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: new philadelphia
An Auctioned Image, A Local Life: Edwin P. Parr
You never know what local gems, and stories, you’ll discover on online auction sites. While recently searching for Tuscarawas County material on eBay, I stumbled across a photograph of a young New Philadelphian and thought I would explore his life if possible. The photograph was of Edwin P. Parr, a lifelong resident of New Philadelphia,Continue reading “An Auctioned Image, A Local Life: Edwin P. Parr”
The Black Ghost of Minnich Avenue
The story of a shadowy “black ghost” captivated the imagination of New Philadelphians. For about two weeks in March 1914, a neighborhood in the city of New Philadelphia found itself captivated by an unlikely visitor. A mysterious “black ghost” was said to be wandering the neighborhood around Minnich Avenue. Residents discussed the appearance of aContinue reading “The Black Ghost of Minnich Avenue”
The 1913 Death of John Vlohasthanal and an Unmarked Grave
In 1913 New Philadelphia, a Greek immigrant’s American dream ended in violence and controversy. John Vlohasthanal’s name is, not surprisingly, presented a number of ways in the period documents. I have chosen to use the spelling as it appeared on his official death certificate. John Vlohasthanal (c. 1868–1913), reported in newspapers as John Vlohas, wasContinue reading “The 1913 Death of John Vlohasthanal and an Unmarked Grave”
One House’s Story: The McGregor Apartment Building
The construction of Jack’s House of Hope by the Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County motivated me to take a look at the history of this building, discovering something innovative in its design was not expected. In June 1919, New Philadelphia became the site of an innovative construction experiment when the McGregor Apartment Building, thenContinue reading “One House’s Story: The McGregor Apartment Building”
One House’s Story: The McLean Family
This house sits on a prominent corner in New Philadelphia, befitting the significance of the family that once lived in it. William McLean (1841-1922) was the son of a Maryland-born Methodist preacher named Edward A. McLean (1810-1876) and his Connecticut born wife Julia (1810-?). The couple arrived in Tuscarawas County sometime in the 1830s andContinue reading “One House’s Story: The McLean Family”
A Mile of Fury: The Tappan Cyclone of 1940
In 1940, an unusual storm tore through Tuscarawas and Harrison Counties, leaving a trail of splinters where covered bridges and barns once stood. Strong storms and a tornado struck Tuscarawas and Harrison counties in early April 1940, bringing with it an unusual combination of hail and electrical storms. The tornado left a path of destructionContinue reading “A Mile of Fury: The Tappan Cyclone of 1940”
Eleven Years a Thief: The Goshen Robbery Plot
A cunning thief plotted a midnight robbery, but shared his plans with the wrong man and paid the price. John F. Myers (1799-1875) and his wife Elizabeth (1800-1872) were Moravians who migrated from Pennsylvania to Tuscarawas County in the first half of the 19th century. The family settled in southern Goshen Township and northern WarwickContinue reading “Eleven Years a Thief: The Goshen Robbery Plot”
The Cistern Secret: The 1919 Clara Shroyer Case
A shocking discovery in a city cistern would unravel the dark, hidden chapter of young woman’s short life. Clara Madge Shroyer (1897–1930) was born in Mineral City, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, the daughter of Henry Shroyer (1872–1930), a local farm laborer, and his wife, Selena Emma Fisher Shroyer (1876–1937). She grew up in a rural farmingContinue reading “The Cistern Secret: The 1919 Clara Shroyer Case”
Death Behind Closed Doors: The Gray and Llewellyn Tragedy
New Philadelphia was shaken in 1910 when a secret meeting between two familiar residents ended in scandalous death. 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 toContinue reading “Death Behind Closed Doors: The Gray and Llewellyn Tragedy”
Tuscarawas County Stories 