Fallen Heroes: Private Fred Heintz

The stress of combat can affect soldiers differently. World War One was notorious for a perceived new ailment called “shell shock”, an ailment we now refer to as post-traumatic stress disorder. Private Fred Heintz (1888-1923) was a different man when he returned from the fields of France, and like many veterans his life would beContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Private Fred Heintz”

Fallen Heroes: Signalman Second Class Charles Robert Maus

When one enters into military service, one does so knowing that there is a possibility that they may be killed while engaged with an enemy. Unfortunately, there is also the risk that one may be killed accidently by their own comrade-in-arms. Charles Robert Maus was the victim of just such an incident. The Maus familyContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Signalman Second Class Charles Robert Maus”

A Titanic Dover Mystery

While exploring a 1912 issue of a local newspaper, I came across the paper’s reporting on the RMS Titanic disaster. Included in that report was a reference to individuals who were allegedly on the ship, making their way to Dover and a new life in America. It was a thread I could not help butContinue reading “A Titanic Dover Mystery”

Fallen Heroes: Corporal James R. Bair

I imagine that when Corporal James R. Bair (1931-1952) learned he would be sent to Korea, he had no idea how long that deployment would last. Unfortunately, his service there was cut short and he returned home far sooner than anyone expected. James Bair was born in 1931, the youngest son of Raymond Bair (1898-1993)Continue reading “Fallen Heroes: Corporal James R. Bair”

Fallen Heroes: SP 5 Martin Douglas Klann

I have been hesitant until now to write of a fallen hero from the Vietnam War. Many of my friends’ fathers and uncles served in that conflict and that “closeness” makes it difficult. Even in writing this post, I found myself getting more emotional than I typically do when writing of these heroes. Martin DouglasContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: SP 5 Martin Douglas Klann”

The New Castle Coal Mine Accident and the Death of Frank C. Stow

Frank C. Stow (1858-1901) wore many hats in his short life. He worked as a plumber at the time of his death, but had been a general laborer, the Courthouse janitor, a constable, the jailer, a fireman, as well as being reported an excellent dancer. Frank was very active and liked in the community, butContinue reading “The New Castle Coal Mine Accident and the Death of Frank C. Stow”

Fallen Heroes: Private William Davy

Often what makes historical research so frustrating can also be what makes it so fulfilling. I decided to look into the brief life of Private William Davy (1844-1863) precisely because I could find so little information about him. Now having done so, I am proud to bring his story of service out from under theContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Private William Davy”

Burned, Broken & Illness: The 1883 Winkler Family Tragedy

The development of heavy industry in Tuscarawas County in the 19th century led to an influx of immigration from all over the European continent. Among the immigrant families that relocated to the county was the Winkler family from Switzerland. Four brothers hoped to start a new life in America and bring the rest of theirContinue reading “Burned, Broken & Illness: The 1883 Winkler Family Tragedy”

Fallen Heroes: Staff Sergeant Wilbur R. Bailey

The hedgerows of the Normandy countryside can be beautiful, but during the days that Wilbur R. Bailey (1921-1944) spent among them in July 1944 they proved fatal. According to one newspaper account reporting his death, Wilbur was the only World War Two casualty from within the limits of Mineral City. Wilbur R. Bailey was bornContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Staff Sergeant Wilbur R. Bailey”

Fallen Heroes: Private Ralph James Fivecoat

When Private Ralph James Fivecoat (1896-1919) died in France, the war had officially been over for nearly three months. Nonetheless, the Tuscarawas County coal miner, who had been fatally wounded, never returned home. John Fivecoat (1872-1963) and his wife Nora Shaffer (1875-1965) lived in the community of Tuscarawas when they welcomed their first child, andContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Private Ralph James Fivecoat”