Walter S. Jarboe

Walter S. Jarboe (c. 1829 – March 12, 1865) was an American militia leader and perpetrator of massacres against the Yuki people during the California genocide.

Round Valley Massacres Tensions between settlers and the local Yuki population simmered for years before the Conquest of California. Before California was admitted to the United States, a steep decline in the California Indian population occurred under Spanish and later Mexican rule.

Governor approval for Yuki massacres An early settler to California after the Mexican–American War, Jarboe petitioned Governor John B. Weller to eradicate the Yukis of Mendocino County. Weller gave Jarboe official

"Jarboe's War" With Governor Weller's permission, Jarboe established the Eel River Rangers in Mendocino to harass and murder local Yukis in July 1859. Jarboe wrote to Governor Weller, "However cruel it may be ... nothing short of extermination will suffice to rid the Country of [the Yuki]." The special committee voted 4–1 in favor of condemning the slaughter and deportation of the Yuki. Criticizing Jarboe, the committee commented "We are unwilling to attempt to dignify, by the term 'war' as slaughter of beings, who at least possess human form, and who make no resistance, and make no attacks, either on the person or residence of the citizen."