Yuba
County
Biographies
ISAAC
SAWYER BELCHER
There are in every community men
of bright intellect and well-balanced minds who quietly pursue a line of duty,
usefulness and efficient service to the common wealth. Such has been the life
of Judge Belcher. He was born in Vermont and his early training by his father, an humble farmer, to habits of industry and self-reliance
laid the foundation of his future career. In 1842 he entered the University of
Vermont in Burlington, graduating in 1846. He chose for his profession the law
and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Vermont in 1852. In 1853
he came to California and after a “spell” at mining settled in Marysville,
where he practiced law with eminent success. In 1855 he was elected District
Attorney of Yuba county and Judge of the Tenth Judicial District in 1863, which
office he held for six years. In 1872 he was appointed a Justice of the Supreme
Court of California and in 1881 he was elected a trustee of the State Library.
He was a member of the late Constitutional Convention and did signal service in
shaping legislation and harmonizing the discordant elements of that body. In
1885 he was appointed Supreme Court Commissioner, which responsible position he
now holds. He is highly esteemed, and has maintained a spotless character. Judge
Belcher is a man of remarkable strength of mind and soundness of judgment, and
his fellow-trustees will find in him a valuable coadjutor in administering the
noble trust confided to their keeping.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including Educational Institutions on
the Pacific Coast”, Page 29, Publ. Bancroft Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia M. Setty.
Golden Nugget Library's Yuba County
Biographies