Person:Richard Torgler (1)

Rescue of Richard Torgler

As told many times by Joe Carlisle Sr to his DIL, RC, and most recently 11 Nov 2024, upon learning of Jim Gribble's death.

1943, Goshen Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, outside unincorporated Goshen.

Jim Gribble, was 16 and had recently gotten his driver's license and had a car. His cousin and friend, Joe Carlisle, 15, lived at what is now 2696 State Route 416 SE, New Philadelphia, and was in the front yard. Instead of pulling into the driveway as he normally would, Jim pulled off the side of the road to visit with Joe. As they were talking the young men heard and saw a spooked horse pulling Conestoga wagon with a little boy approaching and immediately sprang into action. As the horse ran past, Joe jumped on Jim's running board and Jim carefully drove his car up to the back of the wagon. Joe climbed onto the wagon and up to the bench seat where he wrapped one arm around the boy and grabbed the horse's reins, which were looped around the wagon brake, with the other, bringing the horse to a stop. Joe said it was fortunate that no car had approached from the opposite direction which he thought would have caused the horse to veer off the road. The boy's father arrived shortly afterwards, having been driven to the scene. He had stopped in Goshen for a drink, leaving his young son in the wagon. The boy, Richard Torgler, who would have been six, was the son of Bill Torgler, and the family also lived in the small Goshen community.

When Bill Torgler arrived he promptly struck the horse, which incensed Joe, who threatened Bill with harm if he struck the horse again. Joe pointed out that Richard was frightened and needed to be taken home.

Over the years, Joe would sometimes see Richard and they would talk about the runaway horse and rescue.

Obituary

Richard James Torgler July 29, 1937 — November 9, 2020

Richard James Torgler, 83, of Dover passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020 at Union Hospital following brief illness.

Born July 29, 1937 in Goshen, he was a son of the late William A. and Olga Zauke Torgler. Richard was also preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Torgler on February 10, 2019; brothers, Samuel and William E. Torgler.

He was a 1955 graduate of Newcomerstown High School, and proudly served his country with the United States Army. Following his discharge, Richard worked for Rex Pipe and Supply in Canton having retired with 36 years of service. He was also a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Dover.

Richard is survived by his children, Richard A. (Doris) Torgler of New Philadelphia, Cheryl Miller of Dover; grandchildren, Matt Torgler, Daphne Chek; great granddaughter, Kyra; sister, Rose (Eugene) Baab of Stone Creek; brother, Herb (Helene) Torgler of Dundee.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Tuscarawas, Ohio, United States. 1940 U.S. Census Population Schedule.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} 26936773 Richard James Torgler, in Find A Grave.
3.   Carlisle Sr, Joseph R - Recollections.