January 11, 1854

San Francisco, California

William Snyder, a 13-year-old, either dies or is buried after an unfortunate accident after “being swung by his heels by a circus clown.”

I couldn’t find any additional information or verification on this death, though at least one source claims William died after being accidentally dropped on his head. Another source, from the Sacramento Daily Union, January 13, 1854, mentions another death of a 13-year-old who died of a pumanary rupture. Though the name of the child is listed as William Bernard rather than William Snyder, it can be assumed they were the same person.



Photo credit: Find A Grave

Source: The Book of the Dead San Francisco, El Dorado County and Tehama County Cemetery Records, ca. 1850-1862 Sacramento, California Microfilm Reel #33



Sacramento Daily Union, January 13, 1854