"Gerlach is Retired by Request" Newspaper Clipping
This document is a newspaper clipping, hand-dated January 1st, 1913, which details Col. Gerlach's requested removal from the position of superintendent of the Ohio Boys' Industrial School. The article was published in the Zanesville Courier and may be found in the Frank Gerlach file.
Transcription
Jan 1913, The Daily Couirer [sic] Zanesville
Gerlach Is Retired By Request
Columbus. O., Jan 1— Complying with a request of the board of administration, Major F. C. Gerlach yesterday resigned as superintendent of the Boys’ Industrial School, near Lancaster.
There has been reason to believe the action would have been taken sooner, but for consideration of the wishes of Governor Harmon. Delay has been due to his purpose to go over the evidence taken at the investigation held recently. The governor had no comment to made yesterday, when informed of the board’s action and Major Gerlach’s compliance.
The change in administration comes about as a result of disclosures made following punishment inflicted upon John Brown, or Trosky, a lad living in the Grogan district. The board made an inquiry when told the boy was thought to be dying of pneumonia after being too severely punished. It was found that discipline at the institution had been broken down and that boys who misbehaved, had been subjected to more or less torturous punishment.
Chaplain Schaibly and other attaches and officials of the institution resigned, some under pressure from Major Gerlach. Superintendent Gerlach will remain in charge until his successor takes hold.