Murder on the Wheeling & Lake Erie

The 1911 murder of Tony Gerriod remains a mystery in Tuscarawas County history. Tony Gerriod’s surname was spelled a number of ways in the newspaper including Geraid and Gerald. I have chosen the spelling that appeared on the only legal document associated with him, his death certificate. His nationality is also vague, sometimes reported asContinue reading “Murder on the Wheeling & Lake Erie”

Adam Lantzer and The Newlywed Killing of 1913

A moment of joy between a Dover couple was shattered by a drunken driver on Wooster Road. Verna C. Dawson (1892–1923) was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, the daughter of Robert E. Dawson (1862–1916) and Etta Little Dawson (1874–1949). Her father, once employed at a pipe works in Newcomerstown, later returned to farming as theContinue reading “Adam Lantzer and The Newlywed Killing of 1913”

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 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 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”

Decapitated and Burned: Explosion at the Stone House Mine

Recently I posted an image of a Bureau of Mines Mine Rescue Car that visited the mining town of Roswell in 1923. That image, and a comment from someone who saw it, led me to examine a tragic incident from 1927 that occurred at a local Tuscarawas County coal mine outside of Mineral City. TwoContinue reading “Decapitated and Burned: Explosion at the Stone House Mine”

One House’s Story: The Schmidt Family

If you have ever dropped your child off at Welty Middle School or the New Philadelphia High School, you have seen this home. This house was the home of one of the city’s most successful and well-liked saloon keepers. This is his family’s story. A note about addresses: House numbers and street names often changeContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Schmidt Family”

One House’s Story: The Schauffler Family

Two immigrant brothers arrived in New Philadelphia in the late 1870s and, before too long, operated one of the largest tanneries in Tuscarawas County. One of those brothers built a home on the fringe of downtown New Philadelphia, a home his family would live in for over forty years. A note: House numbers and streetContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Schauffler Family”