Sometimes when you are doing research on a subject, you accidently stumble upon the unexpected. This is one of those cases. While researching a fallen hero, and unrelated to his story, I came across a document on a UFO sighting that occurred in New Philadelphia, Ohio in 1968. There was no way I was notContinue reading ““Everyone Thinks I Am Crazy”: A UFO Sighting in Tuscarawas County”
Category Archives: Tuscarawas County Stories
Ghost of Hummel Valley: A Tuscarawas Haunting
Nothing captures the imagination more than a good ghost story, and newspapers are always willing to print them to sell papers. The 1922 case of the ghost haunting the Plotner family was covered in several editions of the New Philadelphia paper and carried by newspapers all over Ohio. John Emerson (1789-1838) immigrated with his familyContinue reading “Ghost of Hummel Valley: A Tuscarawas Haunting”
A Titanic Dover Mystery
While exploring a 1912 issue of a local newspaper, I came across the paper’s reporting on the RMS Titanic disaster. Included in that report was a reference to individuals who were allegedly on the ship, making their way to Dover and a new life in America. It was a thread I could not help butContinue reading “A Titanic Dover Mystery”
The New Castle Coal Mine Accident and the Death of Frank C. Stow
Frank C. Stow (1858-1901) wore many hats in his short life. He worked as a plumber at the time of his death, but had been a general laborer, the Courthouse janitor, a constable, the jailer, a fireman, as well as being reported an excellent dancer. Frank was very active and liked in the community, butContinue reading “The New Castle Coal Mine Accident and the Death of Frank C. Stow”
Burned, Broken & Illness: The 1883 Winkler Family Tragedy
The development of heavy industry in Tuscarawas County in the 19th century led to an influx of immigration from all over the European continent. Among the immigrant families that relocated to the county was the Winkler family from Switzerland. Four brothers hoped to start a new life in America and bring the rest of theirContinue reading “Burned, Broken & Illness: The 1883 Winkler Family Tragedy”
George Swinehart: Tuscarawas Pioneer
Many of the earliest settlers of the area now known as Tuscarawas County earned their land, and their families’ futures here, from their service to the United States in the American Revolution. George Swinehart (1754-1815) earned his piece of Tuscarawas County heaven through his service protecting the frontier of Pennsylvania and Virginia for the rebelliousContinue reading “George Swinehart: Tuscarawas Pioneer”
John Pryor Cary’s Unfortunate End
Historical newspaper stories are a treasure trove of information about a community and its inhabitants. Often dull, sometimes inflammatory, and in the case of John Pryor Cary (1841-1901) of Uhrichsville, tragic. After reading a newspaper story about his death, I wanted to learn more about what may have led this man to his unfortunate end.Continue reading “John Pryor Cary’s Unfortunate End”
Isaac K. Lakin: From the Tuscarawas to the Yellowstone
The Yellowstone River with Miles City, Montana in the distance, c. 1881. I always enjoy when I stumble across someone in history who, through a simple mention in a newspaper or other source, captures my interest so much that I want to learn more about them. My search for their life in the historical recordContinue reading “Isaac K. Lakin: From the Tuscarawas to the Yellowstone”
Kidnapping of “Plucky” Clara Thiebaud
Newspaper headlines often offer a snapshot of an exciting, and perhaps scary, event in an otherwise normal person’s life. One such headline jumped out at me from a 1920s issue of a local newspaper and I could not resist learning more. I have chosen not to use Clara’s later married name(s). Charles Thiebaud and hisContinue reading “Kidnapping of “Plucky” Clara Thiebaud”
Tuscarawas County Stories 