Background
Belden, Josiah was born on May 4, 1815 in Cromwell, Connecticut, United States. Son of Josiah and Ruth (McKee) Belden.
Belden, Josiah was born on May 4, 1815 in Cromwell, Connecticut, United States. Son of Josiah and Ruth (McKee) Belden.
Attended common schools.
Apprenticed to jeweler, Albany, New York, 1830-1835. Jeweler, Philadelphia, 1836. Member Bartleson-Bidwell expedition to Pacific Coast from Independence (Missouri), 1841.
Operated store, Santa Cruz, California, 1842-1844. Purchased ranch in Sacramento Valley, 1844. Manager Mellus & Howard store, San Jose, California, 1849.
Elected 1st mayor of San Jose, 1850. Became owner extensive San Francisco real estate holdings in 1850’s. Supported Republican Party in California, 1860.
Active in Sanitary Fund during Civil War. Moved to New York City, 1881. Member Union League Club, New York City.
Director Erie R.R.
Member Bartleson-Bidwell expedition to Pacific Coast from Independence (Missouri), 1841. Member Union League.
Married Sarah M. Jones, 1849.