Bio of Belden, Ira W. (b.1837) Wabasha Co., MN
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Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Barbara Timm and Carol Judge
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This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1884.
Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab1.htm
There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some 
of the bios on her pages.

Belden, Ira W., (page 1138 ~ a second entry follows this) blacksmith, is a 
grandson of Emanuel Belden, of English descent. Erastus, son of Emanuel 
Belden, was born in New York, and became a successful medical 
practitioner. He married Julia A. Lines, a native of the same state. On 
June 11, 1837, they dwelt at Elyria, Ohio, at which time and place was 
ushered into existence the subject of this sketch. They soon returned to 
Steuben county, New York, where Ira Belden was reared, attending the 
common schools till sixteen years of age. He then began a three years' 
apprenticeship at his trade, and after it was finished set off for the 
west. After a short time spent in Iowa, he settled at Frankford, Fillmore 
county, this state, and brought his parents there. His father died there 
in 1866, and his mother a year later, at Rochester. He was eight years 
constable at Frankford, and one term deputy-sheriff. On the outbreak of 
the Sioux war in 1862, he enlisted in the Minnesota Rangers, and served 
fourteen months on the frontier, taking part in several encounters. He 
then joined the 6th Minn. Inf., at Lake Ponchatrain, and was with this 
regiment till its discharge, in November, 1865. The only severe 
engagements were those required in reducing the forts about Mobile harbor. 
Immediately after the close of the war he settled in Wabasha county, and 
has been in this neighborhood ever since. For one year he tilled a farm in 
Bear valley. He is now in the employ of A. J. Taft, at Mazeppa. He has 
always been a democrat, but has not voted for ten years. In regard to 
theology, is a Universalist. He was married in 1857, to Amanda Raymond, a 
native of Green county, Wisconsin, and is the father of seven children, 
all of whom are at home. Their names are: Scott E., Ralph O., Otho, Iris 
and Ira (twins), Clyde and Lois.
*The sketch below appears on a different page and appears to be the same 
person even though some dates are different.
War of Rebellion (Civil War)
Indian Wars

Ira W. Belden, a son of Erastus Belden, a physician of Fillmore county, 
Minnesota, was born in 1837. He received a common school education, after 
which he learned his trade of blacksmithing. In the fall of 1862 he 
enlisted in the war against the Indians, and served fourteen months as 
farrier in his regiment. He then enlisted in the war of the rebellion and 
served one year, when, his health failing, he returned to make his home on 
the banks of the Zumbro. He is a resident of Zumbro Falls, living on the 
sourth side of the river, but his shop is situated on the north side. Mr. 
Belden was married in 1860, to Amanda Raymond. Their family consists of 
seven children. The eldest son, aged nineteen, holds a good position on 
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad.
      War of 1812