Twenty-Two Years a Chief: Abraham L. Espich

I often write about the various criminal activity of Tuscarawas County and thought it was only right to share the history of one of the men who fought that crime.

Elijah Abraham Lincoln Espich (1861-1945), often referred to as A. L. or by his popular nickname “Lige,” was born in Ragersville, Ohio, to Charles Frederic (1818-1901) and Sarah Jane Link Espich (1824-1868). His early childhood was marked by the loss of his mother in 1868 when he was only six years old. During his youth, the family moved to Indiana, where they were recorded living in Wells County in the 1880 census. Espich eventually returned to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, the region where he would build his lasting legacy in law enforcement.

In October 1890, Espich married Mellie E. Helmick (1859-1940) in Tuscarawas County. He officially entered local public service in New Philadelphia on March 1, 1899, when Mayor Clarence H. Ackey (1853-1908) appointed him to fill an unexpired term as a police officer. His rise in law enforcement was swift; he served as a patrolman for thirteen months before being elected city marshal in April 1900. The 1903 city directory for New Philadelphia listed him residing with Mellie on the 100 block of West High Street while serving the city in this capacity.

Following a change in the municipal code, Espich was appointed Chief of Police, a role that highlighted his detective qualifications. He became legendary for his memory for faces and was recognized throughout the state as an expert in identifying criminals. His peers held him in high regard, noting his deep knowledge of nearly all criminals operating in that section of the state. During this time, he was a popular figure in the community, even being featured as a “candidate” for a diamond trophy in 1905.

Despite his professional success, failing health forced a temporary hiatus in his career. In March 1910, suffering from malarial and throat trouble, Espich resigned as Chief and moved to Plymouth, Indiana, and later Whitehall, Michigan. While in Michigan, he sought a better climate for his recovery and worked briefly in a tannery. However, his health did not improve as hoped, and he returned to New Philadelphia in April 1911, expressing a deep love for the town and its “pretty broad streets”.

Upon his return, Espich resumed his leadership of the police department, ultimately serving a total of 22 years as the head of the force. His final resignation as Chief went into effect on January 15, 1924, though he did not retire from public service entirely. In his later years, he continued to serve the community as a township constable for a number of years, maintaining his residence on North 6th Street (later Third Street NW). His long tenure made him a fixture of the city’s history and a pillar of the New Philadelphia community.

The final years of Espich’s life were marked by personal loss and quiet resilience. His wife, Mellie, passed away in June 1940 at the age of 80 and five years later, on September 15, 1945, Abraham Espich died at the age of 83 following a battle with heart disease. He was buried alongside his wife in East Avenue Cemetery. At the time of his death, he was remembered as a dedicated public servant who had resided in New Philadelphia for 60 years.

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© Noel B. Poirier, 2026.