The Ordway new era., 1920-07-02
Kills Tourist
With Fist Blow


in a killing near Greeley recently and
according to the following report
from Greeley is held as a witness.
Greeley. Colo. June 2s.-wil-
liam Swint. ~ years old. OF 1918
Gilpin street, Denver. was killed
by q blow delivered on his jaw
by R. H. Blackburn, toLrist
from Wichita, Kan, following an
almost insignificant automobile
accident at Fort Lupton this
morning. ~.
At the inquest held AT Fort
Lupton this afternoon, the cor
oner's jury returned verdict
finding that the death OF Swint
was accidental and not with fell
onious intent and exonerated
Blackburn.
Four men. including Black
burn, members of an automobile
tourist party on the way from
Denver to Wyoming, are being
held In the Weld county Jail as
witnesses to the killing of Swint
They are r. M. Hickman, sol
walnut street. Denver; r. R.
Royce, Wichita, Kans, and H. C.
Ferguson. Ordway. Colo.
Mrs. and Mrs. Ferguson left Ord
way on Monday of last week, going
to Denver. They formerly conduct
ed the Park hotel here and after sell
ing the hotel purchased. the C. A.
Laude property to make their home
in ordway. A couple of weeks ago
they sold the property. and having no
other interests here decided to look
for a new location.
Continuing the report from Greely
follows, no later word being received
as to the outcome of the case:
The party will be held until tomor-
row when District Attorney Russell
w. Fleming will decide whether ne
will file informations against them.
These four men, together with Mrs
Ferguson and Mrs. Hickman, wives
of two Of the travellers. left the mu-
nicpal camping grounds at Denver
this morning for Wyoming, where
they intended to look for homesteads
The party was riding In two ma
chimes. Hickman and his wife and
Blackburn were driving In one of the
cars, which was followed by the other
car.
Gyyt tN< nd hi 81
ton, left Denver this morning also, in
tending to fish in northern Colorado
The latter was at the wheel and they
overlook the homeseekers' machine
near the Industrial Sugar company
factory. In trying to pass Hick-
mans car. Harrington ran into II
and slightly damaged the running
board and fender.
The three machines came to stop
and after inspecting the damage
agreed to drive to Fort Lupton and
make money settlement. When the
parties arrived at Fort Lupton, Swint
paid Hickman Sc. Then a contro-
versy arose when swint said Harring-
ton was not to blame for the accident.
The men began quarreling and
Swint, 1t is said. made several un-
complimentary remarks, concerning
the driving Of Mrs. Hickman, where
upon Blackburn struck him a hard
blow on the jaw. knocking him down.
The homesteaders re-entered their
car and proceeded on their journey.
Harrington went to Swint. and.
finding him unconscious, rushed for
medical aid died almost instantly,
Sheriff Hall was notified and a posse
of men. headed by deputy sheriffs
searched the country for two hours,
finally overtaking the homeseekers
at Evans
Blackburn, when questioned by
Sheriff Hall. admitted he struck
Swint. but believed that the blow
Only made him unconscious. No FIRE
arms or weapons Of any kind were
found in the Blackburn party.
Swint's body was removed to the
Winter G Co.. undertaking establish
ment at Fort Lupton and will be
taken to Denver tomorrow.
William Swint was a member OF
the Cement Workers union of Dem
YER. His widow, Emma, survives
They had been married fifteen years.
Hickman worked at the American
Iron and Metal company. s01 West
Walnut street. Denver. until last.
week. when he quit there to take the
trip north. He is q welder and had
been camping recently. with his wife
at Overland pork, near Denver.