Son of James Dalton and Alice Hickey.
Married in 1894 to Lora Gardner Day
Shot in the back of the head at the Hotel Victory in East McKeesport, PA. It was thought that he shared a grave with his daughter Gertrude who died three months previous to his death; however, cemetery records place him in Grave 1 and her in Grave 6. His grave has no stone, but it is immediately to the left of his wife Lora's grave. His wife was pregnant with their fifth child at the time of his death.
___________________________________
QUARREL ENDS IN FATAL SHOOTING
One Man Shot Dead, Another Wounded, At East McKeesport
NEGRO FIRED THE DEADLY SHOTS
Dispute Took Place in Hotel Victory – Dead Man Was Timothy Dalton – John Merriman Lies in the Hotel Dangerously Wounded – John Swingler is in Jail
The Daily News
November 9, 1903
Pages 1 & 6
One resident of East McKeesport is dead and another is perhaps fatally wounded in the result of a shooting at the Hotel Victory at Greensburg avenue and Broadway, East McKeesport about 10:15 o'clock Saturday night.
The dead man is:
TIMOTHY DALTON, living in Morrelle avenue [actually Melrose avenue], aged 40 years, shot back of right ear and died instantly [Note coroner's inquest stated he was shot back of his left ear]. Survived by a wife and two children.
The injured man is:
JOHN MERRIMAN, aged about 40 years and brother-in-law of Dalton. Shot in left side above the hip while prostrated by a fall on the porch. Being cared for at the Hotel Victory with a very slight chance for recovery.
Under arrest:
JOHN SWINGLER, colored, lives at 1120 Rose street. Aged about 25 years. Taken to the county jail charged with the shooting. Employed as a teamster by W.H. Dry of this city.
A MR. TITZEL, of East McKeesport. Had hearing before Justice Samuel Welty and furnished $300 bail.
BENJAMIN UNDERWOOD, a teamster held by Justice Welty on $300 bail.
Mr. Titzel and Mr. Underwood, both white, are employed by the Wilson Transfer company as teamsters and Saturday evening left this city to deliver pipe to Manor. John Swingler, colored, was a teamster employed by W.H. Dry of this city and was employed to make the trip with Titzel and Underwood.
The party had stopped at the Hotel Victory, East McKeesport, to get a drink. Leaving the others in the bar room, Titzel went to his home nearby which fact will be the means of his alibi. In the bar room, it is said, Swingler persisted in kicking a door shut after being warned to desist and was ejected by John Rauber, the proprietor.
On the large veranda there was some quibbling between Rauber and Swingler and it is said when a fight seemed eminent Tim Dalton and John Merriman went to Rauber's assistance. It is claimed that some empty pop bottles were thrown at Swingler which angered him still more, and he pulled a revolver and began shooting. It is said that Swingler's revolver was placed behind Dalton's right ear and the shot which caused instant death was fired at close range. At the first shot, Merriman started to flee and stumbled over an empty pop box on the porch. Before he could gain his feet Swingler turned upon him and fired a shot that entered the left side just above the hip. Swingler then started in the direction of Wilmerding and Merriman was taken into the hotel where he is still being cared for. Saturday night no hopes were laid out for his recovery, but last night he was slightly improving.
Swingler, in the leaving the hotel, started along the street railway line for Wilmerding and residents of the borough started in pursuit. Word was also telephoned to Wilmerding and Constables Wm. Davenport and W.F. Dill started toward East McKeesport to capture the man. Swingler was seen walking along the road and was ordered to surrender. He replied with a revolver shot which was returned bringing him to halt. He submitted without further issue and was hurried to Wilmerding where he was committed to jail by Justice T.H. Kennedy and immediately taken to that institution.
The greatest excitement was created by the shooting and the news spread rapidly. The greatest concern was maintained for Merriman who was still alive and friends bore the body of Tim Dalton into the hotel. An hour after the shooting word of the capture of Swingler and parties who were searching for the man were called in. Later Underwood and Tizdel were taken in charge and dealt with as above stated.
That Titzel, who is a well know resident of the borough, will prove an alibi is not doubted. At the hotel he remembered that his mother had baked fresh pies during the day and told his fellow drivers to wait at the hotel and he would go home and get one of the pies. He went home and was about to bid his mother good bye when he heard the shots, dropped the pie and hurried to the hotel to learn of the tragedy.
John Swingler, the colored man, who is charged with the shooting, is well known in McKeesport, and is said to be a friend of James Milton, who shot and killed Constable Shields of Glassport a few weeks ago.
A post mortem held over the body of Timothy Dalton and reveled that he had been shot back of the left ear, the bullet taking a downward course and lodging in the right shoulder. Death was instantaneous. The coroner arrived yesterday forenoon and viewed the remains of Dalton and the scene of the murder and examined several witnesses. Awaiting the result of Merriman's injuries, was postponed and will be held in Pittsburg next Saturday. The body of Dalton was removed yesterday afternoon to the family residence on Melrose avenue by Undertaker Morrow of Wilmerding. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.
Dalton was employed as a blacksmith at the Westinghouse Airbrake shops in Wilmerding. Having lived in the community a number of years, he was well known.
John Merriman, better known as "Jack," was formerly a puddler, but has for several years has been employed as a gas fitter at the Westinghouse Airbrake works at Wilmerding. He has a wife and several children.
Newton J. Titzel is a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Titzel of Broadway, East McKeesport, and is known as a sober, trustworthy and industrious young man.
Word from East McKeesport this afternoon is to the effect that Merriman is getting along nicely and will recover unless complications set in. Dr. Henderson of East McKeesport, is attending the patient and is much encouraged by the turn for the better.
__________________________________
RELATIVES DIE THE SAME DAY
ONE MET WITH ACCIDENT AND OTHER WAS MURDERED
Chain of Circumstances Connecting the Deaths of Charles McMains of Clariton and Timothy Dalton – Other Relatives Here.
The Daily News
November 11, 1903
Page 1
It is not generally known that Timothy Dalton of East McKeesport who was murdered on Saturday evening was a brother-in-law of Charles McMains of Clairton, who died the same day as the result of a fall which broke his neck. John Merriman of East McKeesport, who was shot the same time Dalton was murdered was also a brother-in-law of Dalton.
In addition to the above circumstances Charles McMains was a brother of Edward McMains of this city who a few months ago shot himself at Altoona, Pa., from the effect of which he died. He was also a brother of Mrs. Maggie Hitchens living in Bellefonte street this city.
The funerals of McMains took place yesterday at Clairton and the funeral of Dalton took place at East McKeesport. The circumstances are considered a remarkable coincident.
NOTE: Tim Dalton was not related to Charles McMains; however, John Merriman was related to both Dalton and McMains. Dalton and Merriman were brothers-in-law and Merriman was the uncle of McMains' wife, Martha May Owston McMains. Coincidentally Dalton's widow would eventually marry the brother-in-law of Charles McMains - George Hood Owston. They were married in 1911.
___________________________________
EAST MCKEESPORT
The Daily News
November 12, 1903
Page 3
Funeral services were conducted over the remains of Timothy Dalton, who met such a tragic death at Hotel Victory last Saturday night, at the family residence on Melrose avenue at 10 a.m. Monday. Rev. A.C. Elliot, pastor of the M.E. church conducted the service which was largely attended. The remains were interred in Grandview cemetery. The widow and two small children who survive have the sympathy of the people of the community in this time of awful sorrow and are highly respected by all who know them.
John Merriman who lies at Hotel Victory suffering from a wound inflicted by a bullet from a 38-caliber revolver in the hands of John Swingler, colored, at the Hotel Victory on Saturday night, is still in a serious condition. He spent a somewhat restless day yesterday, but Dr. W.L. Henderson, the attending surgeon, thinks his patient's chances for recovery are good unless hemorrhages or blood poisoning should set in. While the location of the bullet has been determined it has been deemed best not to operate for its removal at the present.
___________________________________
For information on Dalton's brother-in-law, see the memorial for John Freemont Merriman.
___________________________________
The Daltons had five children: Roy (who died as a toddler in 1897), Nathalie, Blanche, Gertrude (who died in infancy in 1903), and Ruth who was born after Timothy's death.
Married in 1894 to Lora Gardner Day
Shot in the back of the head at the Hotel Victory in East McKeesport, PA. It was thought that he shared a grave with his daughter Gertrude who died three months previous to his death; however, cemetery records place him in Grave 1 and her in Grave 6. His grave has no stone, but it is immediately to the left of his wife Lora's grave. His wife was pregnant with their fifth child at the time of his death.
___________________________________
QUARREL ENDS IN FATAL SHOOTING
One Man Shot Dead, Another Wounded, At East McKeesport
NEGRO FIRED THE DEADLY SHOTS
Dispute Took Place in Hotel Victory – Dead Man Was Timothy Dalton – John Merriman Lies in the Hotel Dangerously Wounded – John Swingler is in Jail
The Daily News
November 9, 1903
Pages 1 & 6
One resident of East McKeesport is dead and another is perhaps fatally wounded in the result of a shooting at the Hotel Victory at Greensburg avenue and Broadway, East McKeesport about 10:15 o'clock Saturday night.
The dead man is:
TIMOTHY DALTON, living in Morrelle avenue [actually Melrose avenue], aged 40 years, shot back of right ear and died instantly [Note coroner's inquest stated he was shot back of his left ear]. Survived by a wife and two children.
The injured man is:
JOHN MERRIMAN, aged about 40 years and brother-in-law of Dalton. Shot in left side above the hip while prostrated by a fall on the porch. Being cared for at the Hotel Victory with a very slight chance for recovery.
Under arrest:
JOHN SWINGLER, colored, lives at 1120 Rose street. Aged about 25 years. Taken to the county jail charged with the shooting. Employed as a teamster by W.H. Dry of this city.
A MR. TITZEL, of East McKeesport. Had hearing before Justice Samuel Welty and furnished $300 bail.
BENJAMIN UNDERWOOD, a teamster held by Justice Welty on $300 bail.
Mr. Titzel and Mr. Underwood, both white, are employed by the Wilson Transfer company as teamsters and Saturday evening left this city to deliver pipe to Manor. John Swingler, colored, was a teamster employed by W.H. Dry of this city and was employed to make the trip with Titzel and Underwood.
The party had stopped at the Hotel Victory, East McKeesport, to get a drink. Leaving the others in the bar room, Titzel went to his home nearby which fact will be the means of his alibi. In the bar room, it is said, Swingler persisted in kicking a door shut after being warned to desist and was ejected by John Rauber, the proprietor.
On the large veranda there was some quibbling between Rauber and Swingler and it is said when a fight seemed eminent Tim Dalton and John Merriman went to Rauber's assistance. It is claimed that some empty pop bottles were thrown at Swingler which angered him still more, and he pulled a revolver and began shooting. It is said that Swingler's revolver was placed behind Dalton's right ear and the shot which caused instant death was fired at close range. At the first shot, Merriman started to flee and stumbled over an empty pop box on the porch. Before he could gain his feet Swingler turned upon him and fired a shot that entered the left side just above the hip. Swingler then started in the direction of Wilmerding and Merriman was taken into the hotel where he is still being cared for. Saturday night no hopes were laid out for his recovery, but last night he was slightly improving.
Swingler, in the leaving the hotel, started along the street railway line for Wilmerding and residents of the borough started in pursuit. Word was also telephoned to Wilmerding and Constables Wm. Davenport and W.F. Dill started toward East McKeesport to capture the man. Swingler was seen walking along the road and was ordered to surrender. He replied with a revolver shot which was returned bringing him to halt. He submitted without further issue and was hurried to Wilmerding where he was committed to jail by Justice T.H. Kennedy and immediately taken to that institution.
The greatest excitement was created by the shooting and the news spread rapidly. The greatest concern was maintained for Merriman who was still alive and friends bore the body of Tim Dalton into the hotel. An hour after the shooting word of the capture of Swingler and parties who were searching for the man were called in. Later Underwood and Tizdel were taken in charge and dealt with as above stated.
That Titzel, who is a well know resident of the borough, will prove an alibi is not doubted. At the hotel he remembered that his mother had baked fresh pies during the day and told his fellow drivers to wait at the hotel and he would go home and get one of the pies. He went home and was about to bid his mother good bye when he heard the shots, dropped the pie and hurried to the hotel to learn of the tragedy.
John Swingler, the colored man, who is charged with the shooting, is well known in McKeesport, and is said to be a friend of James Milton, who shot and killed Constable Shields of Glassport a few weeks ago.
A post mortem held over the body of Timothy Dalton and reveled that he had been shot back of the left ear, the bullet taking a downward course and lodging in the right shoulder. Death was instantaneous. The coroner arrived yesterday forenoon and viewed the remains of Dalton and the scene of the murder and examined several witnesses. Awaiting the result of Merriman's injuries, was postponed and will be held in Pittsburg next Saturday. The body of Dalton was removed yesterday afternoon to the family residence on Melrose avenue by Undertaker Morrow of Wilmerding. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.
Dalton was employed as a blacksmith at the Westinghouse Airbrake shops in Wilmerding. Having lived in the community a number of years, he was well known.
John Merriman, better known as "Jack," was formerly a puddler, but has for several years has been employed as a gas fitter at the Westinghouse Airbrake works at Wilmerding. He has a wife and several children.
Newton J. Titzel is a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Titzel of Broadway, East McKeesport, and is known as a sober, trustworthy and industrious young man.
Word from East McKeesport this afternoon is to the effect that Merriman is getting along nicely and will recover unless complications set in. Dr. Henderson of East McKeesport, is attending the patient and is much encouraged by the turn for the better.
__________________________________
RELATIVES DIE THE SAME DAY
ONE MET WITH ACCIDENT AND OTHER WAS MURDERED
Chain of Circumstances Connecting the Deaths of Charles McMains of Clariton and Timothy Dalton – Other Relatives Here.
The Daily News
November 11, 1903
Page 1
It is not generally known that Timothy Dalton of East McKeesport who was murdered on Saturday evening was a brother-in-law of Charles McMains of Clairton, who died the same day as the result of a fall which broke his neck. John Merriman of East McKeesport, who was shot the same time Dalton was murdered was also a brother-in-law of Dalton.
In addition to the above circumstances Charles McMains was a brother of Edward McMains of this city who a few months ago shot himself at Altoona, Pa., from the effect of which he died. He was also a brother of Mrs. Maggie Hitchens living in Bellefonte street this city.
The funerals of McMains took place yesterday at Clairton and the funeral of Dalton took place at East McKeesport. The circumstances are considered a remarkable coincident.
NOTE: Tim Dalton was not related to Charles McMains; however, John Merriman was related to both Dalton and McMains. Dalton and Merriman were brothers-in-law and Merriman was the uncle of McMains' wife, Martha May Owston McMains. Coincidentally Dalton's widow would eventually marry the brother-in-law of Charles McMains - George Hood Owston. They were married in 1911.
___________________________________
EAST MCKEESPORT
The Daily News
November 12, 1903
Page 3
Funeral services were conducted over the remains of Timothy Dalton, who met such a tragic death at Hotel Victory last Saturday night, at the family residence on Melrose avenue at 10 a.m. Monday. Rev. A.C. Elliot, pastor of the M.E. church conducted the service which was largely attended. The remains were interred in Grandview cemetery. The widow and two small children who survive have the sympathy of the people of the community in this time of awful sorrow and are highly respected by all who know them.
John Merriman who lies at Hotel Victory suffering from a wound inflicted by a bullet from a 38-caliber revolver in the hands of John Swingler, colored, at the Hotel Victory on Saturday night, is still in a serious condition. He spent a somewhat restless day yesterday, but Dr. W.L. Henderson, the attending surgeon, thinks his patient's chances for recovery are good unless hemorrhages or blood poisoning should set in. While the location of the bullet has been determined it has been deemed best not to operate for its removal at the present.
___________________________________
For information on Dalton's brother-in-law, see the memorial for John Freemont Merriman.
___________________________________
The Daltons had five children: Roy (who died as a toddler in 1897), Nathalie, Blanche, Gertrude (who died in infancy in 1903), and Ruth who was born after Timothy's death.
Son of James Dalton and Alice Hickey.
Married in 1894 to Lora Gardner Day
Shot in the back of the head at the Hotel Victory in East McKeesport, PA. It was thought that he shared a grave with his daughter Gertrude who died three months previous to his death; however, cemetery records place him in Grave 1 and her in Grave 6. His grave has no stone, but it is immediately to the left of his wife Lora's grave. His wife was pregnant with their fifth child at the time of his death.
___________________________________
QUARREL ENDS IN FATAL SHOOTING
One Man Shot Dead, Another Wounded, At East McKeesport
NEGRO FIRED THE DEADLY SHOTS
Dispute Took Place in Hotel Victory – Dead Man Was Timothy Dalton – John Merriman Lies in the Hotel Dangerously Wounded – John Swingler is in Jail
The Daily News
November 9, 1903
Pages 1 & 6
One resident of East McKeesport is dead and another is perhaps fatally wounded in the result of a shooting at the Hotel Victory at Greensburg avenue and Broadway, East McKeesport about 10:15 o'clock Saturday night.
The dead man is:
TIMOTHY DALTON, living in Morrelle avenue [actually Melrose avenue], aged 40 years, shot back of right ear and died instantly [Note coroner's inquest stated he was shot back of his left ear]. Survived by a wife and two children.
The injured man is:
JOHN MERRIMAN, aged about 40 years and brother-in-law of Dalton. Shot in left side above the hip while prostrated by a fall on the porch. Being cared for at the Hotel Victory with a very slight chance for recovery.
Under arrest:
JOHN SWINGLER, colored, lives at 1120 Rose street. Aged about 25 years. Taken to the county jail charged with the shooting. Employed as a teamster by W.H. Dry of this city.
A MR. TITZEL, of East McKeesport. Had hearing before Justice Samuel Welty and furnished $300 bail.
BENJAMIN UNDERWOOD, a teamster held by Justice Welty on $300 bail.
Mr. Titzel and Mr. Underwood, both white, are employed by the Wilson Transfer company as teamsters and Saturday evening left this city to deliver pipe to Manor. John Swingler, colored, was a teamster employed by W.H. Dry of this city and was employed to make the trip with Titzel and Underwood.
The party had stopped at the Hotel Victory, East McKeesport, to get a drink. Leaving the others in the bar room, Titzel went to his home nearby which fact will be the means of his alibi. In the bar room, it is said, Swingler persisted in kicking a door shut after being warned to desist and was ejected by John Rauber, the proprietor.
On the large veranda there was some quibbling between Rauber and Swingler and it is said when a fight seemed eminent Tim Dalton and John Merriman went to Rauber's assistance. It is claimed that some empty pop bottles were thrown at Swingler which angered him still more, and he pulled a revolver and began shooting. It is said that Swingler's revolver was placed behind Dalton's right ear and the shot which caused instant death was fired at close range. At the first shot, Merriman started to flee and stumbled over an empty pop box on the porch. Before he could gain his feet Swingler turned upon him and fired a shot that entered the left side just above the hip. Swingler then started in the direction of Wilmerding and Merriman was taken into the hotel where he is still being cared for. Saturday night no hopes were laid out for his recovery, but last night he was slightly improving.
Swingler, in the leaving the hotel, started along the street railway line for Wilmerding and residents of the borough started in pursuit. Word was also telephoned to Wilmerding and Constables Wm. Davenport and W.F. Dill started toward East McKeesport to capture the man. Swingler was seen walking along the road and was ordered to surrender. He replied with a revolver shot which was returned bringing him to halt. He submitted without further issue and was hurried to Wilmerding where he was committed to jail by Justice T.H. Kennedy and immediately taken to that institution.
The greatest excitement was created by the shooting and the news spread rapidly. The greatest concern was maintained for Merriman who was still alive and friends bore the body of Tim Dalton into the hotel. An hour after the shooting word of the capture of Swingler and parties who were searching for the man were called in. Later Underwood and Tizdel were taken in charge and dealt with as above stated.
That Titzel, who is a well know resident of the borough, will prove an alibi is not doubted. At the hotel he remembered that his mother had baked fresh pies during the day and told his fellow drivers to wait at the hotel and he would go home and get one of the pies. He went home and was about to bid his mother good bye when he heard the shots, dropped the pie and hurried to the hotel to learn of the tragedy.
John Swingler, the colored man, who is charged with the shooting, is well known in McKeesport, and is said to be a friend of James Milton, who shot and killed Constable Shields of Glassport a few weeks ago.
A post mortem held over the body of Timothy Dalton and reveled that he had been shot back of the left ear, the bullet taking a downward course and lodging in the right shoulder. Death was instantaneous. The coroner arrived yesterday forenoon and viewed the remains of Dalton and the scene of the murder and examined several witnesses. Awaiting the result of Merriman's injuries, was postponed and will be held in Pittsburg next Saturday. The body of Dalton was removed yesterday afternoon to the family residence on Melrose avenue by Undertaker Morrow of Wilmerding. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.
Dalton was employed as a blacksmith at the Westinghouse Airbrake shops in Wilmerding. Having lived in the community a number of years, he was well known.
John Merriman, better known as "Jack," was formerly a puddler, but has for several years has been employed as a gas fitter at the Westinghouse Airbrake works at Wilmerding. He has a wife and several children.
Newton J. Titzel is a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Titzel of Broadway, East McKeesport, and is known as a sober, trustworthy and industrious young man.
Word from East McKeesport this afternoon is to the effect that Merriman is getting along nicely and will recover unless complications set in. Dr. Henderson of East McKeesport, is attending the patient and is much encouraged by the turn for the better.
__________________________________
RELATIVES DIE THE SAME DAY
ONE MET WITH ACCIDENT AND OTHER WAS MURDERED
Chain of Circumstances Connecting the Deaths of Charles McMains of Clariton and Timothy Dalton – Other Relatives Here.
The Daily News
November 11, 1903
Page 1
It is not generally known that Timothy Dalton of East McKeesport who was murdered on Saturday evening was a brother-in-law of Charles McMains of Clairton, who died the same day as the result of a fall which broke his neck. John Merriman of East McKeesport, who was shot the same time Dalton was murdered was also a brother-in-law of Dalton.
In addition to the above circumstances Charles McMains was a brother of Edward McMains of this city who a few months ago shot himself at Altoona, Pa., from the effect of which he died. He was also a brother of Mrs. Maggie Hitchens living in Bellefonte street this city.
The funerals of McMains took place yesterday at Clairton and the funeral of Dalton took place at East McKeesport. The circumstances are considered a remarkable coincident.
NOTE: Tim Dalton was not related to Charles McMains; however, John Merriman was related to both Dalton and McMains. Dalton and Merriman were brothers-in-law and Merriman was the uncle of McMains' wife, Martha May Owston McMains. Coincidentally Dalton's widow would eventually marry the brother-in-law of Charles McMains - George Hood Owston. They were married in 1911.
___________________________________
EAST MCKEESPORT
The Daily News
November 12, 1903
Page 3
Funeral services were conducted over the remains of Timothy Dalton, who met such a tragic death at Hotel Victory last Saturday night, at the family residence on Melrose avenue at 10 a.m. Monday. Rev. A.C. Elliot, pastor of the M.E. church conducted the service which was largely attended. The remains were interred in Grandview cemetery. The widow and two small children who survive have the sympathy of the people of the community in this time of awful sorrow and are highly respected by all who know them.
John Merriman who lies at Hotel Victory suffering from a wound inflicted by a bullet from a 38-caliber revolver in the hands of John Swingler, colored, at the Hotel Victory on Saturday night, is still in a serious condition. He spent a somewhat restless day yesterday, but Dr. W.L. Henderson, the attending surgeon, thinks his patient's chances for recovery are good unless hemorrhages or blood poisoning should set in. While the location of the bullet has been determined it has been deemed best not to operate for its removal at the present.
___________________________________
For information on Dalton's brother-in-law, see the memorial for John Freemont Merriman.
___________________________________
The Daltons had five children: Roy (who died as a toddler in 1897), Nathalie, Blanche, Gertrude (who died in infancy in 1903), and Ruth who was born after Timothy's death.
Married in 1894 to Lora Gardner Day
Shot in the back of the head at the Hotel Victory in East McKeesport, PA. It was thought that he shared a grave with his daughter Gertrude who died three months previous to his death; however, cemetery records place him in Grave 1 and her in Grave 6. His grave has no stone, but it is immediately to the left of his wife Lora's grave. His wife was pregnant with their fifth child at the time of his death.
___________________________________
QUARREL ENDS IN FATAL SHOOTING
One Man Shot Dead, Another Wounded, At East McKeesport
NEGRO FIRED THE DEADLY SHOTS
Dispute Took Place in Hotel Victory – Dead Man Was Timothy Dalton – John Merriman Lies in the Hotel Dangerously Wounded – John Swingler is in Jail
The Daily News
November 9, 1903
Pages 1 & 6
One resident of East McKeesport is dead and another is perhaps fatally wounded in the result of a shooting at the Hotel Victory at Greensburg avenue and Broadway, East McKeesport about 10:15 o'clock Saturday night.
The dead man is:
TIMOTHY DALTON, living in Morrelle avenue [actually Melrose avenue], aged 40 years, shot back of right ear and died instantly [Note coroner's inquest stated he was shot back of his left ear]. Survived by a wife and two children.
The injured man is:
JOHN MERRIMAN, aged about 40 years and brother-in-law of Dalton. Shot in left side above the hip while prostrated by a fall on the porch. Being cared for at the Hotel Victory with a very slight chance for recovery.
Under arrest:
JOHN SWINGLER, colored, lives at 1120 Rose street. Aged about 25 years. Taken to the county jail charged with the shooting. Employed as a teamster by W.H. Dry of this city.
A MR. TITZEL, of East McKeesport. Had hearing before Justice Samuel Welty and furnished $300 bail.
BENJAMIN UNDERWOOD, a teamster held by Justice Welty on $300 bail.
Mr. Titzel and Mr. Underwood, both white, are employed by the Wilson Transfer company as teamsters and Saturday evening left this city to deliver pipe to Manor. John Swingler, colored, was a teamster employed by W.H. Dry of this city and was employed to make the trip with Titzel and Underwood.
The party had stopped at the Hotel Victory, East McKeesport, to get a drink. Leaving the others in the bar room, Titzel went to his home nearby which fact will be the means of his alibi. In the bar room, it is said, Swingler persisted in kicking a door shut after being warned to desist and was ejected by John Rauber, the proprietor.
On the large veranda there was some quibbling between Rauber and Swingler and it is said when a fight seemed eminent Tim Dalton and John Merriman went to Rauber's assistance. It is claimed that some empty pop bottles were thrown at Swingler which angered him still more, and he pulled a revolver and began shooting. It is said that Swingler's revolver was placed behind Dalton's right ear and the shot which caused instant death was fired at close range. At the first shot, Merriman started to flee and stumbled over an empty pop box on the porch. Before he could gain his feet Swingler turned upon him and fired a shot that entered the left side just above the hip. Swingler then started in the direction of Wilmerding and Merriman was taken into the hotel where he is still being cared for. Saturday night no hopes were laid out for his recovery, but last night he was slightly improving.
Swingler, in the leaving the hotel, started along the street railway line for Wilmerding and residents of the borough started in pursuit. Word was also telephoned to Wilmerding and Constables Wm. Davenport and W.F. Dill started toward East McKeesport to capture the man. Swingler was seen walking along the road and was ordered to surrender. He replied with a revolver shot which was returned bringing him to halt. He submitted without further issue and was hurried to Wilmerding where he was committed to jail by Justice T.H. Kennedy and immediately taken to that institution.
The greatest excitement was created by the shooting and the news spread rapidly. The greatest concern was maintained for Merriman who was still alive and friends bore the body of Tim Dalton into the hotel. An hour after the shooting word of the capture of Swingler and parties who were searching for the man were called in. Later Underwood and Tizdel were taken in charge and dealt with as above stated.
That Titzel, who is a well know resident of the borough, will prove an alibi is not doubted. At the hotel he remembered that his mother had baked fresh pies during the day and told his fellow drivers to wait at the hotel and he would go home and get one of the pies. He went home and was about to bid his mother good bye when he heard the shots, dropped the pie and hurried to the hotel to learn of the tragedy.
John Swingler, the colored man, who is charged with the shooting, is well known in McKeesport, and is said to be a friend of James Milton, who shot and killed Constable Shields of Glassport a few weeks ago.
A post mortem held over the body of Timothy Dalton and reveled that he had been shot back of the left ear, the bullet taking a downward course and lodging in the right shoulder. Death was instantaneous. The coroner arrived yesterday forenoon and viewed the remains of Dalton and the scene of the murder and examined several witnesses. Awaiting the result of Merriman's injuries, was postponed and will be held in Pittsburg next Saturday. The body of Dalton was removed yesterday afternoon to the family residence on Melrose avenue by Undertaker Morrow of Wilmerding. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.
Dalton was employed as a blacksmith at the Westinghouse Airbrake shops in Wilmerding. Having lived in the community a number of years, he was well known.
John Merriman, better known as "Jack," was formerly a puddler, but has for several years has been employed as a gas fitter at the Westinghouse Airbrake works at Wilmerding. He has a wife and several children.
Newton J. Titzel is a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Titzel of Broadway, East McKeesport, and is known as a sober, trustworthy and industrious young man.
Word from East McKeesport this afternoon is to the effect that Merriman is getting along nicely and will recover unless complications set in. Dr. Henderson of East McKeesport, is attending the patient and is much encouraged by the turn for the better.
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RELATIVES DIE THE SAME DAY
ONE MET WITH ACCIDENT AND OTHER WAS MURDERED
Chain of Circumstances Connecting the Deaths of Charles McMains of Clariton and Timothy Dalton – Other Relatives Here.
The Daily News
November 11, 1903
Page 1
It is not generally known that Timothy Dalton of East McKeesport who was murdered on Saturday evening was a brother-in-law of Charles McMains of Clairton, who died the same day as the result of a fall which broke his neck. John Merriman of East McKeesport, who was shot the same time Dalton was murdered was also a brother-in-law of Dalton.
In addition to the above circumstances Charles McMains was a brother of Edward McMains of this city who a few months ago shot himself at Altoona, Pa., from the effect of which he died. He was also a brother of Mrs. Maggie Hitchens living in Bellefonte street this city.
The funerals of McMains took place yesterday at Clairton and the funeral of Dalton took place at East McKeesport. The circumstances are considered a remarkable coincident.
NOTE: Tim Dalton was not related to Charles McMains; however, John Merriman was related to both Dalton and McMains. Dalton and Merriman were brothers-in-law and Merriman was the uncle of McMains' wife, Martha May Owston McMains. Coincidentally Dalton's widow would eventually marry the brother-in-law of Charles McMains - George Hood Owston. They were married in 1911.
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EAST MCKEESPORT
The Daily News
November 12, 1903
Page 3
Funeral services were conducted over the remains of Timothy Dalton, who met such a tragic death at Hotel Victory last Saturday night, at the family residence on Melrose avenue at 10 a.m. Monday. Rev. A.C. Elliot, pastor of the M.E. church conducted the service which was largely attended. The remains were interred in Grandview cemetery. The widow and two small children who survive have the sympathy of the people of the community in this time of awful sorrow and are highly respected by all who know them.
John Merriman who lies at Hotel Victory suffering from a wound inflicted by a bullet from a 38-caliber revolver in the hands of John Swingler, colored, at the Hotel Victory on Saturday night, is still in a serious condition. He spent a somewhat restless day yesterday, but Dr. W.L. Henderson, the attending surgeon, thinks his patient's chances for recovery are good unless hemorrhages or blood poisoning should set in. While the location of the bullet has been determined it has been deemed best not to operate for its removal at the present.
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For information on Dalton's brother-in-law, see the memorial for John Freemont Merriman.
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The Daltons had five children: Roy (who died as a toddler in 1897), Nathalie, Blanche, Gertrude (who died in infancy in 1903), and Ruth who was born after Timothy's death.
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