The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-06-25
Death, Though Unexpected, FOL-
lowed Lingering Illness of
More Than a Year
HAD LIVED HERE SINCE 1894
Was Once City Treasurer and
Legislator; Was Active
in city's Affairs

John Homan, IS, pioneer, business
man, former city treasurer and MEM
Der Of the legislature, died at $50
o'clock this morning. Arrangements
for the funeral were awaiting the ar.
rival Of q daughter from Minneapolis,
today. before making definite plans.
Although the death Of Mr.. Homan
vas unexpected he had been ailing
q year and but q matter Of a few
weeks ago had shown symptoms of
real illness which resulted in q short
stay at q hospital. His ailment was
Of q lingering character. However,
he was up and about and planning
activities like work on his farm west
of the capitol.
Was Pennsylvania Native
John Homan had been q resident
Of Bismarck since about 1884. He
came here from Ohio, but had been
born in Schuylkill Haven, Pa, Sep
TENDER ~, 1863, his exact age being
66 years, nine months and three days.
He had learned the baking trade in
Philadelphia and after working for
John Yegen and Austin Logan. he set
up in that business here, first on
Main avenue where French and
WEIGH nov are located, later on Fifth
street where the American pool hall
is operating, and then, after build
ing the Holman building at lit Fourth
street, winding up his business career
there. He retired some years ago.
February 10, 1891, he married Mar
garet Dolan, also of q pioneer family
of Bismarck and q native of the state.
He leaves her and two sons and two
daughters. Harry Homan, of the rail-
way express administration here, Mrs.
II. G. Doerr, wife Of q Minneapolis
druggist, Paul Homan, in the local
East office, aad Florence Homaa, At
home.
In Ohio several brothers and sis
tiers reside. These r Mrs. T. B.
Weaver, Mrs. Ella Cochran and Fred
Holman, Cleveland: Mrs. Charles Cas-
tor, Sterling; Jacob Homan, Rittman;
Mrs. James Childs, Mrs. william
Humphreys and Harry Holman,
Perrysville.
Noted As Fireman and Ball Player
Mi. Homan was connected with
many local activities in his time. Old
timers like to tell Of his fireman days.
He was an athlete, excelling especial
~ as q runner. and this ability he
used to advantage not only as q star
on the old Bismarck baseball team
but as q member of the hose team of
the old Pioneer Hose company. He
won four medals as a hose coupler
and was champion Of the Northwest
In that feat. He also was on the hose
running team which won q gold med
al-now in the historical museum
for running with q hose cart and put
ting 1t In operation.
There are many fading photographs
scattered around the city Of these old
fire and baseball teams in which John
Homan appears. Myron Hutchinson,
who concluded q visit here on Tues
day, and w. A. Falconer. city assessor,
appear in the ball group. while A. A.
Van Horn, Duncan McGillis and Fire
Marshal Henry Reade r other faces
In the hose company groups. These
men helped not only to win the gold
medal now in the historical museum,
but won also q running cart. It was
recalled today by MI. McGillis and
MI. Van Horn that Bismarck defeat
ed Grand Forks, Wahpeton and VAL
ley City firemen In these hose cart
contests.
Legislatoe and Treasurer
Mr.. Homan was q member Of Bis
marck lodge Of Masons and Of Bis
marck lodge Of Elks.
He was city treasurer In the eos
and served as representative from
Burleigh county in the legislative ses-
sions Of 1913 and 1915.