George Gordon Belt facts for kids

George Gordon Belt (1828–1869) was a man who lived a long time ago and had many different jobs. He was a soldier, a "49er" (someone who came to California during the Gold Rush), a businessman, and a judge. During the American Civil War, he supported the Southern states and helped organize a group called the Mason Henry Gang in California.

Early Life and Moving to California

George Gordon Belt was born on September 25, 1825, in Beltsville, Maryland. When he was a young man, he joined a group of soldiers called the First Regiment of New York Volunteers. These soldiers were led by Colonel Jonathan D. Stevenson. Their job was to be part of the American army in California during the Mexican–American War.

Colonel Stevenson gathered about 770 men for this group. The idea was that after their time in the army, they would be allowed to stay and live in California. George Belt was a quartermaster-sergeant, which meant he helped manage supplies for the soldiers. He left the army in 1847 and decided to make California his home.

On April 7, 1848, George G. Belt married Bebiana Asorca. They had nine children together by the year 1869.

Belt's Ferry and His Work

In 1849, Belt settled in Stockton, California and opened a tent store. This was a common way to start a business during the Gold Rush. In 1850, he was given a special job as a licensed trader at the Merced Indian Reservation.

He also set up a place called Belt's Ferry and store on the Merced River. This spot was about seven miles upstream from Snelling's Ranch. His tent-store there mainly provided supplies to Native American groups in that part of the San Joaquin Valley. He did this as part of a contract with the government.

George Belt became the very first alcalde (pronounced al-KAL-day) of Stockton, California. An alcalde was like a mayor and a judge all in one. On one occasion, he rode with a group of people who helped capture a stagecoach robber named Tom Bell. This happened near Firebaugh's Ferry on October 4, 1856.

During the Civil War

George Belt strongly supported the Southern states during the American Civil War. In early 1864, he used his ranch on the Merced River to help organize a group of men. These men included John Mason and "Jim Henry". Belt sent them out to find more people and take property from those who supported the Union (the Northern states).

For the next two years, this group became known as the Mason Henry Gang. They claimed to be fighting for the Confederacy, but they often acted like outlaws. They committed robberies, thefts, and other crimes in many areas of California. These areas included the southern San Joaquin Valley, Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, Santa Clara County, and other counties in Southern California.

His Death

On June 3, 1869, Judge Belt was shot and killed in Stockton. This happened because of a disagreement he had with a man named William Dennis.