The trial of Andrew Covic was one of the most talked about trials of the era, garnering attention from the entire county. Content warning: The following story contains references to domestic violence. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or violence and need help, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The trial of Andrew Henry CovicContinue reading ““You Want Your Divorce”: The 1949 Murder of Mary Covic, Part Two”
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“You Want Your Divorce”: The 1949 Murder of Mary Covic, Part One
In July 1949, Andrew Covic ended his troubled marriage to Mary Covic with a fatal gunshot. Content warning: The following story contains references to domestic violence. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or violence and need help, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Andrew Henry Covic (1884-1966) and Mary Elizabeth Getchey Covic (1888-1949) were aContinue reading ““You Want Your Divorce”: The 1949 Murder of Mary Covic, Part One”
Carbon Monoxide Mystery: The Death of Harvey E. Decker
Harvey E. Decker’s life ended in mystery, his death and disputed will sparking unanswered questions. 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 find help forContinue reading “Carbon Monoxide Mystery: The Death of Harvey E. Decker”
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”
The Carnival Murder of 1912
When a carnival rolled into Newcomerstown in 1912, it left behind a dead man and a vanished killer. Documenting the life of Elix Vandil (1884-1912), known variously in American records as Alex Bender, Alex Raudel, and Alexander Vendel, illustrates the significant challenges faced when tracing the paths of recent immigrants at the turn of theContinue reading “The Carnival Murder of 1912”
Fallen Heroes: Seaman 2nd Class Robert L. Hammersley
The story of this fallen hero traces a young Ohioan’s journey from his small-town roots to his ultimate sacrifice at sea during World War II. The Hammersley family’s roots were firmly planted in Ohio by the time Thomas E. Hammersley (1896–1957) was born in Coshocton County. The family moved to Wheeling Township, Guernsey County whereContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Seaman 2nd Class Robert L. Hammersley”
Father and Son: The Murder of Jonas Bremer
The Tuscarawas County community was stunned when a father and civil war veteran from one of the county’s oldest families turned his gun on one of his own children. The Bremer family were one of the earliest settlers of Salem Township, Tuscarawas County, having arrived in the county from Pennsylvania before 1811. That early settler,Continue reading “Father and Son: The Murder of Jonas Bremer”
William C. Mills and the Newcomerstown Mounds
Amateur archaeologist and druggist William C. Mills excavated two indigenous burial mounds and other locations around Newcomerstown in the late 1880s. What he discovered during these excavations altered how historians and archaeologists viewed native culture in the region forever. Archaeology as we know it today did not exist when William C. Mills (1860-1928) became interestedContinue reading “William C. Mills and the Newcomerstown Mounds”
One House’s Story: The Hogue Family
Every time I drive down Interstate 77 south of Newcomerstown I always notice this small farmhouse off to the east. I thought it was about time to tell some of this Oxford Township farmhouse’s history. This branch of the Hogue family (sometimes spelled Hoge) immigrated from Scotland to Virginia in the early 18th century. ItContinue reading “One House’s Story: The Hogue Family”
Who Was Alfonso Stewart?
If you’re like me you thumb through Fred Miller’s book Images of America: Tuscarawas County Ohio, published in 2000 by Arcadia Publishing, a lot. I love just spending some time seeing the county as it once was. On the last page of the book is an image of men who served as patrolmen in theContinue reading “Who Was Alfonso Stewart?”
Tuscarawas County Stories 