James Wilson Marshall

James Wilson Marshall (October 8, 1810 – August 10, 1885) was an American carpenter and sawmill worker. He reported finding gold at Coloma on the American River in California on January 24, 1848. This started the California Gold Rush. The mill was owned by John Sutter. Marshall had been hired to help build it. 

Gold discovery

On the morning of January 24, 1848Different sources list different dates. Although according to William Bigler's diary, a companion to Marshall, "something like gold" was found on January 24, 1848. Marshall was fetching water for his new-built water-powered sawmill by the river when he suddenly saw gold flakes in the water. He later said:

 References 

Category:1810 births
Category:1885 deaths
Category:1840s in the United States
Category:Carpenters
Category:Mining
Category:People from New Jersey