Arson and Aftermath: The 1912 Shooting of Ella Tyler

A lifetime of trouble followed Price Tyler, including a botched arrest in 1912 that forever changed his young family. Arnold Price Tyler (1878-1941), commonly referred to as Price, was born in Westchester in Perry Township, Tuscarawas County. His father died when Price was fairly young, which left him to be raised by his mother NancyContinue reading “Arson and Aftermath: The 1912 Shooting of Ella Tyler”

The Brightside Road Killing: The Death of Asbury S. Fowler

A feud between two Tuscarawas County neighbors ended violently on a Goshen Township road in 1924. Asbury S. Fowler (1870-1924) was born in Warwick Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, the son of George W. Fowler and Susan B. Burroway. He grew up in the Uhrichsville area alongside several siblings and half-siblings. Fowler married Eva Stempfly inContinue reading “The Brightside Road Killing: The Death of Asbury S. Fowler”

“You Want Your Divorce”: The 1949 Murder of Mary Covic, Part Two

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”

“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”

$100 for a Life: The Aul Case of 1930

A quarrel between cousins at an Tuscarawas County brickyard in 1930 ended with one cousin dead. John Christian Aul (1904-1930) was born in Franklin Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, the son of Conrad Henry (1866-1940) and Emma Margo Aul (1871-1952). He grew up in a large family that included several brothers and sisters and spent hisContinue reading “$100 for a Life: The Aul Case of 1930”

Murder or Misfortune? The Death of Katie Barnes

A servant’s tragic death in 1892 from a seemingly minor wound ignited scandal, sympathy, and controversy in New Philadelphia. There is not a lot of information on the short life of Katherine “Katie” Barnes (1873-1892) other than what was reported in the newspapers at the time of her death. She worked as a domestic servantContinue reading “Murder or Misfortune? The Death of Katie Barnes”

Fatal Blows: The Case of Edwin Ulrich

On New Year’s Eve 1930, a night of drinking in Tuscarawas ended in sudden violence and a man’s death. Edwin Ulrich (1885-1930), son of New York–born coal miner Philip Ulrich (1855–1929) and Ohio-born Emma Rowley (1856–1926), was born and raised in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. In 1908 he married Ethel Saunders (1888-?), but the marriage endedContinue reading “Fatal Blows: The Case of Edwin Ulrich”

Lost to the Rails: The 1939 Murder of Roy German

He may not have lived in New Philadelphia long, but his death shook the community. Very little can be definitively ascertained about the early family history of Roy William German (1920-1939) prior to his murder in the fall of 1939. Some can be pieced together from the newspaper accounts of his death and from hisContinue reading “Lost to the Rails: The 1939 Murder of Roy German”

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 Daughter’s Testimony: The Killing of Ella Lenarz

Ella Lenarz’s life ended in violence, her family torn apart, and justice proved painfully short-lived. Oella “Ella” Kelley (1900-1936) was born in Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio, to James Kelley (1880-1930) and Catherine Brannan (1881-1968). She grew up in a working-class family that endured both hardship and loss. Her early years were marked by the birthContinue reading “A Daughter’s Testimony: The Killing of Ella Lenarz”