Ferdinand Brucks (1830-1915) was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States when he was 22 years old. He arrived in Tuscarawas County shortly after his immigration and, in 1854, he married German-born Catherine Wegele (1837-1914). It is likely that Ferdinand chose Tuscarawas County as his home because of other family members who hadContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Brucks Family”
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A Killing in Dennison: The Story of Minnie Adkins
Minnie Adkins—a young Black mother and domestic worker—sparked a rare wave of public sympathy after she shot and killed a white man who threatened her. Minnie Williamson (1884-aft. 1950) was born in 1884 in North Carolina to Bedford Williamson and Della Willis. One of nine siblings, Minnie came of age in the post-Reconstruction South asContinue reading “A Killing in Dennison: The Story of Minnie Adkins”
One House’s Story: The Schmidt Family
This simple, unassuming home on what was the outskirts of New Philadelphia, Ohio once belonged to an immigrant who’s skills helped build the city of New Philadelphia in the 1800s. Note: The surname Schmidt is often recorded as the anglicized ‘Smith’ as well in later historical records. Notably, the Schmidt children all went by theContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Schmidt Family”
One House’s Story: The Maurer Family
This house’s story is connected to the son of a prominent Tuscarawas County German immigrant who’s work impacted the New Philadelphia school system and countless late 19th and early 20th century New Philadelphia students. The parents of Jacob Maurer (1824-1901) immigrated, along with their six other children, to Tuscarawas County around 1840. The family ofContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Maurer Family”
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”
One House’s Story: The Horning Family
This large brick home on East High Avenue in New Philadelphia, one of many large homes on that stretch of road, was home to one New Philadelphia’s most successful businessmen and his wife. The son of an immigrant, the home stands as a testament to the immigrant goal of achieving a better life in AmericaContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Horning Family”
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”
Tuscarawas County Stories 