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Author: sandrabordelon
Surnames: Cady, Smith, Ostrander, Weisiship, McDowell, Holsterer
Classification: obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.cady/646/mb.ashx
Message Board Post:
TERRIBLE EXPLOSION - SIX LIVES LOST - The steamer Contra Costa, plying between San
Francisco and Oakland, was blown up on Sunday last, killing six persons and wounding some
eighteen others. From the reports in the San Francisco papers we learn that the boat and
the Oakland were racing, the Oakland being in the rear - which accounts for so few lives
having been lost, as the passengers were, at the moment, all in the stern of the
boat,watching her competitor.
The starboard boiler was blown completely out of
the boat, and was afterwards discovered half buried in sand in the shoal water, on the
Oakland Bar.
The following named persons were killed or so severely injured as to die within a few
minutes: David W. CADY, street contractor; Michael G. SMITH, barkeeper of the boat; Henry
L. OSTRANDER, one of the crew; Colbert WEISISHIP, fireman; George McDOWELL, chief fireman,
and one other, name unknown. Eighteen others were severely injured, one of whom, Joseph
HOLSTERER, died of his wounds Monday morning.
The Oakland was immediately brought to and rendered every assistance possible. The captain
and engineer of the Contra Costa were arrested to await the result of an inquest.
San Mateo County Gazette
Redwood City, San Mateo County, California
Saturday Morning, April 9, 1859, Vol. 1 No. 1.
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