Jump to Content

Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Guide to the John Marsh Smith Papers, 1849-1857
308  
View entire collection guide What's This?
Search this collection
Collection Overview
 
Table of contents What's This?
Description
Letters from Smith to his family describe his trip to San Francisco via Panama, his gold mining and his trip to Oregon. The collection also includes certificates, other correspondence, his diary and various receipts.
Background
John Marsh Smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland, August 20, 1818. He married Elizabeth Tyson in 1843. Leaving his wife and two children, he came to California in 1849, by ship via Panama, to search for gold. He prospected in the area around Sacramento in 1849 and 1850. In 1850, he moved to Portland, Oregon, and a few years later he returned to Maryland. He died at Sandy Spring, Maryland, on July 29, 1890.
Restrictions
Please credit California State Library.
Availability
Unrestricted.