Lansing State Journal page 1, column 7; Monday; April 26, 1920 - "CAVING OF SEWER COST LIFE OF MAN - Harry Toms, Late of England, Goes to His Death on Job in Lansing. - Harry Toms, age 29, of 1301 Sheridan st., was smothered to death Saturday afternoon in the 22-foot sewer trench which is being dug on Lansing ave., in the northwestern part of the city. The cave-in was four blocks south of the Warner street school. Charles Jones, who was working with Toms at the time of the collapse, narrowly escaped death.
According to Jones, Toms, who was an experienced hand at the construction of sewers, was laying the 30-inch pipes and cementing them. He had just finished the cementing and had started to fill when the cave-in came. Toms was first covered to his neck. He called for help but before Jones could reach him the earth further gave way. 'In my excitement,' says Jones, 'I lost the place where Toms was.' The eight men on the job began digging and the steam shovel was put to work but the fineness of the white sand greatly hampered the work of rescuing him.
After two hours and a half Toms was uncovered. Death by suffocation was the verdict of Coroner Brinkerhoffer. No bones were found broken.
Toms, who came here from England, leaves a wife and two children, one and three years old. Mrs Toms who is alone in this country is prostrated. She will go back to her people in England.
The funeral will take place from the Joy funeral chapel Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and interment will be made in Mt. Hope."
Lansing State Journal; page 21, column 8; Saturday; May 8, 1920 "CARD OF THANKS - I wish to thank the Western & Southern Life Insurance Co. for prompt settlement of $1,000.00 on my husband, Harry Toms, who was accidentally killed. I recommend the Western & Southern Life Insurance Co. to those desiring first class protection and prompt settlement of claims. Gladys Toms." ------ "I wish to thank the friends, neighbors, employe(e)s of the Auto Body and fellow workers, also the minister and singers, who so kindly assisted me in my bereavement. Gladys Toms."