Shebl, James M.

Dr. Washington M. Ryer (1821-1892) and Dr. Samuel Langdon (1822-1880) fought over reputations of Dr. R.K. Reid and Dr. Langdon (Ryer was a friend of Reid's). Reid had been resident physician at State Asylum in Stockton, Calif., but state legislature failed to reappoint him in 1856 because it was claimed that he had used inmate labor to build himself a fine residence. Governor J. Neely Johnson then appointed Dr. Langdon head physician of asylum. Langdon later claimed in court that Reid had drawn pay in name of non-existent employee. Ryer, testifying in same hearing, questioned Langdon's motives in testifying against Reid. Thus were grounds for a duel established. There was also political animosity between the two men, since Ryer was a northerner and a Republican, while Langdon was a southerner and a Democrat. Following their duel (1857), Ryer left Stockton (1863) and became wealthy Bay Area landowner (Ryer Island in Suisun Bay is named for him). Langdon opened a private asylum in Stockton which he operated until his death.