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”
Tag Archives: new philadelphia ohio
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”
The Fatal Obsession of Harvey Colvin
Jealousy erupted into violence when Harvey Colvin attacked Maud Shaffer with a hatchet in a New Philadelphia home. Content warning: This post contains references to suicide and domestic assault. 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 hereContinue reading “The Fatal Obsession of Harvey Colvin”
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”
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”
“Mean and Pitiful”: This You Abraham Shane?
I stumbled upon an interesting reference — one that links a respected Tuscarawas County founder to a moment of sorrow, exploitation, and quiet unraveling at the Moravian mission at Goshen. I recently reread a book that I read while in college and studying the Pennsylvania / Virginia frontier (aka Ohio) and something jumped out atContinue reading ““Mean and Pitiful”: This You Abraham Shane?”
One House’s Story: The Herbert Family Tragedy
The Herbert family’s story, rooted in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, is one of immigration, hard labor, wartime service, and unexpected tragedy. 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 forContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Herbert Family Tragedy”
Tuscarawas County Stories 