History tells us that James Marshall discovered gold in Coloma, California thereby starting a mad rush by people from around the world. Rarely do we hear what ended up happening to him.
Marshall's reason for being in Coloma was to build a sawmill for John Sutter, who held vast land holdings in Northern California. After news of the discovery spread, his workers deserted him and squatters descended upon Coloma. Financially ruined, Mr. Marshall left Coloma in search of new opportunities. When none presented themselves, Marshall returned to Coloma, moved into a cabin and began selling his autograph to curious travelers who wanted to see where it all began.
Bitter about his losses, Marshall took to drinking heavily. He successfully convinced the State of California to pay him a pension since he believed that the state would not have come into being without him. They agreed, but made him return to the legislature each year to get the pension renewed. He lost the pension after a couple of years, most likely due to his alcoholism. (Legend has it that a bottle fell out of his pocket when he stood to address the state legislature.) Mr. Marshall passed away penniless. Ironically, the state then commissioned a statue in his honor, allocating $9,000 to its construction.
