WH
U.S. Army · United States 
William Homan
1878
William M. Homan served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Natural
Cause
Natural disease, unspecified
What Happened
Captain William Homan died as a result of contracting yellow fever during the Lower Mississippi Valley Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878.
The Memphis Police Department became understaffed after the resignations of more than 20 officers who fled the city with their families for safety. Only 31 officers remained on duty and at their assigned posts during the epidemic, including the Chief of Police. All 31 officers became sick, and 10 officers died from complications of yellow fever while carrying out their official police duties and caring for their families, who also became ill due to the epidemic.
Captain Homan was a Union Army veteran of the Civil War and served with the Memphis Police Department for nine years.
The Memphis Police Department became understaffed after the resignations of more than 20 officers who fled the city with their families for safety. Only 31 officers remained on duty and at their assigned posts during the epidemic, including the Chief of Police. All 31 officers became sick, and 10 officers died from complications of yellow fever while carrying out their official police duties and caring for their families, who also became ill due to the epidemic.
Captain Homan was a Union Army veteran of the Civil War and served with the Memphis Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, and three children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Memphis Police Department
Captain
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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