The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-02

fish rite; was past grand master of the
Grand Lodge, F. and A. M. of California
past grand commander of the Grand Com
mandery, and past grand high priest OF
the Royal Arch Masons.
He had been prominent in all anti-debris
mining litigation, being one of the counsels
for the miners in the celebrated suit OF
Woodruff vs. North and Woodruff.
Probably no attorney in the United
States had ma naged more important cases
before the Supreme Court than Judge
Belcher He was eminently leader at
the bar.
He was born in Stockbridge, VT,
in 1921. He graduated from the University
of Vermont and afterward studied law,
and was admitted to the bar in 1856
He came to California in the early days
and took up his residence in Marysville,
where his brother. Isaac S. Belcher, was
already established in the practice of the
law.
The two brothers formed partnership
under the name of Fletcher & Belcher."
The firm continued until his brother, Isaac
S. Belcher, was raised to the Supreme
bench, about twenty years ago.
Mr.. Belcher then came to San Francisco
and became associated with E. B. Mastick
d Son, then in the practice of law, and
settled down in offices still occupied by the
present firm, "Mastick, Belcher & Mas
tick" at the corner of Commercial and
Montgomery streets.
He possessed a profound knowledge of
the sciences and literature, being, perhaps,
one of the best scholars in California.
His library, both professional and lay,
was very large and finely selected.
The cause that led indirectly to his
death is attributed to an accident which
befell him in the Yosemite Valley eight or
nine years ago.
While riding on the Yosemite stage
coming from the valley, accompanied by
his niece, Miss Taggart, the horses, which
were young and fractions, became unruly
and overturned the stage. Mr.. Belcher was
thrown on a pile of rocks, sustaining
severe injuries. One of his knees was
broken and he was dangerously hurt
internally.
A young physician was found on the
train, who attended him until he reached
this City, where DR.. Lane took him under
treatment.
Mr.. Belcher continued i'll for the period OF
year and never really recovered from the
shock of the accident. He was a reserved
man in regard to himself and seldom spoke
OF his physical ills, so that his friends were
not aware until two weeks ago when he
was confined to his bed of the serious
COnQltlOn OF MS nealCn. LIT. Lane was CDen
called and attended him until the hour of
his death.
Six or eight days ago he began to
weaken rapidly. When he passed away,
his niece, Miss Taggart, and his brothers
were at his bedside. Miss Taggart is now
Frustrated with grief and lies very i'll at
the Palace Hotel.
Mr.. Belcher was unmarried. He leaves
the two brothers mentioned above and two
sisters, Mrs. Nathan Whitney of Ben
nington, N. H., and Mrs. J. B. Taggart of
Stockbridge, VT, and another brother,
The funeral will take place at clock
Saturday, the 18th, and will be held under
the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Masons
of California. The remains will be es-
corted to the grave by the Communicates
of the Masonic Temple. The ceremony
has been postponed until Saturday that
the Sir knights now returning from the
conclave at Boston may attend.