Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 251, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 October 1912 — “BILLY” RUCH DIES IN GARY HOSPITAL [ARTICLE]

“BILLY” RUCH DIES IN GARY HOSPITAL

Newsboy Who Gave Crippled Leg to Save Life of Girl Victim of Pneumonia. “Billy” Rugh, heroic Gary newsboy, sacrificed his life to save that of a girl he had never seen. He will be buried at Briar Cliffs cemetery, Rock Island, 111., Monday, but the memory of his deed will live in his home forever, perpetuated by a statue which will be erected by his fellow citizens. [Rugh Willingly sacrificed his crippled leg that Miss Ethel Smith, who had been burned in an explosion of gasoline, might live. Both patients rallied from the operation, but Rugh developed pneumonia Tuesday, and, although nurses and physicians combatted the disease with all skill available, he died Friday morning. Steps have already been taken to perpetuate the story of Rugh’s sacrifice in the minds of the residents of Gary. A public meeting will be held Monday night at the Gary Hotel, at which plans will be made for the raising of money to erect a statue to the memory of the newsboy. Miss Smith, who has not fully recovered from the effects of the burns and the operation, was kept in ignorance of the death of her benefactor until late Friday afternoon. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she called her mother to her side. “I. am so sorry,” Miss Smith said. “He gave his life for me and I could do nothing for him.” The funeral services will be held at the Methodist church, in accordance with the last request of the newsboy. “My mother belonged to the Methodist church,” said Rugh, “and if I die I want the funeral services to be held at that church.” One hundred dollars already been, subscribed to the fund for the permanent memorial. A bronze tablet with an appropriate inscription will be erected at Sixth Avenue and Broadway, where Rugh sold papers. 'Arrangements have been made so Miss Smith may attend the funeral services, should her physicians find her able.