Rails to Riches: The Journey of James Carlile from Tuscarawas County to Colorado

New Philadelphia carpenter William Carlile laid the foundation for his family’s future. Little did he know, his son James N. Carlile would carve a path far beyond the realm of sawdust and nails. William Carlile (1806-1887) was a Pennsylvania born carpenter who migrated to Tuscarawas County, Ohio in the 1830s with his family. He originallyContinue reading “Rails to Riches: The Journey of James Carlile from Tuscarawas County to Colorado”

Runaway to Hero: The Life of Henry T. Danforth

I stumbled across a runaway apprentice advertisement from 1842 and my curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to find out what happened to the apprentice whose master only offered one cent for his return. I was surprised by what I found. If we are to believe the 1842 advertisement for runaway saddler apprenticeContinue reading “Runaway to Hero: The Life of Henry T. Danforth”

One House’s Story: The Weber Family

This house on the east end of Fair Avenue NE in New Philadelphia has definitely seen better days. That being said, its history is tied to a 19th century Swiss immigrant to America and Civil War veteran who lived in the city for nearly half a century. The sources are somewhat contradictory when it comesContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Weber Family”

One House’s Story: The Gribble Family

The stretch of North Broadway that spans from Ray Avenue to Tuscora Park is dotted with many fine homes. Among them is a home built by a man who was a Civil War veteran, a longtime public servant, a well-respected member of the New Philadelphia community, and son of one of Tuscarawas County’s early pioneers.Continue reading “One House’s Story: The Gribble Family”

One House’s Story: The Hendershott Family

This house sits prominently on the corner of a busy New Philadelphia intersection and has, over time, transitioned into a multi-family dwelling. Its roots though lie with the family of a Civil War Veteran and successful New Philadelphia businessperson. A note about addresses: House numbers and street names often change over time. There is someContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Hendershott Family”

Valentine: A Tuscarawas County Conductor on the Underground Railroad

If you read enough historical documents you inevitably come across some small item that gets your attention. This is one of those lose threads that I could not resist pulling. Recently, while reading late 19th century accounts of people who assisted with the Underground Railroad in Ohio, I came across a brief mention in theContinue reading “Valentine: A Tuscarawas County Conductor on the Underground Railroad”

One House’s Story: The Wise Family

Some houses still exist only on dated images found on Google Street View. I noticed this New Philadelphia house there, hidden behind hedges along Beaver Avenue, and wondered what stories it had to tell. I had no idea it had been the home of one of the community’s most respected Civil War veterans and hisContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Wise Family”

One House’s Story: The Hammond Family of Dover

I recently travelled through Dover, taking a route I don’t usually take, and came upon this home sitting on the corner of what was once a busy Dover neighborhood. I hoped that the house had a story to tell me, and I was not disappointed. A note about addresses: House numbers and street names oftenContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Hammond Family of Dover”

One House’s Story: The Espich Family

When Driving down South Broadway Street in New Philadelphia today you don’t see too many remaining residences; however, one that does survive is connected to a family with historic roots in Tuscarawas County. A note about addresses: House numbers and street names often change over time. Christian Espich (1766-1842) was born in Germany in 1766Continue reading “One House’s Story: The Espich Family”

One House’s Story: The Manley Family

Over the course of the growth and history of New Philadelphia many homes are built, torn down, replaced, or remodeled for their modern occupants. Some homes are never replaced and the lots on which they sat become parking lots or vacant land. Despite that, they still have stories to tell us that deserve telling. ThisContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Manley Family”