The "meanest man in California" as described by John Bidwell receives his chance at redemption thanks to this reprint of John Marsh, Pioneer by George Lyman as originally published in 1930. Here we discover an 18th Century Massachusetts native, born of English immigrants moving west with the nation. Marsh is a colorful man influencing people and events throughout his life and location. The first overland emigrants from the United States, the Bartleson-Bidwell Party, came to California specifically with Marsh's adobe home destination in mind. "The meanest man in California" stuck to Marsh's reputation. Marsh died unheralded; Bidwell lived. Marsh is a colorful man influencing people and events throughout his life and location. Here is a man who knew Abraham Lincoln when the future president was a soldier in the Black Hawk War. "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles" might not have become the Los Angles we know today had "Doctor" John Marsh not provided small pox immunizations. John Fremont and Kit Carson were guests at his Rancho Los Meganos. Marsh was well established in California seven years before Captain John Sutter became lost in the Delta tule bull rushes as he sailed to present day Sacramento. Mountain men, scouts, and members of the ill-fated Donner Party were known to him from Illinois and Wisconsin days. The list of coincidence and "67-degrees of separation" connecting John Marsh with historic figures and places in United States history is surprising. Historians, book lovers, California Emigrant Trail enthusiasts, and those seeking a real-life adventure story will enjoy this biography. The true-life exploits of Dr. John Marsh are as absorbing as legendary bandits Joaquin Murrieta and Three-finger Jack, or the fictionalized Don Diego de la Vega as Senor Zorro. Modern reprint in facsimile of John Marsh, Pioneer: The Life Story of a Trail-blazer on Six Frontiers by George D. Lyman as originally published in 1930. Paperback, Glossy Color Cover, Black & White text, Cream 55 lb. Paper, 464 pages, Perfect Bound with a new Preface/Introduction. Imprint of Byron Hot Springs, San Francisco, CA

Everyone loves a good mystery especially when it is in one's own back yard Author Carol Jensen, the Brentwood Press, and the East County Historical Society team up to learn more about the families, successes, and lives of early east Contra Costa County residents. Local citizens are challenged to identify people and locations throughout the community as captured in postcard images from the early 20th century. The response is insightful, often witty, and illustrates the interesting lives of emigrants settling the beautiful California Delta. Presented in Challenge (Mystery) and Solution (History) format, readers are asked to share their insights regarding the postcard image, sender, or recipient. Responses are gathered, sifted, and presented in subsequent newspaper editions. This compilation of 15 postcard inspired articles was a monthly feature of the Brentwood Press from 2010 to 2012. History Mystery Postcards from the California Delta depicts life in small town California and provides insights into early 20th century life. Postcard collectors, mystery sleuths, and social/cultural history enthusiasts will enjoy revisiting life as it was experienced the century past. The Brentwood Press and East Contra Costa Historical Society are pleased to play a part in preserving local heritage.