Personal papers of Judge David Belden and his wife Elizabeth, including personal and professional correspondence, as well as David Belden's diary, a small number of tax records, and travel ephemera.

David Belden was born in Newton, Fairfield County, Connecticut, on August 14, 1832, and came to California in 1853, where he opened a law practice in Nevada City. He was elected County Judge of Nevada County in 1859, then represented Nevada County in the State Senate for two sessions beginning in 1865. Belden moved to San Jose in 1869 and continued to practice law. He was appointed Judge to the Twentieth Judicial District Court in 1871, followed by an appointment as Judge of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, where he remained until his death in 1888. Belden married Elizabeth C. Farrell in 1861.

.25 linear feet

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