Thomas Westerhood, October 24th, 1849
At 6:00 p.m. on Election night, October 9, 1849, a riot took place on St. Mary’s Street. During the riot the California House and many other buildings were set afire and burned.
When members of the Good Will Engine Company arrived to assist in fighting the blazes, they were struck by a volley of gunfire. Charles Himmelwright was shot in the head and died within minutes. Yet another member of the Good Will Engine, Thomas S. Westerhood suffered severe gunshot wounds. He lingered until his suffering ended on October 24th.
It was reported that John Hollick Sr. was also killed. This report was in error. Mr. Hollick Sr. was struck with a stone and deprived of the sight in his right eye. In fact, per the Good Will Fire Company minutes (which are held at Fireman’s Hall Museum) on December 10, 1849, he was duly elected an Honorary Member of the Company. This would release him from actively attending fires. John Hollick Sr. appears in the 1870 Census.
Thomas Westerhood, October 24th, 1849
At 6:00 p.m. on Election night, October 9, 1849, a riot took place on St. Mary’s Street. During the riot the California House and many other buildings were set afire and burned.
When members of the Good Will Engine Company arrived to assist in fighting the blazes, they were struck by a volley of gunfire. Charles Himmelwright was shot in the head and died within minutes. Yet another member of the Good Will Engine, Thomas S. Westerhood suffered severe gunshot wounds. He lingered until his suffering ended on October 24th.
It was reported that John Hollick Sr. was also killed. This report was in error. Mr. Hollick Sr. was struck with a stone and deprived of the sight in his right eye. In fact, per the Good Will Fire Company minutes (which are held at Fireman’s Hall Museum) on December 10, 1849, he was duly elected an Honorary Member of the Company. This would release him from actively attending fires. John Hollick Sr. appears in the 1870 Census.
Career History
Volunteer for the Good Will Engine Company