Robert R. McCormick

Robert Rutherford "Colonel" McCormick (July 30, 1880 – April 1, 1955) was a member of the McCormick family of Chicago who became owner and publisher of the Chicago Tribune newspaper. A leading non-interventionist, an opponent of American entry into World War II and of the increase in Federal power brought about by the New Deal, he continued to champion a traditionalist course long after his positions had been eclipsed in the mainstream.

Biography

Robert Rayford

Robert Rayford (February 3, 1953 – May 15 or May 16, 1969), sometimes identified as Robert R. due to his age, was an American teenager from Missouri who is thought to have had the earliest case of HIV/AIDS in North America. Rayford's death was a mystery to doctors who could not account for his symptoms. The cause of his death remained unidentified until 1987.

Illness

In early 1968, a 15-year-old African-American teenager named Robert Rayford admitted himself to Barnes-Jewish Hospital (then called Barnes Hospital) in St. Louis, Missouri. His legs and genitals were covered in warts and sores. He also had severe swelling of the testicles and pelvic region, which later spread to his legs, causing a misdiagnosis of lymphedema. He had grown thin and pale and suffered from shortness of breath. Rayford told the doctors that he had had these symptoms since at least late 1966. Tests discovered a severe chlamydia infection. Rayford declined a rectal examination request from hospital personnel. Doctors treating Rayford suspected that he was homosexual, bisexual, or had engaged in receptive anal intercourse.