From Hammond Times, Friday, 29 Oct 1937, “Speculating in Sports” by John Whitaker: “Notre Dame won’t be without strong support from the Calumet district at Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon. Following is a complete list of ladies and gentlemen from these precincts who have made reservations onthe all-expense special leaving Gary around midnight and arriving in Gophertown early tomorrow morning. The train will be well stocked with salted peanuts, ice cream bars, all day suckers and other delicacies calculated to keep the folks from talking too much football. Frank O’Rourke has some new evidence to support the appointment of Justice Black to the supreme court and seems to have assembled anough democratic bodyguards along to win any argument.
Frank Galvin has been appointed historian and will report details at the next session of the Calumet Notre Dame club. The sponsors, John Wallace and John Coyle, have provided Frank with a dictaphone and two stenographers (male). Here’s the list:
HAMMOND—Mr. and Mrs. Frank O’Rourke, John Mehan, Carl Etter, Archie Spoerner [?], Frank Galvin, LEO RUTH [emph mine], Edward ‘Red’ Dwyer, Elmer Stark, Clarence Stephans, Harold Austgen, Dr. Earl Quinn, Maurice Quinn, Ray Groff, Claude Niedorkorn, Vine Boyle, C.A. Ettling, Hank Downey and Bill Frazier.” [List continues with Cal City, Gary, East Chicago, and Whiting.]215

On probate records for Bertha and August Ruth, Leo gives residence as 35 Ogden St. Also listed as his address on death certificate.38

Leo died intestate; family asked Margaret Boyle, administratrix of Bertha and August’s estates, to handle Leo’s. His one piece of “chattel” was his 1935 Dodge Coupe, which was sold to Helen. Among his debts was one to Armstrong Jewelers for $85 (we suspect this is for the engagement ring). He had an insurance policy with the Knights of Columbus valued at $800 (when did he take out this policy?). Had $32.63 on him when he died. Had money in a safe deposit box, in savings, and money from Social Security (for August?). 39

Member of the Catholic Order of Foresters216

Worked as a steel worker for 5 years before his death.38

Leo killed himself on 4 July 1938, at approximately 2:15pm.38 He had gone up to Trevor WI propose to a woman who allegedly turned him down. After telling his friends he was going out for a game of golf, he drove his car to a remote area and shot himself in the chest. He was later found by a farmer driving his cows home. Joe Ruth and Helen McLaughlin denied the refusal of the proposal to the press; we don’t know what’s true.216

According to Kenosha newspaper account, Leo had been in Trevor for several days visiting friends. He had proposed marriage to the woman in question. “The couple were to have come to Kenosha today to make plans for their marriage in a few weeks.” This same account said Leo had been a frequent visitor over the last several months at the home of the woman he proposed to.217

Leo was unemployed during the Depression. When he died, Helen (Ruth) McLaughlin “did some sleuthing,” but would only say “It doesn’t look good.” She wouldn’t say any more.61

Father Burke (of Glenwood) took over at the funeral when the first priest walked away.28

Aunt Dolores had his names as Leo Aloisius Edward Ruth.15