Person:Clara Wardwell (1)

Called Clarinda in 1850 census. Called Carrie in 1870 census. At 1880, she is living in the same home as her future husband in Boston. According to Mary Florence Ayers' Family Notes, she was killed by her husband. Death record reads "homicide by axe, blows on the head." While the newspaper accounts of her death call her Sarah, she is called Clara in the death record. On her gravestone, the name is Clara Wardwell, not Lang. Gravestone reads "Clara E. Wardwell, wife of Benjamin Lang, at rest."

Boston Daily Globe Extra 7:30pm 27 June 1899 "WIFE KILLED Helpless Old Husband Held on Murder Charge Sarah E. Lang Found Dead, Head Crushed With Ax Shocking Crime Committed This Morning on Waltham St.-Accused Man Has Shown Signs of Mental Weakness -Answers Questions Incoherently-Age 84

Mrs. Sarah (sic) E. Lang was killed while asleep in her home at 93 Waltham St. this morning. The weapon used was an ax. The victim's head was crushed into an unrecognizable state. Benjamin Lang, her husband, is under arrest on the charge of having committed the crime. Mr. Lang is one of Boston's old-time musical instructors, and the father of Benjamin J. Lang, well-known church organist and music writer. He is now in his 84th year. For a number of years, Mr. Lang has showed signs of mental weakness. While steps will be taken by the authorities today to prosecute the criminal charge, they will at the same time ask that insanity experts place him under observation. Mrs. Lang was going to Red Top Grove on a picnic with a party of friends today. They were to start at 8 o'clock. At that hour, crape hung on the door of the Waltham St. home, and the elderly husband, dressed in blood-stained clothing, feeble and almost helpless, stood a pitiable sight in the guard room at the East Dedham Street station, while police officials tried to draw from him an admission that he was a wife murderer. Incoherent answers was the police officers' reward for their labor. Police reports state that the Langs kept a lodging house. Such is not the fact. Their home is a 3 ½ story brick building. The Langs have lived there for many years. With them lived Mrs. Sweet, sister of Mr. Lang's first wife. Mrs. Charlotte Parks, widow of John C. One servant, Delia Hannan, was employed. Mrs. Lang retired to her room on the first floor, in the rear, early last evening. To a seamstress who had been working at the house all day, Mrs. Lang said: "I guess I'll go to bed and take a long rest. I feel I need it." She bade her friends goodnight and retired. It was the custom of Mrs. Hannan, the servant, to call Mrs. Lang at 7 o'clock. Just before that hour this morning, the servant stopped before Mrs. Lang's chamber door. Mr. Lang came down the hall just then. "Don't disturb here, she is not well," he said. The servant went to another room and returned a minute or two later, remembering that Mrs. Lang had been particular in saying that she did not wish to sleep later than 7 o'clock. She opened the door and the murder was discovered. The room was in great disorder. The body of the dead woman was on the bed. A sheet had been drawn over the head. The servant lifted one corner of the sheet, noticed the crushed head, and with a scream fled from the room and gave the alarm. In an instant, the entire neighborhood had been alarmed. Patrolman Bridges, who lives close by, heard of the crime from a neighbor and sent word to the police at the Dedham Street station. Lieut. O'Lalor was in charge. Patrolmen Hunt and Ronan were in the guard room. They were sent to the house about 7 o'clock. When the two patrolmen reached the scene they were told that the aged husband was still in the house. A search for him was begun. When he met Mrs. Hannan in the hall, he said, "Don't disturb her, she's not well." When Mrs. Hannan's back was turned, he rushed upstairs into the servant's room and locked the door. It was there that the patrolmen found him, the door locked. Both men put their shoulders to the door and forced the lock. Mr. Lang was straddling the window sill, forty feet below was the bricked rear yard. A leap would have meant instant death. Mr. Lang was preparing to jump when the officers got into the room. They grabbed the little old man and drew him into the room. He was trembling like an aspen leaf. "What are you doing?" one of the patrolmen exclaimed. "Nothing," he said, "Let me alone." In the meantime, Sergeant Lovell and Patrolmen Hunt and Kelley arrived on the scene. One of the officers took charge of the prisoner, and the others began an investigation of the premises. In the room where the murder has been committed, a common wood ax was found. It has been thrown behind the bed in one corner of the room. It was bloodstained. "Where is it usually kept?" an officer asked Mr. Lang. "In the basement, but I brought it up here, so it would be handy for the roofers when they came." "Who did this, Mr. Lang?" the officer asked. "I don't know, I didn't," was the reply. "Where were you?" "I got up at 5:30, dressed as I am now, and went out. I haven't been in the room since!" The officers looked at the bloodstained clothing. Evidence seemed to be conclusive and the Sergeant ordered the removal of the prisoner to the station. On the way to the station, the officers kept questioning him. Only one significant answer did he make. That is: "If I told you, then you'd know - I have nothing to say." It is known that just at 6:30 Mr. Lang appeared at the newsstand, corner of Waltham and Tremont Streets. He had been accustomed to arising early, getting a morning paper and conversing with the dealer. "Good morning, Mr. Hardy," was Mr. Lang's greeting. "Good morning-" Before Mr. Hardy could say anything more Mr. Lang said: "Come up to the house about 7 o'clock, there'll be an errand for you to do." The body of Mrs. Lang was not taken from the house. Later medical examiner Draper viewed the body. When the prisoner and the arresting officers reached the station, Captain Wescott had arrived. The prisoner was taken to the guardroom and searched. The search resulted in the finding of more bloodstains, but no weapons of any kind. "Take off that coat," an officer said to the prisoner and Mr. Lang began to undress. Had not an officer stopped him, he would have removed every article of clothing he wore. He seemed childish and almost helpless. The clothing on which were found bloodstains was preserved by the police and other clothing given the prisoner. Chief Inspector Watts came from headquarters with stenographer Pyne to question the prisoner about the murder. What the prisoner said will be used in case he is found to be sound mentally and the criminal charge is prosecuted. The chief remained at the station assisting Capt. Wescott until the work of gathering evidence had been completed. The search of the house resulted in the finding of a loaded revolver in a bureau drawer of the room in which the murder was committed. Just before Mr. Lang was locked in a cell at the Dedham Street station a pathetic incident occurred. A young man about 20 years, son of Benjamin J. Lang, the organist, and grandson of the prisoner, rushed into the station. The prisoner was standing in front of the Captain's desk, answering questions as to his birthplace, age, etc. The young man rushed to his side and exclaimed, "Why grandpa!" The old man turned, greeted the grandson. There was a strong handclasp and the grandson hurried from the station. He had evidently come to the station to verify the report which had reached him. This done, he rushed to the nearest telegraph station to wire his father of what had occurred. Mr. Lang is now at New Boston, N.H. for a brief visit. He was communicated with early and is expected to reach Boston tonight. Mr. Lang has been twice married. The dead woman was 56 years of age, 28 years his junior. She was a kind and motherly woman, who had a large circle of friends. No children were born of this union, but two children of the first marriage are living. Mr. Lang, the music composer and Mrs. Miller, also well known in musical circles. Benjamin J. Lang, son of the accused, arrived in this city from New Boston, N.H. at noon. He met his father in Chief Watts' office. Arrangements were made so that father and son might meet before the door of the city prison swung to upon the former. Mr. Lang was accompanied by a lady, who was said to be his wife. They had not long to wait. They met behind closed doors. The interview was very brief and affecting. The prisoner was accompanied by his family physician, Dr. F.E. Bundy, from the station house to the city prison. The physician has administered to the medical wants of the Lang family for years, and has been an intimate friend of Mr. Lang. He hurried to the station soon after Mr. Lang's arrest and remained with him until the cell door closed. The physician was very much affected by his old friend's arrest. He was asked by a reporter about Mr. Lang's condition. He said: "I have nothing whatever." "Has Mr. Lang ever shown signs of insanity?" he was asked. "I can't talk about this matter," was his reply. He then walked away. Mr. Lang will not be arraigned in court until tomorrow morning. It was the intention of the police to have the arraignment take place this afternoon, but when they arrived with their prisoner the municipal court judges had left the court house, and no warrant could be obtained. Application for the warrant will be made the first thing in the morning and the arraignment will probably take place at 10:30 am. The complaining officer will be patrolman Hunt. All of the witnesses were questioned by Chief Watts and their statements were taken by a stenographer. As far as the police are concerned, all is in readiness for a speedy trial. Police officials, however, say that Mr. Lang will be examined by insanity experts before trial is considered. "

Boston Post 28 June 1899 "WIFE MURDER CHARGED AGAINST BENJAMIN LANG He Tried to Kill Himself Just as Police Arrived Officers Say He is Insane Murderer Used an Axe and Hacked the Body Frightfully Lang to Be Arraigned Today He is 84 years Old and Murdered Woman Was 29 Years His Junior-She Was About to Leave For A Week's Visit With Friends

Those who gather at the Municipal Court this morning will witness the sad spectacle of the arraignment of Benjamin Lang, a tottering old man of 84 years, who will be charged with the murder of his wife, Sarah (sic) E. Lang, at their home at 93 Waltham Street, between the hours of 4 and 6 o'clock yesterday morning. The weapon used in the execution of the frightful deed was an axe, and the unfortunate woman was mangled in a horrible manner. Yesterday afternoon, during his examination by Chief Inspector Watts and Captain Wescott of the Fifth Division, Lang made rambling statements regarding the deed, and both officials are convinced that he is mentally unbalanced. Mr. Lang, the prisoner, is the father of B.J. Lang, who for years has been well known in musical circles as the organist at King's Chapel and also through his ability as a composer. The old man himself was one time known as a teacher of music. The case is looked upon by police as one of the saddest they have ever been called upon to investigate, and as far as they can learn was brought about by reason of the fact that Mrs. Lang, who was 29 years the junior of her husband, contemplated paying a visit of a week's duration to some friends. The thought that his wife was to be away from the house this length of time, it is now believed, preyed upon the mind of the old man, which of late years has been noticeably weak, and caused him to commit the awful deed. When placed under arrest he was just about to attempt self-destruction, he having been taken into custody, as he stood upon the window ledge ready to jump from the fourth story of his home. He refused to discuss the case with the officials, but while he made no confession of the crime to the authorities, he made statements to his son and friends in the presence of the police that show conclusively, in their opinion, that his was the hand that wielded the fatal axe. On the way to Charles Street Jail he had little or nothing to say, but once in a cell he paced up and down the narrow confines and kept repeating the words "She was going away, was she?" and would now and then stop and laugh in an utterly childish manner. Today, before being taken into court, he was examined by Dr. Jelly, the insanity expert, and it is thought that the final result of the case will be that the aged prisoner will be taken to an asylum, where he will be properly looked out for during the few short years remaining to him. Although Mr. Lang was known to be mentally weak and at times had been under the care of Dr. Bundy, who yesterday accompanied him to headquarters, still it was never for a moment thought that his dementia would take a turn towards murder. Indeed, he was looked upon as entirely harmless and as easy to manage as a child. He was looked upon as a harmless old man, one who had reached such an age that second childhood had set in. Last night at the Charles Street Jail where he was confined, a constant watch was kept upon him. He seemed totally oblivious to the fact that a murder charge was hanging over his head, and after asking an attendant at the jail what time it was at 9 o'clock last night, said his prayers and went to bed. Ten minutes later he was fast asleep. Chief Inspector Watts who investigated the case with Captain Wescott, stated last night that there seemed not a particle of doubt but that the old man was demented. Captain Wescott of Station 5 was also of the same opinion. The body of Mrs. Lang was taken to the rooms of Jones & Son on LaGrange Street yesterday morning after Medical Examiner Draper had conducted his examination. The body was frightfully hacked. Mr. B.J. Lang, who was on a visit to friends in New Hampshire, arrived in town at noon, and told the police the body would remain at the undertakers until the time set for the burial. All the witnesses in the case, including Delia Hannan, the servant, and Mrs. Charlotte Parks, widow of the late Judge J.C. Parks, were examined by Chief Watts, who had a stenographer take down their statements. What they had to tell police proves, he says, that the old man killed his wife. Mrs. Lang was Benjamin Lang's second wife, and while he had reached the age of 84, she had just passed her fifty-fifth birthday. The couple occupied the first floor of the house at 93 Waltham Street, which is a four story structure. The house was owned by Mrs. Lang, who was somewhat of a businesswoman, and made a good income by letting the remaining rooms on the upper floors to lodgers. She and her husband occupied three rooms on the first floor, consisting of a parlor, sitting room and bedroom. Yesterday morning, Delia Hannan, the servant, came down stairs from her room on the fourth floor and met Mr. Lang near the hall door that led into his wife's room. He had his morning paper and as she approached: "She's not feeling well; don't disturb her." The servant thereupon went into the basement and remained there some time but, seeing nothing of Mrs. Lang, and noting the old man's strange actions, began to think that Mrs. Lang must be quite sick. The servant went up and knocked on the door of the room occupied by Mrs. Lang and, getting no response, entered and found her mistress lying in bed with the covering pulled up over her head. The girl called her softly at first, and then approached and pulled back the clothing. That sight made her almost speechless for a moment, and hurrying from the room, she soon had Officers Hunt and Kelly and Sergeant Lovell at the house. The nature of the terrible wounds showed that Mrs. Lang was dead, and in a corner of the room was found a common axe, covered in blood. The girl's fears as to the author of the murder were soon made known to the officers, and going up the stairs, the found that Lang had entered the servant's room and locked himself in. "Open the door, Mr. Lang," said Sergeant Lovell: "we want to speak to you." "You can't get in here till I get out" was the response, and the officers noting that the voice was receding as the words were uttered, kicked open the door and caught the old man just as he was crawling out of the window. In another instant, he would have been in the yard, fifty feet below. He was taken to the station. All of the occupants of the house state that they did not hear the least noise during the night at any time, which leans to the belief that Mrs. Lang was murdered as she lay asleep. The police last night cleared up everything on the case, and all the evidence was turned over to the district attorney for presentation in court today."

Boston Globe Extra 6PM Edition, 28 June 1899 "BENJAMIN LANG ARRAIGNED Waives Extradition and Held Without Bail for Grand Jury-Spectators Did Not Have a Chance to Ogle the Old Man

Benjamin Lang was arraigned before Judge Dewey in the municipal criminal court this morning, charged with willfully murdering his wife, Sarah (sic) E. Lang, at their house, 93 Waltham Street yesterday. He was represented by counsel and waived, not only the reading of the complaint, but also examination in the lower court. The court at once ordered him committed to the common jail, there to be held without bail to await the action of the Grand Jury in July. The arraignment of the old man was done so quietly and with much disposition that he was in and gone before the majority of the spectators in the courtroom were aware that he had been called at all. Mr. Lang, it is said, is 84 years of age, but is so well preserved that he could readily pass for 70, or even 60."

1. ↑ Andover, Massachusetts Vital Records.
2. ↑ Boston, Massachusetts Vital Records 1899.
3. ↑ Gravestone.