My Genealogy Hound

ALBERT M. BELDEN, M.D., a resident of Chesterfield and a leading physician of Hampshire County, was born in Whately, June 22, 1867, and in the same house where his father and grandfather had likewise been born. The Doctor’s great-grandfather Belden, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. On the cessation of hostilities he located in Whately, being one of its earliest settlers. He bought the original Belden homestead, and there reared his children.

Elihu Belden succeeded to the ownership of the homestead property, and was one of the foremost agriculturists of this part of the county for many years. In addition to general farming he raised and sold large quantities of tobacco. He continued a resident of the town until his decease, November 13, 1882. He married Roxanna Leonard, who died September 3, 1870. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Henrietta, deceased; Franklin, residing in Whately; Elihu Leonard; Channing Snow, of Hartford; William Clifford, a resident of Springfield, Mass.; Rufus Howland, deceased; Albert Matson, the subject of this sketch; and a child that died in infancy.

Albert M. Belden attended the public schools in his early years. Before he had completed his schooling his father’s death occurred. He pursued his medical studies with private tutors and at home, afterward entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he was graduated with the class of March 15, 1888. He first opened an office in Cummington, where he practised eight months, and then came to Chesterfield, where he has since resided. He has built up an extensive practice, and in the discharge of his duties has won the approbation and confidence of the entire community.

On December 25, 1888, Dr. Belden was united in marriage with Mabel Marian Bicknell, a daughter of the late Luke E. and Lucretia T. (Pierce) Bicknell, then residents of West Cummington. Her father was a soldier in the late war, having been mustered in as Lieutenant in the company of sharpshooters, and afterward promoted to the rank of Captain. Captain Bicknell was wounded in battle, and subsequently died from the effects of the wound. Mrs. Bicknell survived him, and is now living in West Cummington. One child has been born to the Doctor and his wife, Roxanna Leonard, whose birth occurred February 21, 1892.

Dr. Belden occupies a place of prominence in local affairs, and has served in many offices within the gift of his fellow-townsmen. He was for three years a member of the School Board, and is now filling the position of Health Officer. His wife succeeded him in the School Board, where she ably assists in advancing the educational interests of the town. Politically, he is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Chesterfield Lodge, No. 175, of West Chesterfield, of which he is also the medical examiner. Religiously, he is a consistent member of the Congregational church.