History of Glensheen Mansion, Chester Congdon, and the Murder of Elisabeth Congdon

At the start of his professional career Mr. Chester Adgate Congdon was a school teacher in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin. In 1892 Chester and his family moved to Duluth Minnesota, entering a law practice in partnership with William Billson. They were joined by Judge Daniel Dickenson. After Judge Dickenson's death the practice remained open until 1904 when Mr. Congdon retired from practice at the age of 54.

Mr. Congdon continued his efforts in a variety of enterprises and became a key figure in the development of iron ore mining in northern Minnesota. Along with his substantial portfolio of banking, and mining interests, he also invested heavily in farm land property in the north west. Throughout his life he was also involved in public positions as well, serving as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the district of Minnesota. He was also an active member of many civic minded organizations.

In 1905 construction of the new family home commenced on the shores of Lake Superior at the eastern edge of Duluth. A Jacobean style mansion with 39 rooms, Glensheen took 3 years to build. With a combination of late Victorian and Art Nouveau styling, Glensheen was completed with all the latest features available. Running hot water, electricity, and the grounds were irrigated from near by Tischer Creek. Complete with carriage house, gardener's cottage and green house, the grounds of the mansion were maintained to a spectacular level. Growing all their own produce they were as close to self sustaining as possible.

Unfortunately Chester Congdon was able to enjoy Glensheen for only a bit beyond 10 year, he died November 21, 1916. The mansion continued to be occupied by the Congdon family with the final resident being Elisabeth Congdon, Chester's youngest daughter.

Elisabeth Mannering Congdon, born April 22 1894, inherited the mining fortune of her father, Chester Congdon. Amounting to $40 million, he was considered the wealthiest man in Minnesota at the time of his death. Elisabeth remained single throughout her life and in 1932 adopted a daughter naming her Marjorie Mannering Congdon.