new philadelphia oh – Tuscarawas County Stories

Twenty-Two Years a Chief: Abraham L. Espich

Image of New Philadelphia, Ohio City Hall with an image of Chief of Police Abraham Espich.

I often write about the various criminal activity of Tuscarawas County and thought it was only right to share the history of one of the men who fought that crime. Elijah Abraham Lincoln Espich (1861-1945), often referred to as A. L. or by his popular nickname “Lige,” was born in Ragersville, Ohio, to Charles FredericContinue reading “Twenty-Two Years a Chief: Abraham L. Espich”

Theodore Umstead’s Secret

Ai enhanced and upscaled image of Theodore Umstead, 2025. (Source: Google Gemini)

Theodore Umstead’s death in 1910 revealed a twenty-five year old secret. Theodore Umstead (1846-1910) was a well-known resident of New Philadelphia’s West End, a cabinet maker who served as a private in the 12th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War. He lived a seemingly quiet life until his death on February 27, 1910, atContinue reading “Theodore Umstead’s Secret”

“I May As Well Give Up”: The Final Hours of James Ferguson

Ai generated image depicting the Ferguson car chase, 2026. (Source: ImageFX)

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”

An Auctioned Image, A Local Life: Edwin P. Parr

Postcard image of West High Street in New Philadelphia, Ohio, early 20th century. (Source: eBay.com)

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”

Fallen Heroes: PFC Carl E. Anderson

Troops of the 81st Infantry Division during the Battle of Angaur, 1942.

Carl Eugene Anderson’s short life traced a path from Depression-era Tuscarawas County to a distant Pacific battlefield. Carl Eugene Anderson (1922-1942) was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, the son of George William Anderson (1884-1967), a coal miner, and Mabel Marie Collar Anderson (1889–1974). He entered the world as the Anderson family was growing and firmlyContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: PFC Carl E. Anderson”