Carnegie Heroes

Carnegie Hero Fund Commission was established in 1904. Its Mission: To recognize and support those who perform acts of heroism in civilian life in the United States and Canada. Four Macoupin County citizens have been awarded a Carnegie Medal.

Never Too Late to Honor a Hero

IVAH J. COLES: On June 8, 1904, Ivah Coles, age 21, of Bunker Hill, IL, and Richard Cromwell, age 20, of Centerville, IL, went swimming in the Superior Coal Company Mine reservoir near Gillespie. Cromwell began cramping and sinking and Coles attempted to save him, but both victims drowned. Coles’ award was presented to his Mother posthumously.

ROBERT H. RUTHERFORD: On July 18, 1931, Robert “Bob” Rutherford of Greenridge, IL, rescued Andrew E. Thomas from a cave-in. Thomas, age 54, and Rutherford’s father were standing upright at the foot of a ladder at the bottom of a well when brick and earth dropped covering them, except the upstretched hands of Rutherford’s father, Cecil. Bob Rutherford, age 19, a student, descended to the top of the debris and removed bricks and dirt from around his father’s head and arms. His father then assisted in freeing himself. Bob then crept closer to Thomas and removed bricks and debris from Thomas’ body. Thomas then assisted in freeing himself with Bob Rutherford’s aid. Bob then ascended the ladder with falls of earth and bricks surrounding him. After all three were safe, the top totally collapsed.

ROBERT B. OGG: On June 4, 1931, Robert B. Ogg, age 9, saved John Rice, age 9, from drowning at Gillespie Country Club. Robert Ogg dove and swam to his submerged friend, John, and then swam with him to wadeable water.

GENE BURKE: On March 2, 1939, Girard, IL native, Arthur Eugene Burke, age 16, saved John Wilson, age 76, from being killed by a train at Girard. Wilson walked rapidly toward a railroad track on which a train was approaching at a speed of 60 M.P.H. From a point a few feet on the opposite side of the track, Gene Burke ran ten feet to Wilson, crossing the track, grasped Wilson and forced him down and away from the track. Burke fell on top of him and he cleared the train by about five feet. Gene Burke is the brother of Betty Burke Garbin of Girard.

More information is available at https://www.carnegiehero.org/ and https://www.carnegiehero.org/illinois-ceremony-past-awardees/