Obit of Frank Belcher
F.S. BELCHER November 29, 1896
The startling news was received in this city last night that Mr. Frank S. Belcher, president of the Phoenix National Bank had died late in the afternoon at Rockport, Texas of apoplexy. The dispatch announcing Mr. Belcher's death was addressed to C.J. Hall, cashier of the bank. It did not give any particulars. Mr. Belcher left Phoenix three weeks ago for Fort Worth Texas where he had extensive business interests.
He had been afflicted with a heavy cold coupled with an attack 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 frequented by Mr. 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 Pheonix that Mr. Belcher was in delicate health there was no idea that his condition was serious and the dispatch announcing his death caused much surprise. He was a man of strong personality and will be greatly missed. When in Pheonix 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 window of the bank overlooking Washington Street. His close application to business undoubtedly hastened his death.
Although he lived only about two years in Pheonix, Mr. Belcher had a large circle of friends and there will be sincere sorrow today when the news of his death becomes generally known. Mr. 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 enought to go out into the world he was obliged to provide for himself. He was emphatically a self made man. About eighteen years ago he removed to Charlotte, Michigan.
At that time he was a man of great physical activity. No work seemed too difficult for him to undertake.
He had carved out a fortune by his individualism and soon after becoming a resident of Michigan he became noted as a financier. A few years ago he was forced by continued ill 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 business ventures and his physical powers slowly, but surely relaxed. At the time he became a resident of Pheonix he was far from a well man. He was elected president of the Phoenix National and devoted his energies to the upbuilding of that institution. In this he was successful. He was an old school Republican, and in the recent campaign did what he could to advance the cause of sound money. He was a firm believer in the future of Arizona. Mr. Belcher leaves a wife, a son, Fred S. and a daughter, L. Maude. Mrs. and Miss Belcher are now in Michigan.
It is probable that his remains will be taken to Charlotte for burial. Mr. C.C. Bowen of Detroit, a stockholder in the bank and a partner of D.M. Ferry of Detroit, who is also interested in the bank is expected to reach Phoenix in a few days. Dec 1, 1896 There was a meeting yesterday afternoon of the board of directors of the Phoenix National Bank to take action upon the death of Frank S. Belcher, late president of the bank.
1896 Obits Arizona Republican Newspaper