El Dorado County
Biographies
SIMON DES MARSHAIS
Of Greenwood, is one of the owners and the Superintendent of what is known as the French claim. He was born in Montreal, Canada, on the 12th day of January, 1827, and is a son of Peter and Mary Louise, nee Les Mieux, Des Marshais. In Canada he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In December, 1855, he started to California, and on the 22d day of January, 1856, arrived at San Francisco and in a short time was in the mines at Frenchtown, near Shingle Springs. In September, 1856, he came to Georgetown. In 1862 he located at Greenwood and has remained since, engaged in mining. After disposing of the saw-mill claim he bought into the French mine seem diggings, and the success of this mine is largely due to the skill and energy of Mr. Des Marshais. It is one of the best mines in the county. He was married July 11th, 1854, to Amelia B. Dabhurthuvise, who was also born in Montreal. There are five children, viz.: Ferdinand W., born in Frenchtown April 24th, 1856; Ludivine, born at Fort Hill July 12th, 1859; May L., born in Greenwood August 7th, 1866; Emma M., born in Greenwood June 29th, 1869, and Francis M., born in Greenwood December 21st, 1872. His present residence was erected in 1866, a view of which can be seen on another page of this volume.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 239
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler