John Marsh: Intrepid Doctor and Businessman

By Phin Upham

In 1836, after having tried and failed at being a merchant, John Marsh walked into Southern California and decided to stake his claim there. He had the good fortune of studying medicine at Harvard, so he arrived and showed the Mexican government in charge his Harvard degree, which was written in Latin. The Governors could not read Latin, but understood the degree was probably important so they allowed him to practice medicine all the same.

Marsh was a pricey doctor, if accounts from the day are to be believed. He would often charge a head of cattle to deliver a baby, and was paid in hides and tallow. These items were the basic currency of the day, and he would sell these goods off to local traders. He joked that his office looked more like a warehouse than a doctor’s office.

Marsh was the first non-Hispanic settler in Contra Costa County, paying his life savings for a ranch there. He made a good move professionally and personally, he prospered both as a rancher and doctor. He would frequently charge based on his time travelled. There is also evidence suggesting he treated some survivors of the Donner Party.

Marsh was also one of the California’s earliest proponents. He wrote numerous letters that were circulated by newspaper and public meeting, extolling the virtues of California’s climate and lifestyle. He even provided maps and details instructions to travel along “Marsh’s Trail”. In doing so, he ensured a steady business for himself and his ranch property.


About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or LinkedIn page.

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