James W. Marshall; The Discoverer of California Gold | A Biography by Gay, Theressa - 1967

Georgetown, CA: The Talisman Press, 1967. First Edition. Slipcased. Near Fine. SIGNED #74 of 250 copies, Special edition, [9.25x6.75in]; [12], 13-558 pp., [1] colophon, frontispiece color portrait of Marshall in 1849, illustration of Marshall in later years pointing to the spot gold was discovered on title page, second frontispiece color portrait of John Sutter, 26 illustrations and images, facsimiles of letters, documents and hand drawn map relating to Marshall in rear pocket; Black, brown and tan marbled paper on boards with black simulated morocco back strip and yellow ink lettering on spine, mustard end papers, all edges trimmed, straw text paper; Double slipcased with maroon inner case and mustard outer case with tan spine label and black lettering, color illustration of Marshall monument in Coloma; Negligible shelf wear to book, prior owner ink signature on front end paper; Outer slipcase has minor soiling and age toning with several wear spots along spine edges, inner case has slightly darken spine with some shelf wear and age toning. James Wilson Marshall (1810-1885) was a carpenter and sawmill operator, until he became famous for "discovering" gold on the South Fork of the America River. Born in New Jersey, he spent early years in the each before emigrating to Oregon and California for his health. He settled in Sacramento and worked for John Sutter as a carpenter and sawmill operator. Sutter contracted with Marshall to build a sawmill in the Sierra Foothills along the South Fork of the America River, about 40 miles north east of Sacramento. Marshall discovered gold nuggets in the tailrace for the Mill on or about January 24,1848. He advised Sutter four days later, and the news quickly spread to launch the largest voluntary international migration over the next few years to California.