Arizona republican., 1896-11-29


 any particulars.
 Mr. Belcher left Phoenix three weeks ago for Fort Worth, Texas, where he had extensive business in- terests. He had been afflicted with a heavy cold coupled with an at tack of indigestion, and had hope that the mild air of the Texas gulf coast would benefit him. Rockport is a small place on the coast which in former years had been ire quented by MT. Belcher. Nothing had been heard of him for some time by his business associates here and it is surmised that he went to Rockport soon after reaching Fort Worth. His son, Fred s. Belcher, and his brother, W. c Belcher, of Austin, Texas, were with him when he died
 Although it was well known in Phoe- nix that Mr. Belcher was in delicate health there was no idea that his con- ditiOn was serious, and the dispatch announcing his death caused much surprise. He was man of strong personality and will be greatly missed. When in Phoenix, except for the short time that he was confined to his home, he was generally to be found at his desk, which stood near the front win dow of the bank overlooking Wash ington street. His close application to business undoubtedly hastened his death. Although he had lived only about two years in Phoenix, MT. Belcher had a large circle of friends and there will be sincere sorrow today when the news of his death becomes generally known.
 MT. Belcher was born in Kentucky about fifty years ago. His parents, who were poor died when he was very young. From the day he became old enough to go out into the world he was obliged to provide for himself He was emphatieally a self-made man. About eighteen years ago he removed to Charlotte, Michigan. At that time he was man of great physical ac- tivity. No work seemed too difficult l for him to undertake. He had carved out a fortune by his individual efforts and soon after becoming a resident of Michigan he became noted as a financier. A few years ago he was forced by continued i'll health to seek a milder climate, and went to Texas where he became interested in several financial enterprises
 From the time he went to Michigan until he came to Arizona two years ago his brain was kept busy evolving plans for the betterment of his busi- ness ventures, and his physical powers slowly, but surely, relaxed. At the time he became resident of Phoenix he was far from well man. He was elected president of the Phoenix Ma tional, and devoted his energies to the upbuilding of that institution. In this he was signally successful Mr. Belchel took a deep, but quiet, interest in pol itics. He was an old school Republi-
 can and in the recent campaign die , what he could to advance the cause ot
 sound money. He was a firm be-
 liever in the future of Arizona. By his death the territory has lost one o it's staunchest friends. MT. Belchel leaves a wife, a son, Fred S., and { daughter, L. Maude. Mrs. and Mis-: | Be1cher are now in Michigan. It i! probable that his remains will b taken to Charlotte for burial. Th' distance being so great and the ar engagements for the burial not beins known here, it is unlikely that any O the working force of the Phoenix Ma tional will go to Michigan to be pres ent at the funeral services. There wa some speculation last night as to hi successor as president of the bank, bu \ nothing definite can be said at thi time Mr. c. c. Bowen of Detroit, i; stockholder in the bank and a part ner of D. M. Ferry of Detroit, who i also interested in the bank, is ex pected to reach Phoenix in a few days When he comes the question of a nev president will probably be taken up