Descriptive Summary
Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Biography/Administrative History
Scope and Content of Collection
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: David and Elizabeth Belden Papers
Dates: 1858-1891
Collection Number: 1979-2563
Creator/Collector:
Extent: .25 linear feet
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: 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.
Language of Material: English
Access
Papers are available to researchers by appointment with the Curator of Library & Archives.
Publication Rights
Contact the Curator of Library & Archives regarding reproduction and publication
Preferred Citation
David and Elizabeth Belden Papers. History San Jose Research Library
Acquisition Information
The papers were originally donated to the San Jose Historical Museum by an unknown donor.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
The bulk of the papers are letters, both from family members to David and Elizabeth Belden, and correspondence between the
married couple. In addition, there is a handful of professional correspondence, as well as tax records, and ephemera from
travel to Europe. Of note is David Belden's diary from 1868-1869.
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