JOHN CLEVELAND BELCHER

Sacramento County

Biographies

JOHN CLEVELAND BELCHER

JOHN CLEVELAND BELCHER.--A pioneer of Sacramento County who became a successful farmer and stock-raiser was the late John Cleveland Belcher, who was born in Boston, Mass., March 20, 1820. He was descended from an old New England family of "Mayflower" stock, related to Governor Belcher of Massachusetts in Colonial days. John C. Belcher was a musician, a finished violinist and teacher of vocal music. He was married at Granby, Canada, to Miss Sarah W. Kent, a native of that town, whose parents came from New Hampshire. They moved out to Morgan County, Illinois, and then to Exeter, Scott County, and from 1855 to 1861 lived in Audrain County, Missouri. In the latter year, with his family he crossed the plains in a horse and mule team wagon-train. Leaving St. Joseph on April 20, 1861, they arrived in California June 26, 1861, a very rapid journey over the California Trail. Their captain was named Boquier, who had previously made six trips across the plains, and was well qualified to pilot them. John Belcher brought his musical instruments and music with him but never taught here, for he immediately engaged in farming. In 1862 he purchased the ranch that is still in the family. It comprised 400 acres of land suitable for raising fruit, including apples, pears, and plums.

In early days, John Belcher hauled the fruit to Virginia City, Nev., where he disposed of it among the miners. He was successful in the fruit industry and purchased the Cosumnes ranch, but rented it. There also he set orchards of pears and prunes. The pear orchard received his special care and is still bearing; it is said by experts to be one of the finest pear orchards in the state. His place was well improved, his residence being located on an elevated piece of ground, which is studded with seven large oak trees. Mr. Belcher was a member of the Union Lodge of Masons and helped to build the first school-house. He passed away February 8, 1878, while his widow survived him until March 20, 1918, her birth having occurred June 16, 1829.

This pioneer couple were blessed with seven children: Lucy E. died September 7, 1915; Alice J. makes her home in Sacramento. She was educated at Hunt's private school and taught school for many years. She is a member of Naomi Chapter No. 36, O. E. S., Sacramento. John Morton operated the Cosumnes ranch. He married Miss Lena Cash of Missouri. They passed away in 1888, he in February and his widow in April, leaving two children, Harold C. and Nancy S., who were reared by their grandmother, Mrs. Belcher. Nancy S. married Henry Blavat, July 26, 1919, and has two children, William Henry and John Clinton. Mary was the wife of F. E. Winning. She died in Oakland on December 26, 1921. She was a teacher and had a life diploma. William Died in Missouri during his first year. William James married Mrs. Susan King, who taught school in this county for eighteen years and made a splendid record. She now holds a state life diploma. Sadie W. owns the old home place, while the Cosumnes ranch is owned by Alice J. Belcher, Harold C. Belcher and Mrs. Blavat. Sadie Belcher also owns a ranch of 500 acres adjoining her Cosumnes holdings, which is devoted to hops, grain, and alfalfa and which she rents to others. Both places are well improved and very valuable. Miss Belcher is a member of Columbus Chapter No. 117, Order of Eastern Star, and also of the Rebekah Lodge at Elk Grove.

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 838. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.