I recentlly found a reference to John Butler's participation as sheriff in William Coleman's vigilante committee in Yerba Buena during the gold rush. Butler officiated at the execution Heatherington, Brace, and Corey who had murdered James King. Butler refused a bribe to free them. Can anyone on the list suggest some reference materials for me to research this? Thanks, Ken Newton San Diego

Hi Ken, I can't find JOHN BUTLER's name in any index in my SF books - but there is a long chapter in Vol. I of HISTORY OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY REGION by Bailey Millard, pub 1924 about the Vigilantes (pages 174-187). Names mentioned are William Coleman, Judge Terry, Brace and Hetherington - and others... You might find it interesting to read. You can find this 3 volume set in any good sized library. Hope this helps a little.. RUTH _________________________________ Ruth(Grady)Skewis-Sacramento, CA ruth4527@mindspring.com > -----Original Message----- > From: Ken Newton [mailto:k-newton@home.com] > Sent: Friday, December 21, 2001 11:10 AM > To: CASANFRA-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [CASANFRA] BUTLER and WM. COLEMAN'S vigilante committee > > > I recentlly found a reference to John Butler's participation as > sheriff in William Coleman's vigilante committee in Yerba Buena > during the gold rush. Butler officiated at the execution > Heatherington, Brace, and Corey who had murdered James King. > Butler refused a bribe to free them. Can anyone on the list > suggest some reference materials for me to research this? > Thanks, Ken Newton San Diego >