new philadelphia police – 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”

“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”