John Marsh (pioneer)
John Marsh (June 5, 1799 – September 24, 1856), later known in Spanish as Don Juan Marsh, was a physician, ranchero, and linguist in California when it was still part of the Republic of Mexico. Born in Massachusetts, Marsh immigrated to California in 1836, where he became a Mexican citizen. He was baptized as Roman Catholic in order to buy land, and acquired the vast land grant of Rancho Los Méganos in Contra Costa. He became one of the wealthiest ranchers in California, and was among the highly influential men who worked to gain United States statehood after Mexico ceded this area following its defeat in the Mexican-American War.
John Marsh | |
|---|---|
John Marsh in 1852 | |
| Born | June 5, 1799 Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | September 24, 1856 (aged 57) Vine Hill, California |
| Citizenship | United States Mexico |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Occupation(s) | Medical doctor, rancher |
| Known for | Early California pioneer |
| Spouse | Abigail Smith Tuck |
| Partner | Marguerite Deconteaux |
| Children | Charles (son), Abigail (daughter) |
| Parent(s) | John Marsh Sr. (father), Polly Brown (mother) |
Marsh knew Hebrew, Latin and Greek, and, while working as a US Indian agent at Fort Snelling, was the first person to compile a dictionary of the Siouan language. He is the namesake of Marsh Creek and Marsh Creek State Park in Contra Costa County. The John Marsh Historic Trust was organized to protect his legacy.