Christopher was born in Abington, Va., September 10, 1830, the only son of G. W. Belcher of the same town. His mother was a Miss Eliza De Noyle, of French descent. Christopher first went to school in Virginia, and from thence to his uncle L. C. De Noyle, of Nashville, Tenn., where he remained till seventeen years of age, going to school at the academy there for a time and from thence to the State University, where he remained about four years. After this he moved around for a time until 1848, when he came to the Cherokee Nation, and from thence after a year, to the old Creek agency in the Creek Nation. He then commenced clerking for John A. Mathews, general merchant, of that place, and remained with him for two years. In 1851, he went to Briartown, Cherokee Nation, where he took charge of the store of John Barnwall, general merchant, of that place. Here he remained for fifteen months, when he went to Missouri, spending nearly two years in that State, until his former employer, Mr. Barnwall, wrote for him to return and take charge of his mercantile interests, which he did for a term of three years, finally becoming a partner in the business and retaining the same for five years. At the outbreak of the war he joined the Confederate service under General Pike as a captain, remaining with his company till the end. In 1865, he came to Okmulgee and settled on a farm until 1867, when he moved to Shieldsville, five miles north, to assume charge of Parkinson & Co.’s store at that point. Before long Mr. Belcher purchased the business himself, moving to Okmulgee, which town was just established. Here he remained until 1873, when he sold his stock and trade to a Mr. Parkinson, turning his attention to farming and stock raising, which he still continues. In 1884 he was appointed postmaster at Okmulgee, retaining the office until the present time. Mr. Belcher was married to Mrs. Kiney (widow of George Kiney), a Creek lady and a niece of the celebrated Paddy Carr, by whom he has no family. In 1855 he was adopted by the Creeks, by a special act of council, an honor and mark of favor never before or since bestowed, except in one other instance. This fact is a pretty good proof of Mr. Belcher’s great popularity among the Indian people. Mr. Belcher was among the first few charter members of the Masonic order in the Creek Nation, his connection with the order being cotemporaneous with the late G. W. Stidham, who was the first Master Mason in the Creek country. The subject of our sketch is owner of a fine farm, as well as 300 head of cattle, horses and hogs, and a comfortable residence in the town of Okmulgee. Mr. Belcher is five feet six inches in height, gentlemanly and prepossessing in manner, and a universal favorite with all classes of men.
