In October 1953, James Ferguson kidnapped his estranged wife, sparking a 50-mile police chase that ended tragically. Content warning: This post contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Click here for resources to findContinue reading ““I May As Well Give Up”: The Final Hours of James Ferguson”
Tag Archives: kidnapping
The Heiress of Strasburg: The Lauer “Kidnapping” of 1909
A Tuscarawas County “heiress” once declared incompetent defied scandal, married for love, and built a lasting family legacy. Josephine Matilda Lauer (1878-1961), known as Tillie, was born in Somerdale, Tuscarawas County, the daughter of farmer Martin Lauer (1856-1929) and his wife Amelia Behnke Lauer (1859-1890). As a child she lived with her family in Ohio,Continue reading “The Heiress of Strasburg: The Lauer “Kidnapping” of 1909″
The White Bridge Murder
It was 2 o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, February 8, 1928 when Blicktown farmer John Hinig heard knocking at his front door. Cautiously he opened the door and saw a man, soaking wet, freezing, and seemingly in distress standing in his doorway. The man, William Herron, told Mr. Hinig that while he was drivingContinue reading “The White Bridge Murder”
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 