Dark Days in Blicktown: The 1914 Grimm Family Murder

Jessie Grimm met a shocking and brutal end at the hands of her own mother in a crime that, despite its violence, has been all but lost to history. The Grimm family’s roots in Tuscarawas County began with the arrival from Pennsylvania, before 1820, of John Grimm (1779-1864) and his wife Maria Elizabeth Ruppert (1778-1855).Continue reading “Dark Days in Blicktown: The 1914 Grimm Family Murder”

The 1903 Battle for Dover’s Wooster Avenue Crossing

The Canton-New Philadelphia Street Railway Company prepared to lay tracks down Wooster Avenue in Dover, Ohio, amidst a heated dispute with the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad. The conflict escalated into a dramatic standoff between railroad workers from both sides. It was January 1903 by the time the interurban Canton-New Philadelphia Street Railway Company was readyContinue reading “The 1903 Battle for Dover’s Wooster Avenue Crossing”

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”

One House’s Story: Weber Family of Dover

When this family of tradespeople built their homes on the north end of Factory Street (now Tuscarawas) in Dover, Ohio in the late 19th century there were few homes there to be found. The houses they built, including this one, are still standing over 130 years later. Leonard Weber (1817-1888) and his wife Catherine HessContinue reading “One House’s Story: Weber Family of Dover”

Triumph to Tragedy: The Short Life of Dover Cyclist Henry Greb

When renowned Dover bicyclist and businessman Henry Greb died in November 1904 at the age of 34 his death was reported in newspapers as far away as Cincinnati. This is the story of his short life and tragic death. Content warning: This post contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know has aContinue reading “Triumph to Tragedy: The Short Life of Dover Cyclist Henry Greb”

“Negligence Born of Familiarity”: Tragedy at the Penn Iron and Coal Company

I am often drawn to tragic stories because, in many cases, the individuals involved end up being lost to the historic record. This often happens because many tragedies occur when people are younger and have yet to establish themselves or create a family to carry on their names and stories. This is one such tragedy.Continue reading ““Negligence Born of Familiarity”: Tragedy at the Penn Iron and Coal Company”

One House’s Story: The Lachenmeyer Family

This house’s story is one of the family of a German immigrant who, after arriving in the United States at the age of 22, was able to become a successful businessman, community leader, and father in the city of Dover. The street it sits on was called Factory Street at the time he and hisContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Lachenmeyer Family”

One House’s Story: The Keuerleber Family

The history of Tuscarawas County is full of stories of first generation immigrants coming to the area and becoming successful and respected members of the community. This is the story of one such immigrant who made Dover, Ohio his home at the turn of the 20th century. A note about addresses: House numbers and streetContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Keuerleber Family”

One House’s Story: The Pfeiffer Family

I enjoy good barbecue as much as anyone. The other day I drove past one of Dover’s local barbecue restaurants and, knowing how Front Street was a collection of hotels and saloons in the early 20th century, I wondered who had called that building home (and work) in the past. This is the story ofContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Pfeiffer Family”

One House’s Story: The Kreiter Family

There are many large and decorative homes lining North Wooster Avenue in Dover, Ohio. Nestled among them is a somewhat more modest house that was once home to a Dover grocer and his family. A note about addresses: House numbers and street names often change over time. While it has been difficult to establish detailsContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Kreiter Family”