In November 1904 readers of the New Philadelphia, Ohio Daily Times were treated to a story about a haunted Tuscarawas County church and cemetery. While the newspaper story never mentioned the name of the community or the church itself, it did share some of the stories associated with the haunted location and the effort ofContinue reading “The Churchyard Ghost”
Tag Archives: tuscarawas
$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”
One House’s Story: The McGregor Apartment Building
The construction of Jack’s House of Hope by the Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County motivated me to take a look at the history of this building, discovering something innovative in its design was not expected. In June 1919, New Philadelphia became the site of an innovative construction experiment when the McGregor Apartment Building, thenContinue reading “One House’s Story: The McGregor Apartment Building”
One House’s Story: The McLean Family
This house sits on a prominent corner in New Philadelphia, befitting the significance of the family that once lived in it. William McLean (1841-1922) was the son of a Maryland-born Methodist preacher named Edward A. McLean (1810-1876) and his Connecticut born wife Julia (1810-?). The couple arrived in Tuscarawas County sometime in the 1830s andContinue reading “One House’s Story: The McLean Family”
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”
Unearthed History: Skeletons on the Read Farm
When workers unearthed a skeleton in 1903, they exposed buried history beneath Tuscarawas County’s farmland. Readers of The Democrat and Times in New Philadelphia, Ohio, encountered a striking headline: “Human Skeleton Was Plowed Up on the J. Buchanan Read Farm.” in October 1903. What followed was a story that combined mystery, speculation, and a glimpseContinue reading “Unearthed History: Skeletons on the Read Farm”
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”
Tuscarawas County Stories 