Petersburg Observer, Petersburg, IL Sept. 4, 1942 Front page

W. T. Homer Dead of “Damp” While on Mine Inspection Trip

William T. Homer, 59 years old, and employed as a miner in this community for many years, was overcome by blackdamp in the Perkins mine near Athens Thursday afternoon of last week. He entered the mine at 4 p.m. and his body was not recovered until seven hours later. He went to the mine with John Frost and his son John Jr., the three men intending to make an inspection of the mine with the intention of leasing it. The younger Frost was first lowered into shaft, but returned to the surface almost immediately, saying that he believed the mine to be dangerous because of gas. After Frost came up, Homer insisted upon going down, even though the other two attempted to disuade him. They finally lowered him to the bottom of the shaft, after warning him that they thought it dangerous. When he failed to return to the foot of the shaft in 20 minutes, one of the two went for assistance.

The rescue party reached the scene soon after being summoned, but it was several hours before the body was removed from the mine. The body was taken to the Mott Funeral Home in Athens where an inquest was held the following morning, and a verdict of accidental death was returned.

Following the inquest, the remains were brought to the Satorius Funeral Home here and services were held at 2:30 Monday afternoon at Central Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. Grant Mason. Burial was in Oakland cemetery.

Mr. Homer was born in Wyoming, Ill. On Aug. 26, 1883, the son of Henry and Martha Homer. He came to Petersburg when a young man and spent most of his life working in various mines in the community. Many years ago he lost his left arm in an accident, but continued to make his living as a miner despite the handicap. He was married on Dec. 6, 1916 to Mrs. Cora Reavis, who survives. Surviving also are two brothers, John and Lambert Homer of Springfield, and four sisters, Mrs. Carl Tooms of Peoria, Mrs. Emma Brotletti and Mrs. Lawrence Neely of Springfield and Mrs. George Davis of Greenview.

Illinois State Journal, Springfield, IL Saturday, August 29, 1942, Page 3

Wm. T. Homer Believed Victim of Damps

Petersburg, Aug. 28 - William T. Homer, 59, of Petersburg, was found dead in the Perkins mine near Athens about 11 p.m. Thursday, apparently the victim of blackdamp. He entered the mine about 4 p.m.

The body was removed to the Mott & Son funeral home in Athens where Dr. Irving Newcomer held an inquest Friday. Following the inquest the body was taken to Satorius funeral home in Petersburg.

Homer was born Aug. 25, 1883, in Wyoming, Ill., and came to Menard county when a child. He had worked in coal mines in this vicinity since he was 10 years old.

Surviving are his wife, Cora; four sisters, Mrs. Pearl Tomms, Peoria; Mrs. Emma Bartlett and Mrs. Lawrence Neeley, both of Springfield; Mrs. George Davis, Greenview, and two brothers, Lambert and John, both of Springfield.

born 25 Aug 1883
died: 27 Aug 1942

NOTE: Spellings are kept as in original newspapers. Notice difference in birth dates and in spelling of deceased sister’s names.

Submitted by: Jeanie Lowe