Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1934-09-27
HAROLD FLEMING DIES IN
FILLING STATION HOLDUF

Harold Fleming, 18, of Zanes-
willie filing station attendant, at the
Rogers Gasoline and Ohio company
garage North Seventh street, was
mortally wounded Monday morning
about 6 O'Clock in a bold holdup.
Fleming was seated in chair just
outside the station. His friend
Charles Stephenson was near the
doorway. Both boys noticed a man
walking up and down the street.
and according to Stephenson, Flem-
ing became suspicious OF his ac-
tions. but since it was near daylight
thought nothing more about u.
Stephenson had never seen the
stranger. but Fleming told Stepheh-
son that he had stopped at the sta
tion and bought gasoline or sevefal
occasions. The man entered the sta-
tion. and Stephenson thinking ne
wanted to buy something entered
the building, and then heard the
man call to Fleming to STICK them
up." and flashing a revolver ne Or
dered Fleming to give him the mon
ey Still seated, Fleming started to
put his hands into his pocket. put
before he could do this the assailant
shot him in the abdomen, Fleming
falling from his chair. After the
shooting, Stephenson hurried IN
side and called police, and while
making the call saw the man take
money from the money pouch worn
by Fleming, and bills from his pocK-
ct hook. In all, he obtained about
S1O.24 in bills and change, and then
made his escape.
Fleming was rushed to the Good
Samaritan hospital, and In less thah
an hour died. Surviving him are MS
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. Con Fleming
of GAINESVILLE. On Feb. 20, 1884,
he was married to Miss Maxine Sor-
rel They had been making their
home with the brides parents III
GAINESVILLE, but had purchased
household furniture and were pre-
pairing to go to Housekeeping soon
Besides his wife and parents, ne
leaves two half sisters, Mrs. Allen
Erwine of GAINESVILLE, and Mrs. Dor
othy Triplett, wife OF Myrkle lrlp-
left of Chesterhill, and half broth
ar John Davis, of Malta, who is en-
Moved with the Robinson. Bros.
Motor Company; also his grand
mther, Mrs. Frances flenllhs
of GAINESVILLE. He was a MEMBER Oh
the ST. James Episcopal church ana
was active in Y. M. c. A. work.
Funeral services will be conduct
cd TODAY at 2 O'Clock at st. James
Episcopal church, GAINESVILLE, ana
interment will be made in Green
wood cemetery.
Following the shooting an extern
s;va search was started to capture
the bandit, and Tuesday Robert
Swiger was arrested in pittsburgh.
He admitted the guilt, waived extra
dition, and was returned to Zanes-
vile.
After confessing the murder, 1t is
stated. Swiger, who is Fl years olu'
LET If he known that he had planned
To use the money for honeymoon
with Miss Grace Mitchell, Pllts-
burgh. entertainer, whom he met at
Moxahala park this summer. Swlger
who is a would-be detective, re-
sides with his parents, Mr. and Mrs
G.. r. Swiger, respected residents
near Avondale, Muskingum county.
To Prosecuting Attorney c. S. Leas-
IRE. Swiger, after confesslng he haa
shot Harold Fleming, admitted ne
was responsible for the S2o,0oo IRE
at Moxahala park, July 10, and for
robbing the Rogers service statloh
on Maysville pike, July 22, when he
obtained SIG, using his fathers SO
calibre revolver, the same gun ne
carried to slay Fleming. After the
Shaving. Swiger returned to Avon
dale. ate his breakfast, and klsseo
his mother goodbye, telling them
he was leaving for work. When ar
rested he was in front of the home
of his girl friend in Pittsburgh.