tuscarawas county – Tuscarawas County Stories

Death Ends a Family Quarrel: The Ware Case of 1928

Ai generated image depicting William and Willa May Ware arguing in their kitchen, 2026. (Source: Google Flow)

After years of abuse, a Newcomerstown woman took the law into her own hands. 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. Willa May Kennedy (1909-?), born in Nashville, Tennessee moved to Ohio with her parents.Continue reading “Death Ends a Family Quarrel: The Ware Case of 1928”

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”

Glasgow Tragedy: The Conley Killing of 1875

Ai image depicting the mob that looted Gilbert Linsey's Glasgow store room, 2026. (Source: ImageFX)

A deadly confrontation, a mob, and a Civil War veteran’s fight for survival ignite a two-year legal battle that divided the village of Glasgow. In the village of Glasgow during the spring of 1875, tensions simmered among the men working at the Glasgow-Port Washington Furnaces. Gilbert Linsey (1839-aft. 1890), an Ohio native born to parentsContinue reading “Glasgow Tragedy: The Conley Killing of 1875”

American Dream Ended: The Murder of Arnold Abbuhl

Ai image depicting Arnold Abbuhl saying goodbye to his family the morning of his murder, 2026. (Source: ImageFX)

A Swiss immigrant’s American Dream ended with a blast of buckshot in 1885. Arnold Abbhul (1848-1885) and his family arrived in the village of Barnhill shortly after their immigration from Switzerland in April 1885. Arnold sought a new life for his family in Ohio, only to find a labor conflict brewing when he arrived. TwoContinue reading “American Dream Ended: The Murder of Arnold Abbuhl”

From Argument to Amputation: The Mishler Case of 1945

Ai generated image depicting the argument between Howard and Olive Mishler, 2026. (Source: ImageFX)

An inheritance dispute led to a shotgun blast that shattered an Ohio family. 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. Howard (1909-1987) and Olive Viola Horn Mishler (1910-1964) lived a seemingly ordinary life near Gilmore,Continue reading “From Argument to Amputation: The Mishler Case of 1945”

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”

Fallen Heroes: Corporal Russell D. May

Photograph of the retreat from North Korea by UN Forces, December 1950. (Source: artsandculture.google.com)

A soldier from Tuscarawas County vanished in a frozen Korean gauntlet, leaving his family waiting years for answers. Russell D. May (1928-1950) was the son of Eugene Curtis May (1896-1957) and Mary Adeline Shonk (1906-1981). He grew up in the rural communities of Sugar Creek and Wayne Townships alongside his siblings, including a brother andContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Corporal Russell D. May”

Two Shots in the Morning: The 1913 Death of Antonio Repici

Ai generated image of a rural Ohio working class community, 2026. (Source: ImageFX)

The death of a popular Dennison man in June 1913 left the Tuscarawas County community searching for the truth. 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. ClickContinue reading “Two Shots in the Morning: The 1913 Death of Antonio Repici”

“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”

Fallen Heroes: Seaman Duane Stalder

The USS Spence, c. 1943. (Source: navsource.com)

A young New Philadelphia man gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Pacific during World War Two. Duane Jay Stalder (1926-1944) was born in Tuscarawas County to parents Harry Godfrey Stalder (1898-1970) and Goldie Armbrust (1903-1966). Harry’s father was a laborer in the various industries in Tuscarawas County, including brick works and steel mills.Continue reading “Fallen Heroes: Seaman Duane Stalder”