Homer Lewis DeGolyer (1892-1963) was a man with varied interests, who managed to successfully combine vocation with avocation. Born November 13, 1892, he was the younger bother of E. L. DeGolyer, Sr., noted geologist and bibliophile. Homer's career included the roles of soldier, historian and business man. He served in World War I as a sergeant first class with the 463 Aero Squadron. Immediately after the war he donned his historian's hat by acting as managing editor in the writing and publishing of The History of the Four Hundred and Sixty Third Aero Squadron, published in 1920. DeGolyer kept in touch with his war buddies and regularly attended squadron reunions. Her served briefly as a captain in the Oklahoma National Guard and held membership in the American Legion.
Mr. DeGolyer was a pioneer in the field of microfilming, and, as such, established Southwest Microfilm, Inc., one of the first companies of its type in the area. Under his leadership the company amassed a collection of films dealing with Early Western Americana, a topic of great interest to several members of the DeGolyer family.
He was a noted researcher on the subject of Dallas history and served as a research associate with the Dallas Historical Society. Other topics of interest to him were the Santa Fe Trail, William Beckness, Texas history, the history of mining and geology and the circus. As a circus fan he was a member of The Circus Historical Society, The Circus Review, The Circus Model Builders and Owners Association and served as historian of the The Circus Fans Association.
After retiring from Southwest Microfilm, Mr. DeGolyer maintained an office at Southern Methodist University, where he continued his historical research. He died on December 15, 1963.
From the guide to the Homer DeGolyer Collection Mss 0047 and Mss 0047x., 1892-1963, (Southern Methodist University DeGolyer Library)
