Contractor Killed
Press-Democrat Special
Danville Press-Democrat
Thursday, December 12, 1912, p 4

Word was received here late this afternoon that Bruce Hickman, a prominent ditching contractor of this place, was killed by a fall of earth while working in a ditch near the Burwash farm about six miles south of Homer. Mr. Hickman, with Samuel Preston and one or two other men were working in a cut about ten feet deep when the earth suddenly gave way upon Mr. Hickman crushing him. Mr. Hickman was about forty years of age and had resided in this vicinity for a number of years. He is survived by the widow and three daughters and a brother, A. Hickman.

Hickman Funeral To Be Held Today
Homer Man Who Was Killed in Accident,
Will be Buried in G. A. R. Cemetery Near Here.
Press-Democrat Special
Danville Press-Democrat
Saturday, December 14, 1912, p 3

Homer, Ill., Dec. 13.—The funeral of Bruce Hickman, who lost his life by being crushed by falling earth, south of this village, Thursday afternoon, will be held from the M. E. Church here tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at 1 o’clock and the service will be conducted by Rev. W. M. Want, the pastor, followed by interment in the G. A. R. cemetery. Mr. Hickman was born near Ridgefarm Feb. 23rd, 1865, and for the greater part of his life lived in this vicinity. He was one a family of thirteen children, several of whom survive him. His widow and three daughters also survive him. The funeral will be under the charge of the M. W. A. and I. O. O. F. of this place.
Homer Man Met With Accidental Death
According To Coroner Henmore, Who Held
Inquest Wednesday.
Danville Commercial News
Friday, December 13, 1912, p 10

Homer, Ill., Dec. 12.—The inquest over the death of Bruce Hickman caused by a caving ditch bank Wednesday afternoon was held by Coroner Henmore of Urbana Wednesday evening in the Hamill furniture store. The verdict of the jury was accidental death. The witnesses examined were the men with Mr. Hickman at the time, namely Samuel Preston, John Danner and Henry Mullen. Bruce Hickman was born at Ridgefarm in Feb. 1866 being at the time of his death forty-six years of age. He was the youngest of thirteen children, 11 living at the present time. He has lived all his life in this vicinity and married here his wife being Miss Belle Childs to them were born three daughters all of whom are living. Their names are Hazel, Helen and Opal. Mr. Hickman was a member of the Modern Woodman, the Loyal American and the Odd Fellows. For a time he was engaged in the grocery business in partnership with his brother A. L. Hickman of this city. The time of the funeral has not been decided yet pending the receipt of word from a sister in Nebraska as to whether she will come or not. (transcribed by Homer Historical Society)