Whitaker

Whitaker was held in California in 1851, when the Vigilance Committee had him and another man, McKenzie, in their rooms. The Sheriff then took both men into custody under a writ of habeas corpus from the Superior Court. According to California papers reprinted in the Burlington Hawk-Eye, a large crowd broke open the jail, took Whitaker out and executed him shortly afterward. The same account says the crowd also tried the two men before killing them.

Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A large crowd broke open the jail, took Whitaker out and executed him, according to California papers reprinted in the Hawk-Eye.

Reported by: California papers reprinted in the Hawk-Eye (reporters).

Source

• Burlington Hawk-Eye, October 16, 1851, page 2 Burlington Hawk-Eye, October 16, 1851