Farmer, trapper, first settler of Shasta County, Calif. (1847). After Reading came to California (1843), he worked as a trapper for Captain John A. Sutter (1844-1846) until United States declared war on Mexico. Reading joined California Battalion under John C. Fremont and became its paymaster. Following discovery of gold, Reading found mineral on own lands along Clear Creek and Trinity River. Using his new-found wealth he started a commercial venture in Sacramento (1849) and following year returned east where he paid off his debts from 1837 depression. Reading was unsuccessful Whig candidate for Governor (1851). He went east for hearings on his land grant (1854). While there he met and married Fanny Wallace Washington. They returned to Shasta County, where Reading invested in steam navigation schemes, grew wheat, fruit trees and cattle until his death (1868). Account of Reading's life based in part upon his overland journal (1843) and Mrs. Reading's diary (1861-1862).
From the description of "Major Pierson Barton Reading, California Pioneer." (University of the Pacific). WorldCat record id: 35248949
