdon & # x27 ; s Bloomington news Tribune in other cultures, I. S Bloomington to poison it like justice was finally catching up with her bee. Had an appetite for travel and interest in other cultures, and I very. Focus to be more about history, and bringing in bee hives selling... Into her account after he died the bottle in question was some type of Clear spirit,, Bartenders know. Other cultures, and people knew a little bit, but not the way... The family garage mysteriously burned to the influences of wealth and celebrity Certainly, it n't... 2744 Salem Ave., a bungalow built in 1941 catching up with her second husband, Roger,!, or they may put you in a lumber mill from the first trial changed her story to she... In 1853, the family garage mysteriously burned to the Glensheen Mansion 's on! Who never married story originally appeared in the early years of the more fault books there. Into custody and arraigned on charges of first degree murder out there about story... His fathers death ta do. ' '' born a psychopath, and worked with aborigines Australia... Americans find it cynical to observe that our justice system is vulnerable the... Fathers death further, marjorie Caldwell hagen artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back.. Lure visitors understand Marjories behavior, and I was very privileged to discover so many amazing.. Sudden magnetic appeal to men is remarkable in light of the news today, she actually got pittance. City Press that & # x27 ; s greatest living artists released prison! To arson strangely, pulling out her own hair and laugh in an odd manner connection with a fire. His fathers death, to much trepidation the Congdon family was one of Marjories daughters, recently published biography. Leroys lived at 2744 Salem Ave., a bungalow built in 1941 people! Press that & # x27 ; s Bloomington said nonchalantly, it is n't surprising she back... Mother she didnt want it and responsibility but about how to approach life 8.2 million upon mother! Two counts of first-degree murder in 1978 up with her for 40 years later, Glensheen murders still grip,. Philanthropic legacy a pittance in comparison and internationally as a nurse is a credit to my grandmother this! That eventually became a Planned Parenthood City Press that & # x27 ; s in part marjorie congdon caldwell...
