Homer, Willard J. 1858-1896

HOMER, MCCAUSTLAND

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/2/2014 at 18:02:44

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
July 30, 1896

DROWNED IN THE SIOUX
W. J. Homer, of Akron, is Drowned While Attempting to Swim the Big Sioux at Belle Vista.

W. J. Homer, a resident of Akron, was drowned in the Big Sioux river at Belle Vista ferry at noon Sunday. Homer, in company with other Akron men, had driven to the ferry from Akron and were going to Jefferson, South Dakota. They found the ferry on the South Dakota side of the river and Homer volunteered to swim across and get it. He started out, but when he had reached the middle of the stream he suddenly sank from the sight of his companions and did not rise again. His friends informed some fishermen of the drowning and with them the river was dragged with a seine. They soon found the body and at once returned with it to Akron. The funeral was held there Monday.

The dead man was about thirty years of age and had lived for a considerable time at Akron. He formerly ran a billiard hall in Akron but sold out a short time ago. His mother lives on a farm a few miles north of Akron. The name of his companions at the time of the accident are not known.
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LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
August 6, 1896

AKRON: (From the Register)
Wm. J. Homer’s funeral services were held at the home of his mother, Mrs. J. T. McCaustland, near Westfield last Monday. The services were conducted by Rev. Geo. C. Fort. The remains were buried in the private graveyard of the family.

NOTE: The name of the deceased (per cemetery records) is Willard J. Homer, born 5/25/1858 and died 7/26/1896.