An unsolved 1940 slaying left Tuscarawas County questioning if a “total stranger” or hidden secrets killed Harry “Hetz” Snyder. The town of Dover, Ohio, was shaken in early May of 1940 by a fatal confrontation that ended the life of well-known Harry “Hetz” Snyder (1901-1940), a 39-year-old divorced Wooster Avenue gas station owner. Snyder spentContinue reading “Midnight at the Dover Hotel: The Unsolved Slaying of Harry Snyder”
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Child Movie Star or Clever Runaway? Who was Maquesa D’Glarey?
A mysterious thirteen-year-old captivated Tuscarawas County in the summer of 1925 by claiming to be a famous movie star’s stranded cousin. A thirteen-year-old girl identifying herself as Maquesa D’Glarey arrived in the Twin Cities of Dennison and Uhrichsville in June 1925 and sparked a month-long sensation. She claimed to be a child movie star andContinue reading “Child Movie Star or Clever Runaway? Who was Maquesa D’Glarey?”
Tragedy Beneath Midvale: The Mine Explosion of 1931
A sudden underground blast left five dead and a community demanding answers. On the morning of January 3, 1931, an explosion tore through the No. 4 mine of the Midvale Coal Company near Midvale, Ohio. The explosion and subsequent gas build-up killed five miners and injured several rescuers. The blast occurred around 9 a.m. asContinue reading “Tragedy Beneath Midvale: The Mine Explosion of 1931”
The Heiress of Strasburg: The Lauer “Kidnapping” of 1909
A Tuscarawas County “heiress” once declared incompetent defied scandal, married for love, and built a lasting family legacy. Josephine Matilda Lauer (1878-1961), known as Tillie, was born in Somerdale, Tuscarawas County, the daughter of farmer Martin Lauer (1856-1929) and his wife Amelia Behnke Lauer (1859-1890). As a child she lived with her family in Ohio,Continue reading “The Heiress of Strasburg: The Lauer “Kidnapping” of 1909″
An Auctioned Image, A Local Life: Edwin P. Parr
You never know what local gems, and stories, you’ll discover on online auction sites. While recently searching for Tuscarawas County material on eBay, I stumbled across a photograph of a young New Philadelphian and thought I would explore his life if possible. The photograph was of Edwin P. Parr, a lifelong resident of New Philadelphia,Continue reading “An Auctioned Image, A Local Life: Edwin P. Parr”
The Black Ghost of Minnich Avenue
The story of a shadowy “black ghost” captivated the imagination of New Philadelphians. For about two weeks in March 1914, a neighborhood in the city of New Philadelphia found itself captivated by an unlikely visitor. A mysterious “black ghost” was said to be wandering the neighborhood around Minnich Avenue. Residents discussed the appearance of aContinue reading “The Black Ghost of Minnich Avenue”
The Disappearance of George E. Reed
A rural mail carrier vanished one November night in 1909 and left the Tuscarawas County community searching for answers. 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 resourcesContinue reading “The Disappearance of George E. Reed”
Fallen Heroes: Private Clarence R. Benson
A young railroad fireman turned soldier, Clarence Benson, answered his nation’s call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Clarence Russell Benson (1895-1918) was born in Uhrichsville, Ohio, the youngest child of David Benson (1856–1939), an Ohio-born railroad car carpenter, and Rebecca Jane Hefling Benson (1863–1943), also a native of Ohio. He grew up in Uhrichsville, whereContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Private Clarence R. Benson”
Fallen Heroes: PFC Carl E. Anderson
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”
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”
Tuscarawas County Stories 