Classic Tales In California History Author:Alton Pryor Classic Tales in California History captures the stories of major events and important people in the history of the state. There are stories about America's only Emperor, the Bear Flag Revolt, the fact that three women actually discovered gold a full year before James Marshall, and about "Wheelbarrow Johnny", who became head of Studebaker Corp.... more » There is the story of how the Japanese settled the community of Gold Hill by planting a tea and silk farm, as well as the story of James Beckwourth, a black man who discovered an important route for emigrants coming to California.« less