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Guide to the Josiah Belden papers, 1832-1903
BANC MSS C-B 878
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Collection Title: Josiah Belden Papers,
Date (inclusive): 1832-1903
Collection Number: BANC MSS C-B 878
Creator: Belden, Josiah, 1815-1892
Extent:
Number of containers: 24 v. in 2 cartons and 3 boxes
Linear feet: 3.75
Repository: The
Bancroft Library
Berkeley, California 94720-6000
Physical Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Abstract: Mainly concerning his business, property and mining interests. Included also are diaries of travels in Europe, the Eastern
Mediterrnaean area and Alaska; incomplete reminiscence of Bartleson Party's overland journey; and papers for the settlement
of Belden's estate. Carton 1: vols. 1-17; Carton 2: vols. 18-24.
Languages Represented:
English
Collection is open for research.
Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts
must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft
Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which
must also be obtained by the reader.
[Identification of item], Josiah Belden papers, BANC MSS C-B 878, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.
- Potraits have been removed to the Pictorial Collections of The Bancroft Library
Identifier/Call Number: (14772-14774)
Josiah Belden, born in Connecticut of 17th century colonist stock, was a member of the first planned emigrant party to cross
the plains to California. A member of the Bartleson Party, Belden left Missouri early in May and arrived in California, after
considerable hardship, in November, 1841. Settling first in the Santa Cruz area, where he managed a store for Thomas O. Larkin,
Belden also operated a small store in Monterey. Upon acquiring Mexican citizenship he received a grant of land, the Barranca
Colorado, on the upper Sacramento River, which he later sold to William B. Ide.
In about 1846 Belden managed a store in Yerba Buena for Captain John Paty, later was associated with William Heath Davis,
and in 1847 established a store in San Jose in silent partnership with Henry Mellus and William D. M. Howard. With the gold
excitement this enterprise first languished as the inhabitants left for the mines, but prospered greatly as they returned
with gold to spend, and new residents also came to the town. Belden retired from this operation in 1849, about the time he
married Sarah Margaret, daughter of Zachariah Jones, an 1846 arrival in California. They continued to live in San Jose where
Belden took an active part in civic affairs and property development until 1881, when they moved to New York City where Belden
died in 1892.
By astute investment, including San Francisco real estate, Belden became a wealthy man for his times. The papers reflect his
merchandising operations, particularly his association with Mellus and Howard, and some of his investments, including the
San Francisco property. He was interested in quicksilver mines, particularly the New Almaden and the Guadalupe, and in mining
property in Mexico. The accounts contain many names and signatures of the early pioneers. Unfortunately, there is not much
correspondence. Diaries kept by Belden and Mrs. Belden on their travels to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean area and to Alaska
are included. Also, papers for the settlement of Belden's estate and a copy of Mrs. Belden's will are with the papers.
This collection of Belden's papers was a gift to the Bancroft Library from Clyde Arbuckle in January, 1963. A few items from
other sources (so noted, including the T. W. Norris Collection) have been added. Photocopy of letter from Charles J. Belden
to Mr. Arbuckle has been placed in Box I. Portraits cataloged as portraits 14772-14774.