The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-15
L. C. HARDING AGAIN EXECUTE ID ALABAMA
Became Famous As Banker At
 Fort Payne
MUST FACE MANY CHARGES
Suddenly Disappeared From Alabama and Was Caught In Florida and Hustled North By Fed
 eraI Marshas.

The release of Leroy c. Harding from Friday after having served a three year sentence, and his immediate re- arrest on the steps of that institution, recalls one of the greatest sensations of years in Alabama. Harding will be brought to Birmingham, where he will be held for trial before the federal court.
 It was alleged that Harding assumed the name of Blazer and that he was the head of the Viaduct Bank of Co., lumbus, which institution became de- funct. It was also claimed that he secured jewelry from Cincinnati con cerns under false pretenses. It was fer this last crime that he was sen fenced to his three-year term. Harding suddenly appeared in Fort Payne, Ala, several years ago. He started a small bank there, another at Collinsville and another at Attalla. He began purchasing grain, representing himself as the owner of large mill at Fort Payne. He would buy this grain on credit and either use his banks as a reference or have the banks inform his creditors that he had placed certain amount to their credit
 Popular In North Alabama.
 No one knew where he came from but he was of good appearance and became very popular in Fort Payne. He showed one peculiarity, which was not regarded by the people there eX cept as being a little eccentricity on his part. This peculiarity was refus- ing to have his photograph taken Some one endeavored to take a snap shot of him at a picnic one day, but he threw up his hand in front of his face and spoiled the picture.
 He disappeared one day and was not heard of for months. He was next heard of in Florida. where United States officers had traced him. His arrest and removal from that state caused a sensation lasting several days After being arrested by the United States marshals his lawyers had a habeas corpus sworn, but the officers slipped him into a mail car and lock ed the door, keeping him there until they were out of the state.
 Married at Fort Payne. While at Fort Payne he married a beautiful woman and their life ap- pearad to be very happy. The jewelry he secured under false pretenses at Cincinnati was said to be diamonds, which he gave to his wife, and a very dramatic scene Is said to have taken place when she was informed of these facts.
 The case attracted wide attention all over the country at that time and Fort Payne swarmed with newspaper report CTS who were Investigating everything they could find about Harding or Bla- ger.
 The case of his identity according to Harding is a mistake. The woman at whose home he boarded while in Co., lumbus made affidavit that she had seen Blazer remove his false teeth, while an investigation of his mouth and molars in the federal prison brought forth the fact that Harding's teeth were sound.
 It is not known just what charge will be pressed against him when he is brought here. His rearrest was effect ed at the request of District Attorney Street, and it is also said that a num- Der of charges in the state courts are awaiting his arrival.