James was a banker and social reformer and born the son of a Virginian banker as James King, he naturally went on to establish a banking house in San Francisco. He later changed his name to James King, of WM, in order to separate himself from other James Kings.
In October 1855, sick of corruption, he founded a newspaper called the "Evening Bulletin" and began publishing articles calling for the punishment of Charles Cora for the murder of a US Marshall. Around the same time, he published an article attacking supervisor James P. Casey. On May 14, 1856, Casey stopped King in San Francisco and shot him. He died a few days later. Casey was arrested and lynched along with Cora by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee.
He was originally buried in Lone Mountain Cemetery but later moved to Cypress Lawn Memorial Park after cemeteries were evicted from San Francisco County limits.∼
James King of William, one of the most notable and outstanding of the early settlers in California, was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia, on the 28th day of January, 1822, and was the son of William King. Upon reaching the age of sixteen, James King, in an endeavor to clarify his identity, in that there were a number of James Kings then living in the community where he resided, adopted a method then prevalent and used as part of his name the term "of \\'illiam" in order that he might be distinguished from the other James Kings. This designation to his name and its singular form were really strikingly characteristic of the clearcut individuality which animated and influenced James King of William during the entire period of his remarkable and eventful life.
During his early career he received a sound education, and even as a youth showed a strong leaning towards a literary career. He was a Latin, French, Spanish and German scholar.
He left home at the age of fifteen years and followed the occupation of clerking in various establishments and industries and was rapidly rising as a proficient employe when he was suddenly stricken with a severe attack of fever and was compelled to return to his home in Georgetown in 1838. The following year he secured a position as clerk in the local post office and was thus occupied when the presidential contest between Van Buren and Harrison took place, in 1840. After about two years spent in the post office he accepted a position and took his training in journalism in the office of Kendall's Exposition, a democratic sheet then issued in Georgetown. Following this he was for a time connected as reporter and advertising manager with the Washington Globe. This experience opened his eyes to the possibilities of newspaper growth and influence.
Circumstances, however, made it necessary for James King of William to give consideration to making his own way in the world and he therefore became a bookkeeper for the mercantile house of Corcoran & Riggs of Washington, where he remained at his duties until 1848, during which year he determined to change his location as well as occupation.
At the time Mr. King severed his connection with the firm of Corcoran & Riggs, Mr. Riggs, one of the employers, said of him: "He is a very clever, steady sort of a man, but I don't believe he will ever set the Pacific on fire." This remark was made by him after he had learned that Mr. King was planning to start for California.
In 1848, when the first gold rumors were kindling the fires of ambition in the East, James King of William bade good-bye to his relatives and friends, boarded a vessel and set sail for the Pacific Coast, going via the Isthmus of Panama. While gold, of course, was one of the lures or inducements, yet James King was largely influenced by the letters of his brother, who was a member of Colonel Fremont's expedition, had already crossed the Rocky Mountains. No doubt the wild and adventurous tales in these letters stirred the blood of James King to a feverish intensity. This adventurous brother had gone to California in 1846 and had depicted in flowing terms the vivid attractions of the trail. He also was a member of Fremont's expedition in 1848, which expedition exerted such an important influence in conquering the Pacific Coast from Mexico and thus prepared it for transmission to the United States at the conclusion of the Mexican war. Mr. James King of William's brother perished on one of the disastrous maneuvers of this historic campaign.
James King of William left the harbor of New York on the 24th day of May, 1848. and upon reaching the other side of the Isthmus was unable to find any vessel to convey him to San Francisco, where it had been agreed that he was to meet his brother and there form a combination to engage in ranching in the southern part of the state. Mr. King, therefore, sailed down to Valparaiso, Chile, where news of the gold discovery in California had but recently arrived and where the excitement had taken a firm hold upon the ambitions and romance of the citizens.
Mr. King saw at once his opportunity and accordingly purchased a stock of goods from the Valparaiso merchants, employed nine workers of that land to go with him to assist in opening up the mines in the interior of California, and those arrangements having been completed he then set sail for San Francisco, where he arrived on the 10th day of November, 1848.
Soon after his arrival six ,of his employes deserted him, but with the three others he trailed out to Placerville, El Dorado County, and commenced the hard work of practical mining. In three weeks' time they had discovered enough gold to pay the men and repay James King for his outlay at Valparaiso. Later, for some reason not wholly clear, he quit the field, went to Sacramento, and there became associated with the mercantile house of Hersley, Reading & Company, but was still unsatisfied with the outlook. He soon severed his connection with this concern, and at this time had considerable financial means.
After some investigation and no doubt considerable dickering he started for the East with the matured plan in view of completing arrangements or contracts to open up a series of banks along the Pacific Coast. After covering much of the East he finally succeeded beyond his expectations in inducing a number of the most prominent capitalists or bankers of that section to engage in the proposed undertaking. Accordingly, he returned to California in December, 1849, and at once opened up a bank in San Francisco in a small frame building situated on Montgomery Street, between Clay and Merchants streets, under the name of James King of William Bank. Here he did a rapidly growing and highly profitable business, and soon was regarded as one of the wealthiest and most successful bankers on the Pacific Coast. It was not long after he had established himself as a banker before he had constructed a large brick building at Montgomery and Commercial streets, where he continued to grow and expand until his career as a banker challenged attention. Then it was that his social prominence and civil distinction attained the pinnacle of their power and popularity, an attainment that crowns his descendants to this day and is an exemplary star in the West to guide all citizens to higher conduct and character.
His banking career was comparatively short. Here is the reason: He entrusted a large sum of money to a man in whom he had great confidence, with instructions to invest the same in crude gold dust from the mines. Instead of doing as directed, this man spent the money in the purchase of watered mining stock which, when the water had been squeezed out, proved to be almost wholly worthless. In order to save his investments he was induced to invest almost another $100,000, but the attempt was useless and the additional sum was also swamped in the water. He was left enough to pay his creditors, but not much more. For two years he was with Adams & Company, and by that time had cleared himself of all obligations to his creditors, but he was left nearly penniless.
In 1855 he again started in the banking business, but his efforts were unsuccessful, owing mainly to the financial panics which then swept over the country. However, no one could say that he lost a cent through the adversity of James King of William.
In October, 1855, he engaged in the newspaper business and became editor of the daily San Francisco Bulletin, which journal is still one of San Francisco's leading evening papers. Soon the venture was a splendid success, with a large circulation, plenty of advertisements and a power and popularity unexcelled by any other journal. He made it a distinctive point to champion good morals, better schools, honesty in public office, exemplary citizenship and professional competency. He fired hot shots at all corrupt public officials, violations of the law, professional gambling, self-lauded duelists, flower-ornamented criminals and municipal paralysis and inefficiency. These attacks brought savage response from the offenders. He was finally murdered. His assassination was a deliberate crime engineered by the law-breaking class who selected as their tool a convicted felon named James P. Casey. Mr. King of William was deliberately shot on May 14, 1856. at the northeast corner of Montgomery and Washington streets. He died on the 20th of May, and two days later his assassin was hanged by the Vigilance Committee.
While he was in Washington in 1843 he married Miss Charlotte M. Libbey of Georgetown, and to this union were born six children. As soon as possible after reaching California he prepared a suitable home for them and in 1851 they joined him here. Soon his residence was the center of education, refinement, culture and elegance, and ever since his descendants have lived in the light of his illustrious character.
- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc. 1924∼
Assassination of James King of Wm. by James P. Casey
San Francisco, May 14th, 1856
This city was thrown into a great state of excitement to-day, by the assassination of Mr. King.
THE ASSAULT.
Mr. King did not draw any weapon, but was met in the middle of the street by Casey, who said, "Are you armed?"— to which Mr. King made no reply but looked at Casey.— Casey threw off his cloak and presented a large navy revolver saying—"Draw and defend yourself," at the same time taking deliberate aim and covering his victim with a well directed shot, the result of which is known.
He then cocked the pistol again, but seeing his opponent stagger into the Pacific Express office, did not attempt a second shot; some person caught hold of him and told him to give up his arms, which, he refused, and showed fight; but on approach of two or three officers, he remarked that he would go, but they must not take his arms, as he was not going to be hung.
The horrible and heart-rending occurrence, the shooting down of Mr. King in broad daylight, in the public street, has justly aroused the indignation of the entire community.
THE CAPTURE FROM JAIL, MAY 15TH.
The Executive Committee was formed into a solid square of about ten deep, directly in front of the jail, and the "Citizen's Guard" formed a hollow square about them, and all appeared ready for action. A deputation of the Committee was delegated to call at the door and request the Sheriff to place them in possession of the prisoner, Casey. Without any hesitation the Sheriff repaired to the cell of the prisoner and informed him that the Vigilance Committee were waiting at the door and demanded his person, and that he was compelled to yield it up.
THE FUNERAL MAY 22ND.
Long before the hour fixed for the ceremonies at the church, Stockton street was literally thronged by men, women and children, almost blocking up the street, from Washington to California street.
At the conclusion of the church services, the most imposing procession we ever witnessed in California, was formed, and followed the remains to Lone Mountain Cemetery.
The procession moved along Stockton street to Washington, thence down to Montgomery, thence to Bush and up Bush to the Lone Mountain Cemetery. the time occupied in passing a point while in Montgomery street, was thirty-five minutes. When the past portion of the procession left the corner of Stockton and California streets, its front had reached the corner of Dupont and Bush, a distance of about one mile.
EXECUTION OF CASEY AND CORA.
While the last tokens of respect were being paid to the memory of Mr. King, at the church, a very different proceeding was going on at the Rooms of the Vigilance Committee.
Notwithstanding the great gathering at the funeral, the rooms of the Committee were surrounded by about 20,000 people, who had got an intimation of the proposed execution, and hurried to the spot.
The most formidable guard was arranged, which embraced all the arms of the Committee, consisting of about 3,000 stand of muskets and two field pieces. The streets in the immediate vicinity of the rooms were cleared by the soldiers, and the bristling bayonets that were displayed in every direction, made the scene one of great solemnity. One of the field pieces was planted so as to command Davis street from Sacramento street, and the other so as to command Front street.
At 20 minutes past one o'clock every thing being ready to carry out the designs of the executioners, the signal was given and the cord that held up the outer end of the scaffolds, or platforms, was cut upon the roof of the building, and the doomed men were both launched into eternity. During this solemn and awful ceremony a perfect stillness and silence was observed by the vast throng who were spectators at the scene.
Published by Britton & Rey. [1856]
See the San Francisco History Index for more about the Committee of Vigilance.
_______________________________________________________________________
More information on the life & death of "James King of William" at wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_King_of_William
In October 1855, sick of corruption, he founded a newspaper called the "Evening Bulletin" and began publishing articles calling for the punishment of Charles Cora for the murder of a US Marshall. Around the same time, he published an article attacking supervisor James P. Casey. On May 14, 1856, Casey stopped King in San Francisco and shot him. He died a few days later. Casey was arrested and lynched along with Cora by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee.
He was originally buried in Lone Mountain Cemetery but later moved to Cypress Lawn Memorial Park after cemeteries were evicted from San Francisco County limits.∼
James King of William, one of the most notable and outstanding of the early settlers in California, was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia, on the 28th day of January, 1822, and was the son of William King. Upon reaching the age of sixteen, James King, in an endeavor to clarify his identity, in that there were a number of James Kings then living in the community where he resided, adopted a method then prevalent and used as part of his name the term "of \\'illiam" in order that he might be distinguished from the other James Kings. This designation to his name and its singular form were really strikingly characteristic of the clearcut individuality which animated and influenced James King of William during the entire period of his remarkable and eventful life.
During his early career he received a sound education, and even as a youth showed a strong leaning towards a literary career. He was a Latin, French, Spanish and German scholar.
He left home at the age of fifteen years and followed the occupation of clerking in various establishments and industries and was rapidly rising as a proficient employe when he was suddenly stricken with a severe attack of fever and was compelled to return to his home in Georgetown in 1838. The following year he secured a position as clerk in the local post office and was thus occupied when the presidential contest between Van Buren and Harrison took place, in 1840. After about two years spent in the post office he accepted a position and took his training in journalism in the office of Kendall's Exposition, a democratic sheet then issued in Georgetown. Following this he was for a time connected as reporter and advertising manager with the Washington Globe. This experience opened his eyes to the possibilities of newspaper growth and influence.
Circumstances, however, made it necessary for James King of William to give consideration to making his own way in the world and he therefore became a bookkeeper for the mercantile house of Corcoran & Riggs of Washington, where he remained at his duties until 1848, during which year he determined to change his location as well as occupation.
At the time Mr. King severed his connection with the firm of Corcoran & Riggs, Mr. Riggs, one of the employers, said of him: "He is a very clever, steady sort of a man, but I don't believe he will ever set the Pacific on fire." This remark was made by him after he had learned that Mr. King was planning to start for California.
In 1848, when the first gold rumors were kindling the fires of ambition in the East, James King of William bade good-bye to his relatives and friends, boarded a vessel and set sail for the Pacific Coast, going via the Isthmus of Panama. While gold, of course, was one of the lures or inducements, yet James King was largely influenced by the letters of his brother, who was a member of Colonel Fremont's expedition, had already crossed the Rocky Mountains. No doubt the wild and adventurous tales in these letters stirred the blood of James King to a feverish intensity. This adventurous brother had gone to California in 1846 and had depicted in flowing terms the vivid attractions of the trail. He also was a member of Fremont's expedition in 1848, which expedition exerted such an important influence in conquering the Pacific Coast from Mexico and thus prepared it for transmission to the United States at the conclusion of the Mexican war. Mr. James King of William's brother perished on one of the disastrous maneuvers of this historic campaign.
James King of William left the harbor of New York on the 24th day of May, 1848. and upon reaching the other side of the Isthmus was unable to find any vessel to convey him to San Francisco, where it had been agreed that he was to meet his brother and there form a combination to engage in ranching in the southern part of the state. Mr. King, therefore, sailed down to Valparaiso, Chile, where news of the gold discovery in California had but recently arrived and where the excitement had taken a firm hold upon the ambitions and romance of the citizens.
Mr. King saw at once his opportunity and accordingly purchased a stock of goods from the Valparaiso merchants, employed nine workers of that land to go with him to assist in opening up the mines in the interior of California, and those arrangements having been completed he then set sail for San Francisco, where he arrived on the 10th day of November, 1848.
Soon after his arrival six ,of his employes deserted him, but with the three others he trailed out to Placerville, El Dorado County, and commenced the hard work of practical mining. In three weeks' time they had discovered enough gold to pay the men and repay James King for his outlay at Valparaiso. Later, for some reason not wholly clear, he quit the field, went to Sacramento, and there became associated with the mercantile house of Hersley, Reading & Company, but was still unsatisfied with the outlook. He soon severed his connection with this concern, and at this time had considerable financial means.
After some investigation and no doubt considerable dickering he started for the East with the matured plan in view of completing arrangements or contracts to open up a series of banks along the Pacific Coast. After covering much of the East he finally succeeded beyond his expectations in inducing a number of the most prominent capitalists or bankers of that section to engage in the proposed undertaking. Accordingly, he returned to California in December, 1849, and at once opened up a bank in San Francisco in a small frame building situated on Montgomery Street, between Clay and Merchants streets, under the name of James King of William Bank. Here he did a rapidly growing and highly profitable business, and soon was regarded as one of the wealthiest and most successful bankers on the Pacific Coast. It was not long after he had established himself as a banker before he had constructed a large brick building at Montgomery and Commercial streets, where he continued to grow and expand until his career as a banker challenged attention. Then it was that his social prominence and civil distinction attained the pinnacle of their power and popularity, an attainment that crowns his descendants to this day and is an exemplary star in the West to guide all citizens to higher conduct and character.
His banking career was comparatively short. Here is the reason: He entrusted a large sum of money to a man in whom he had great confidence, with instructions to invest the same in crude gold dust from the mines. Instead of doing as directed, this man spent the money in the purchase of watered mining stock which, when the water had been squeezed out, proved to be almost wholly worthless. In order to save his investments he was induced to invest almost another $100,000, but the attempt was useless and the additional sum was also swamped in the water. He was left enough to pay his creditors, but not much more. For two years he was with Adams & Company, and by that time had cleared himself of all obligations to his creditors, but he was left nearly penniless.
In 1855 he again started in the banking business, but his efforts were unsuccessful, owing mainly to the financial panics which then swept over the country. However, no one could say that he lost a cent through the adversity of James King of William.
In October, 1855, he engaged in the newspaper business and became editor of the daily San Francisco Bulletin, which journal is still one of San Francisco's leading evening papers. Soon the venture was a splendid success, with a large circulation, plenty of advertisements and a power and popularity unexcelled by any other journal. He made it a distinctive point to champion good morals, better schools, honesty in public office, exemplary citizenship and professional competency. He fired hot shots at all corrupt public officials, violations of the law, professional gambling, self-lauded duelists, flower-ornamented criminals and municipal paralysis and inefficiency. These attacks brought savage response from the offenders. He was finally murdered. His assassination was a deliberate crime engineered by the law-breaking class who selected as their tool a convicted felon named James P. Casey. Mr. King of William was deliberately shot on May 14, 1856. at the northeast corner of Montgomery and Washington streets. He died on the 20th of May, and two days later his assassin was hanged by the Vigilance Committee.
While he was in Washington in 1843 he married Miss Charlotte M. Libbey of Georgetown, and to this union were born six children. As soon as possible after reaching California he prepared a suitable home for them and in 1851 they joined him here. Soon his residence was the center of education, refinement, culture and elegance, and ever since his descendants have lived in the light of his illustrious character.
- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc. 1924∼
Assassination of James King of Wm. by James P. Casey
San Francisco, May 14th, 1856
This city was thrown into a great state of excitement to-day, by the assassination of Mr. King.
THE ASSAULT.
Mr. King did not draw any weapon, but was met in the middle of the street by Casey, who said, "Are you armed?"— to which Mr. King made no reply but looked at Casey.— Casey threw off his cloak and presented a large navy revolver saying—"Draw and defend yourself," at the same time taking deliberate aim and covering his victim with a well directed shot, the result of which is known.
He then cocked the pistol again, but seeing his opponent stagger into the Pacific Express office, did not attempt a second shot; some person caught hold of him and told him to give up his arms, which, he refused, and showed fight; but on approach of two or three officers, he remarked that he would go, but they must not take his arms, as he was not going to be hung.
The horrible and heart-rending occurrence, the shooting down of Mr. King in broad daylight, in the public street, has justly aroused the indignation of the entire community.
THE CAPTURE FROM JAIL, MAY 15TH.
The Executive Committee was formed into a solid square of about ten deep, directly in front of the jail, and the "Citizen's Guard" formed a hollow square about them, and all appeared ready for action. A deputation of the Committee was delegated to call at the door and request the Sheriff to place them in possession of the prisoner, Casey. Without any hesitation the Sheriff repaired to the cell of the prisoner and informed him that the Vigilance Committee were waiting at the door and demanded his person, and that he was compelled to yield it up.
THE FUNERAL MAY 22ND.
Long before the hour fixed for the ceremonies at the church, Stockton street was literally thronged by men, women and children, almost blocking up the street, from Washington to California street.
At the conclusion of the church services, the most imposing procession we ever witnessed in California, was formed, and followed the remains to Lone Mountain Cemetery.
The procession moved along Stockton street to Washington, thence down to Montgomery, thence to Bush and up Bush to the Lone Mountain Cemetery. the time occupied in passing a point while in Montgomery street, was thirty-five minutes. When the past portion of the procession left the corner of Stockton and California streets, its front had reached the corner of Dupont and Bush, a distance of about one mile.
EXECUTION OF CASEY AND CORA.
While the last tokens of respect were being paid to the memory of Mr. King, at the church, a very different proceeding was going on at the Rooms of the Vigilance Committee.
Notwithstanding the great gathering at the funeral, the rooms of the Committee were surrounded by about 20,000 people, who had got an intimation of the proposed execution, and hurried to the spot.
The most formidable guard was arranged, which embraced all the arms of the Committee, consisting of about 3,000 stand of muskets and two field pieces. The streets in the immediate vicinity of the rooms were cleared by the soldiers, and the bristling bayonets that were displayed in every direction, made the scene one of great solemnity. One of the field pieces was planted so as to command Davis street from Sacramento street, and the other so as to command Front street.
At 20 minutes past one o'clock every thing being ready to carry out the designs of the executioners, the signal was given and the cord that held up the outer end of the scaffolds, or platforms, was cut upon the roof of the building, and the doomed men were both launched into eternity. During this solemn and awful ceremony a perfect stillness and silence was observed by the vast throng who were spectators at the scene.
Published by Britton & Rey. [1856]
See the San Francisco History Index for more about the Committee of Vigilance.
_______________________________________________________________________
More information on the life & death of "James King of William" at wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_King_of_William
James was a banker and social reformer and born the son of a Virginian banker as James King, he naturally went on to establish a banking house in San Francisco. He later changed his name to James King, of WM, in order to separate himself from other James Kings.
In October 1855, sick of corruption, he founded a newspaper called the "Evening Bulletin" and began publishing articles calling for the punishment of Charles Cora for the murder of a US Marshall. Around the same time, he published an article attacking supervisor James P. Casey. On May 14, 1856, Casey stopped King in San Francisco and shot him. He died a few days later. Casey was arrested and lynched along with Cora by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee.
He was originally buried in Lone Mountain Cemetery but later moved to Cypress Lawn Memorial Park after cemeteries were evicted from San Francisco County limits.∼
James King of William, one of the most notable and outstanding of the early settlers in California, was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia, on the 28th day of January, 1822, and was the son of William King. Upon reaching the age of sixteen, James King, in an endeavor to clarify his identity, in that there were a number of James Kings then living in the community where he resided, adopted a method then prevalent and used as part of his name the term "of \\'illiam" in order that he might be distinguished from the other James Kings. This designation to his name and its singular form were really strikingly characteristic of the clearcut individuality which animated and influenced James King of William during the entire period of his remarkable and eventful life.
During his early career he received a sound education, and even as a youth showed a strong leaning towards a literary career. He was a Latin, French, Spanish and German scholar.
He left home at the age of fifteen years and followed the occupation of clerking in various establishments and industries and was rapidly rising as a proficient employe when he was suddenly stricken with a severe attack of fever and was compelled to return to his home in Georgetown in 1838. The following year he secured a position as clerk in the local post office and was thus occupied when the presidential contest between Van Buren and Harrison took place, in 1840. After about two years spent in the post office he accepted a position and took his training in journalism in the office of Kendall's Exposition, a democratic sheet then issued in Georgetown. Following this he was for a time connected as reporter and advertising manager with the Washington Globe. This experience opened his eyes to the possibilities of newspaper growth and influence.
Circumstances, however, made it necessary for James King of William to give consideration to making his own way in the world and he therefore became a bookkeeper for the mercantile house of Corcoran & Riggs of Washington, where he remained at his duties until 1848, during which year he determined to change his location as well as occupation.
At the time Mr. King severed his connection with the firm of Corcoran & Riggs, Mr. Riggs, one of the employers, said of him: "He is a very clever, steady sort of a man, but I don't believe he will ever set the Pacific on fire." This remark was made by him after he had learned that Mr. King was planning to start for California.
In 1848, when the first gold rumors were kindling the fires of ambition in the East, James King of William bade good-bye to his relatives and friends, boarded a vessel and set sail for the Pacific Coast, going via the Isthmus of Panama. While gold, of course, was one of the lures or inducements, yet James King was largely influenced by the letters of his brother, who was a member of Colonel Fremont's expedition, had already crossed the Rocky Mountains. No doubt the wild and adventurous tales in these letters stirred the blood of James King to a feverish intensity. This adventurous brother had gone to California in 1846 and had depicted in flowing terms the vivid attractions of the trail. He also was a member of Fremont's expedition in 1848, which expedition exerted such an important influence in conquering the Pacific Coast from Mexico and thus prepared it for transmission to the United States at the conclusion of the Mexican war. Mr. James King of William's brother perished on one of the disastrous maneuvers of this historic campaign.
James King of William left the harbor of New York on the 24th day of May, 1848. and upon reaching the other side of the Isthmus was unable to find any vessel to convey him to San Francisco, where it had been agreed that he was to meet his brother and there form a combination to engage in ranching in the southern part of the state. Mr. King, therefore, sailed down to Valparaiso, Chile, where news of the gold discovery in California had but recently arrived and where the excitement had taken a firm hold upon the ambitions and romance of the citizens.
Mr. King saw at once his opportunity and accordingly purchased a stock of goods from the Valparaiso merchants, employed nine workers of that land to go with him to assist in opening up the mines in the interior of California, and those arrangements having been completed he then set sail for San Francisco, where he arrived on the 10th day of November, 1848.
Soon after his arrival six ,of his employes deserted him, but with the three others he trailed out to Placerville, El Dorado County, and commenced the hard work of practical mining. In three weeks' time they had discovered enough gold to pay the men and repay James King for his outlay at Valparaiso. Later, for some reason not wholly clear, he quit the field, went to Sacramento, and there became associated with the mercantile house of Hersley, Reading & Company, but was still unsatisfied with the outlook. He soon severed his connection with this concern, and at this time had considerable financial means.
After some investigation and no doubt considerable dickering he started for the East with the matured plan in view of completing arrangements or contracts to open up a series of banks along the Pacific Coast. After covering much of the East he finally succeeded beyond his expectations in inducing a number of the most prominent capitalists or bankers of that section to engage in the proposed undertaking. Accordingly, he returned to California in December, 1849, and at once opened up a bank in San Francisco in a small frame building situated on Montgomery Street, between Clay and Merchants streets, under the name of James King of William Bank. Here he did a rapidly growing and highly profitable business, and soon was regarded as one of the wealthiest and most successful bankers on the Pacific Coast. It was not long after he had established himself as a banker before he had constructed a large brick building at Montgomery and Commercial streets, where he continued to grow and expand until his career as a banker challenged attention. Then it was that his social prominence and civil distinction attained the pinnacle of their power and popularity, an attainment that crowns his descendants to this day and is an exemplary star in the West to guide all citizens to higher conduct and character.
His banking career was comparatively short. Here is the reason: He entrusted a large sum of money to a man in whom he had great confidence, with instructions to invest the same in crude gold dust from the mines. Instead of doing as directed, this man spent the money in the purchase of watered mining stock which, when the water had been squeezed out, proved to be almost wholly worthless. In order to save his investments he was induced to invest almost another $100,000, but the attempt was useless and the additional sum was also swamped in the water. He was left enough to pay his creditors, but not much more. For two years he was with Adams & Company, and by that time had cleared himself of all obligations to his creditors, but he was left nearly penniless.
In 1855 he again started in the banking business, but his efforts were unsuccessful, owing mainly to the financial panics which then swept over the country. However, no one could say that he lost a cent through the adversity of James King of William.
In October, 1855, he engaged in the newspaper business and became editor of the daily San Francisco Bulletin, which journal is still one of San Francisco's leading evening papers. Soon the venture was a splendid success, with a large circulation, plenty of advertisements and a power and popularity unexcelled by any other journal. He made it a distinctive point to champion good morals, better schools, honesty in public office, exemplary citizenship and professional competency. He fired hot shots at all corrupt public officials, violations of the law, professional gambling, self-lauded duelists, flower-ornamented criminals and municipal paralysis and inefficiency. These attacks brought savage response from the offenders. He was finally murdered. His assassination was a deliberate crime engineered by the law-breaking class who selected as their tool a convicted felon named James P. Casey. Mr. King of William was deliberately shot on May 14, 1856. at the northeast corner of Montgomery and Washington streets. He died on the 20th of May, and two days later his assassin was hanged by the Vigilance Committee.
While he was in Washington in 1843 he married Miss Charlotte M. Libbey of Georgetown, and to this union were born six children. As soon as possible after reaching California he prepared a suitable home for them and in 1851 they joined him here. Soon his residence was the center of education, refinement, culture and elegance, and ever since his descendants have lived in the light of his illustrious character.
- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc. 1924∼
Assassination of James King of Wm. by James P. Casey
San Francisco, May 14th, 1856
This city was thrown into a great state of excitement to-day, by the assassination of Mr. King.
THE ASSAULT.
Mr. King did not draw any weapon, but was met in the middle of the street by Casey, who said, "Are you armed?"— to which Mr. King made no reply but looked at Casey.— Casey threw off his cloak and presented a large navy revolver saying—"Draw and defend yourself," at the same time taking deliberate aim and covering his victim with a well directed shot, the result of which is known.
He then cocked the pistol again, but seeing his opponent stagger into the Pacific Express office, did not attempt a second shot; some person caught hold of him and told him to give up his arms, which, he refused, and showed fight; but on approach of two or three officers, he remarked that he would go, but they must not take his arms, as he was not going to be hung.
The horrible and heart-rending occurrence, the shooting down of Mr. King in broad daylight, in the public street, has justly aroused the indignation of the entire community.
THE CAPTURE FROM JAIL, MAY 15TH.
The Executive Committee was formed into a solid square of about ten deep, directly in front of the jail, and the "Citizen's Guard" formed a hollow square about them, and all appeared ready for action. A deputation of the Committee was delegated to call at the door and request the Sheriff to place them in possession of the prisoner, Casey. Without any hesitation the Sheriff repaired to the cell of the prisoner and informed him that the Vigilance Committee were waiting at the door and demanded his person, and that he was compelled to yield it up.
THE FUNERAL MAY 22ND.
Long before the hour fixed for the ceremonies at the church, Stockton street was literally thronged by men, women and children, almost blocking up the street, from Washington to California street.
At the conclusion of the church services, the most imposing procession we ever witnessed in California, was formed, and followed the remains to Lone Mountain Cemetery.
The procession moved along Stockton street to Washington, thence down to Montgomery, thence to Bush and up Bush to the Lone Mountain Cemetery. the time occupied in passing a point while in Montgomery street, was thirty-five minutes. When the past portion of the procession left the corner of Stockton and California streets, its front had reached the corner of Dupont and Bush, a distance of about one mile.
EXECUTION OF CASEY AND CORA.
While the last tokens of respect were being paid to the memory of Mr. King, at the church, a very different proceeding was going on at the Rooms of the Vigilance Committee.
Notwithstanding the great gathering at the funeral, the rooms of the Committee were surrounded by about 20,000 people, who had got an intimation of the proposed execution, and hurried to the spot.
The most formidable guard was arranged, which embraced all the arms of the Committee, consisting of about 3,000 stand of muskets and two field pieces. The streets in the immediate vicinity of the rooms were cleared by the soldiers, and the bristling bayonets that were displayed in every direction, made the scene one of great solemnity. One of the field pieces was planted so as to command Davis street from Sacramento street, and the other so as to command Front street.
At 20 minutes past one o'clock every thing being ready to carry out the designs of the executioners, the signal was given and the cord that held up the outer end of the scaffolds, or platforms, was cut upon the roof of the building, and the doomed men were both launched into eternity. During this solemn and awful ceremony a perfect stillness and silence was observed by the vast throng who were spectators at the scene.
Published by Britton & Rey. [1856]
See the San Francisco History Index for more about the Committee of Vigilance.
_______________________________________________________________________
More information on the life & death of "James King of William" at wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_King_of_William
In October 1855, sick of corruption, he founded a newspaper called the "Evening Bulletin" and began publishing articles calling for the punishment of Charles Cora for the murder of a US Marshall. Around the same time, he published an article attacking supervisor James P. Casey. On May 14, 1856, Casey stopped King in San Francisco and shot him. He died a few days later. Casey was arrested and lynched along with Cora by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee.
He was originally buried in Lone Mountain Cemetery but later moved to Cypress Lawn Memorial Park after cemeteries were evicted from San Francisco County limits.∼
James King of William, one of the most notable and outstanding of the early settlers in California, was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia, on the 28th day of January, 1822, and was the son of William King. Upon reaching the age of sixteen, James King, in an endeavor to clarify his identity, in that there were a number of James Kings then living in the community where he resided, adopted a method then prevalent and used as part of his name the term "of \\'illiam" in order that he might be distinguished from the other James Kings. This designation to his name and its singular form were really strikingly characteristic of the clearcut individuality which animated and influenced James King of William during the entire period of his remarkable and eventful life.
During his early career he received a sound education, and even as a youth showed a strong leaning towards a literary career. He was a Latin, French, Spanish and German scholar.
He left home at the age of fifteen years and followed the occupation of clerking in various establishments and industries and was rapidly rising as a proficient employe when he was suddenly stricken with a severe attack of fever and was compelled to return to his home in Georgetown in 1838. The following year he secured a position as clerk in the local post office and was thus occupied when the presidential contest between Van Buren and Harrison took place, in 1840. After about two years spent in the post office he accepted a position and took his training in journalism in the office of Kendall's Exposition, a democratic sheet then issued in Georgetown. Following this he was for a time connected as reporter and advertising manager with the Washington Globe. This experience opened his eyes to the possibilities of newspaper growth and influence.
Circumstances, however, made it necessary for James King of William to give consideration to making his own way in the world and he therefore became a bookkeeper for the mercantile house of Corcoran & Riggs of Washington, where he remained at his duties until 1848, during which year he determined to change his location as well as occupation.
At the time Mr. King severed his connection with the firm of Corcoran & Riggs, Mr. Riggs, one of the employers, said of him: "He is a very clever, steady sort of a man, but I don't believe he will ever set the Pacific on fire." This remark was made by him after he had learned that Mr. King was planning to start for California.
In 1848, when the first gold rumors were kindling the fires of ambition in the East, James King of William bade good-bye to his relatives and friends, boarded a vessel and set sail for the Pacific Coast, going via the Isthmus of Panama. While gold, of course, was one of the lures or inducements, yet James King was largely influenced by the letters of his brother, who was a member of Colonel Fremont's expedition, had already crossed the Rocky Mountains. No doubt the wild and adventurous tales in these letters stirred the blood of James King to a feverish intensity. This adventurous brother had gone to California in 1846 and had depicted in flowing terms the vivid attractions of the trail. He also was a member of Fremont's expedition in 1848, which expedition exerted such an important influence in conquering the Pacific Coast from Mexico and thus prepared it for transmission to the United States at the conclusion of the Mexican war. Mr. James King of William's brother perished on one of the disastrous maneuvers of this historic campaign.
James King of William left the harbor of New York on the 24th day of May, 1848. and upon reaching the other side of the Isthmus was unable to find any vessel to convey him to San Francisco, where it had been agreed that he was to meet his brother and there form a combination to engage in ranching in the southern part of the state. Mr. King, therefore, sailed down to Valparaiso, Chile, where news of the gold discovery in California had but recently arrived and where the excitement had taken a firm hold upon the ambitions and romance of the citizens.
Mr. King saw at once his opportunity and accordingly purchased a stock of goods from the Valparaiso merchants, employed nine workers of that land to go with him to assist in opening up the mines in the interior of California, and those arrangements having been completed he then set sail for San Francisco, where he arrived on the 10th day of November, 1848.
Soon after his arrival six ,of his employes deserted him, but with the three others he trailed out to Placerville, El Dorado County, and commenced the hard work of practical mining. In three weeks' time they had discovered enough gold to pay the men and repay James King for his outlay at Valparaiso. Later, for some reason not wholly clear, he quit the field, went to Sacramento, and there became associated with the mercantile house of Hersley, Reading & Company, but was still unsatisfied with the outlook. He soon severed his connection with this concern, and at this time had considerable financial means.
After some investigation and no doubt considerable dickering he started for the East with the matured plan in view of completing arrangements or contracts to open up a series of banks along the Pacific Coast. After covering much of the East he finally succeeded beyond his expectations in inducing a number of the most prominent capitalists or bankers of that section to engage in the proposed undertaking. Accordingly, he returned to California in December, 1849, and at once opened up a bank in San Francisco in a small frame building situated on Montgomery Street, between Clay and Merchants streets, under the name of James King of William Bank. Here he did a rapidly growing and highly profitable business, and soon was regarded as one of the wealthiest and most successful bankers on the Pacific Coast. It was not long after he had established himself as a banker before he had constructed a large brick building at Montgomery and Commercial streets, where he continued to grow and expand until his career as a banker challenged attention. Then it was that his social prominence and civil distinction attained the pinnacle of their power and popularity, an attainment that crowns his descendants to this day and is an exemplary star in the West to guide all citizens to higher conduct and character.
His banking career was comparatively short. Here is the reason: He entrusted a large sum of money to a man in whom he had great confidence, with instructions to invest the same in crude gold dust from the mines. Instead of doing as directed, this man spent the money in the purchase of watered mining stock which, when the water had been squeezed out, proved to be almost wholly worthless. In order to save his investments he was induced to invest almost another $100,000, but the attempt was useless and the additional sum was also swamped in the water. He was left enough to pay his creditors, but not much more. For two years he was with Adams & Company, and by that time had cleared himself of all obligations to his creditors, but he was left nearly penniless.
In 1855 he again started in the banking business, but his efforts were unsuccessful, owing mainly to the financial panics which then swept over the country. However, no one could say that he lost a cent through the adversity of James King of William.
In October, 1855, he engaged in the newspaper business and became editor of the daily San Francisco Bulletin, which journal is still one of San Francisco's leading evening papers. Soon the venture was a splendid success, with a large circulation, plenty of advertisements and a power and popularity unexcelled by any other journal. He made it a distinctive point to champion good morals, better schools, honesty in public office, exemplary citizenship and professional competency. He fired hot shots at all corrupt public officials, violations of the law, professional gambling, self-lauded duelists, flower-ornamented criminals and municipal paralysis and inefficiency. These attacks brought savage response from the offenders. He was finally murdered. His assassination was a deliberate crime engineered by the law-breaking class who selected as their tool a convicted felon named James P. Casey. Mr. King of William was deliberately shot on May 14, 1856. at the northeast corner of Montgomery and Washington streets. He died on the 20th of May, and two days later his assassin was hanged by the Vigilance Committee.
While he was in Washington in 1843 he married Miss Charlotte M. Libbey of Georgetown, and to this union were born six children. As soon as possible after reaching California he prepared a suitable home for them and in 1851 they joined him here. Soon his residence was the center of education, refinement, culture and elegance, and ever since his descendants have lived in the light of his illustrious character.
- "The San Francisco Bay Region, Vol. 3" by Bailey Millard; Published by The American Historical Society, Inc. 1924∼
Assassination of James King of Wm. by James P. Casey
San Francisco, May 14th, 1856
This city was thrown into a great state of excitement to-day, by the assassination of Mr. King.
THE ASSAULT.
Mr. King did not draw any weapon, but was met in the middle of the street by Casey, who said, "Are you armed?"— to which Mr. King made no reply but looked at Casey.— Casey threw off his cloak and presented a large navy revolver saying—"Draw and defend yourself," at the same time taking deliberate aim and covering his victim with a well directed shot, the result of which is known.
He then cocked the pistol again, but seeing his opponent stagger into the Pacific Express office, did not attempt a second shot; some person caught hold of him and told him to give up his arms, which, he refused, and showed fight; but on approach of two or three officers, he remarked that he would go, but they must not take his arms, as he was not going to be hung.
The horrible and heart-rending occurrence, the shooting down of Mr. King in broad daylight, in the public street, has justly aroused the indignation of the entire community.
THE CAPTURE FROM JAIL, MAY 15TH.
The Executive Committee was formed into a solid square of about ten deep, directly in front of the jail, and the "Citizen's Guard" formed a hollow square about them, and all appeared ready for action. A deputation of the Committee was delegated to call at the door and request the Sheriff to place them in possession of the prisoner, Casey. Without any hesitation the Sheriff repaired to the cell of the prisoner and informed him that the Vigilance Committee were waiting at the door and demanded his person, and that he was compelled to yield it up.
THE FUNERAL MAY 22ND.
Long before the hour fixed for the ceremonies at the church, Stockton street was literally thronged by men, women and children, almost blocking up the street, from Washington to California street.
At the conclusion of the church services, the most imposing procession we ever witnessed in California, was formed, and followed the remains to Lone Mountain Cemetery.
The procession moved along Stockton street to Washington, thence down to Montgomery, thence to Bush and up Bush to the Lone Mountain Cemetery. the time occupied in passing a point while in Montgomery street, was thirty-five minutes. When the past portion of the procession left the corner of Stockton and California streets, its front had reached the corner of Dupont and Bush, a distance of about one mile.
EXECUTION OF CASEY AND CORA.
While the last tokens of respect were being paid to the memory of Mr. King, at the church, a very different proceeding was going on at the Rooms of the Vigilance Committee.
Notwithstanding the great gathering at the funeral, the rooms of the Committee were surrounded by about 20,000 people, who had got an intimation of the proposed execution, and hurried to the spot.
The most formidable guard was arranged, which embraced all the arms of the Committee, consisting of about 3,000 stand of muskets and two field pieces. The streets in the immediate vicinity of the rooms were cleared by the soldiers, and the bristling bayonets that were displayed in every direction, made the scene one of great solemnity. One of the field pieces was planted so as to command Davis street from Sacramento street, and the other so as to command Front street.
At 20 minutes past one o'clock every thing being ready to carry out the designs of the executioners, the signal was given and the cord that held up the outer end of the scaffolds, or platforms, was cut upon the roof of the building, and the doomed men were both launched into eternity. During this solemn and awful ceremony a perfect stillness and silence was observed by the vast throng who were spectators at the scene.
Published by Britton & Rey. [1856]
See the San Francisco History Index for more about the Committee of Vigilance.
_______________________________________________________________________
More information on the life & death of "James King of William" at wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_King_of_William
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