Smith, John Marsh, 1818-1890

John Marsh Smith came to California in 1849, by ship via Panama, to search for gold.

From the description of John Marsh Smith Collection, 1849-1857. (California State Library). WorldCat record id: 58856313

John Marsh Smith (1818-1890) was a Quaker from Baltimore, Maryland. He decided to prospect in California with his brother-in-law, Frederick Tyson, in 1850. In San Francisco, Smith became associated with merchant Joseph Hobson of Cross, Hobson & Company. Through this acquaintance he traveled to Monterey and to Sacramento, where for a short time he ran a hotel, partially financed by William Hobson (Joseph's brother). Smith left for Oregon in September of 1850. While there, he met notables Dr. John McLoughlin and Hugh Burns. He traveled throughout the Oregon Territory, all the time describing his journey in letters to Elizabeth, his wife. Smith returned home to Baltimore in 1851.

From the description of John Marsh Smith letters, 1832-1866. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 39873202

Biography

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.

From the guide to the John Marsh Smith Papers, 1849-1857, (California State Library)

John Marsh Smith (1818-1890) was a Quaker from Baltimore, Maryland. He decided to prospect in California with his brother-in-law, Frederick Tyson, in 1850. In San Francisco, Smith became associated with merchant Joseph Hobson of Cross, Hobson & Company. Through this acquaintance he traveled to Monterey and to Sacramento, where for a short time he ran a hotel, partially financed by William Hobson (Joesph's brother).

Smith left for Oregon in September 1850. While there, he met notables Dr. John McLoughlin and Hugh Burns. He traveled throughout the Oregon Territory, all the time describing this journey in letters to Elizabeth, his wife. Smith returned home to Baltimore in 1851.

From the guide to the John Marsh Smith Letters, 1832-1866, (Oregon Historical Society Research Library)