The herald., 1893-11-23
William T. Coleman Crosses
the Great Divide.
He Came to California in the
Days of '49.
4 Sketch Of His Long and Honor
able Career.
Head of the Famous Vigilance Commit
toe and for Many Years Promi-
nent in Business and
Public Affairs.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
SAN Francisco, Nov. 22.--William T.
Coleman, prominent in business and
political circles, died at his residence in
this city this morning. at o'clock,
aged 50. He had been ailing for some
time, but his indisposition only assumed
a serious nature two days ago.
William Tell Coleman was born in
Harrison county, Kentucky, on Febru-
airy 26, 1924. His father, n. B. Cole
man, was prominent lawyer and
politician of Kentucky. He entered
st. Louis university, where he took in
two years the regular four-years' course
and graduated with the degree OF Bach
elor of Science. After leaving college
he spent winter in the south and had
charge OF plantation. The following
year he engaged in numbering, going to
Wisconsin, where he remained several
years. AS early as 1644-45 Mr.. Coleman
had planned an expedition across the
plains to California, but this enterprise
failed for lack of support or the part OF
the others who had agreed to take part
in it. In the spring OF lS49 he organ
lied another party which cane to Cali
fornia overland. arriving at Sacramento
on August 14th. There Mr. Coleman
traded some of his live stock for town
lots. He set up some tents and soon
engaged in builing operations, construct
ing fences, bridges, gold rockers or any
thing to which he and his associates
could turn their hands. Coleman en-
gagged in merchandise transactions. he
bought a stock of goods and had 1T
hauled to Placerville. In this he was
successful. During a temporary depres-
sion OF trade he tried mining. Among
other occupations at the mines he took
up law practice. In January, 1850, he
came to San Francisco and opened q
store on Sansome street, near Jackson,
doing a general merchandise business.
In 1852 he opened up an agency in New
York, and in 1856 started a line OF shlps
between that port and San Francisco.
He entered in 1860 in partnership with
e. M. Robinson, the firm being known
as w. Z. Coleman & Co. From that
time the firm was known as one OF The
largest in the two cities and did the
largest busineFs OF any house on the
Pacific coast.
Mr.. Coleman became distinguished in
the early history of this city rs the head
of the vigilance committee. In 1856 Mr..
Coleman was chosen leacer of the Sec
ond vigilance committee. There were
1900 names enrolled the first day. Mr..
Coleman had supreme command and
evinced rare powers of leadership. lie
was firm and fearless, yet just and iaii
in the discharge OF his weighty obliga.
ton to the community. The hanging oil
Casey by the vigilantes after he had re-
ceived a trial, and the subsequent work
OF organization which rid San Francisco
of its criminal elements, are matters o
/ familiar history. After three months o!
active service the committee made g
great street parade and finally ad-
journed.
MIR. Coleman was called to the leader
ship OF the committee of public safety
which was organized during the labor
troubles of 1S77-'7S to prevent riots enc
destruction OF property. In this posi-
ton be rendered good service. MIR. Cole
man never held any public office. at
took a keen interest in politics but die
not seek office. In 1854 the New York
Sun brought him into prominence BY
urging his nomination to the presidenc.
by the Democracy.
Several years ago the firm of VIM. I
Coleman q 90. became involved ant
went out OF existence. Mr.. Coleman
from that time devoted his attention tt
his private affairs.
The funeral will be held from the fam
lily residence next Saturday.