The town of Pearland, Brazoria County, Texas was known as "Mark Belt" during the period of about 1887-1894 due to his land, livestock, and railroad dealings in the area at that time.
He was a major contributor to, and manager of, the Confederate Home in Higginsville, Missouri, for many years.
The town of Belton, Cass County, Missouri is named after him.
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Military service:
CSA, Co. E, 12th Regiment, Missouri Cavalry which was known as "Jackson's County Cavalry" or "Shank's Missouri Cavalry". He rose to the rank of Captain in the CSA during the Civil War and was alleged to have been a bushwhacker.
Provost Marshal´s Records Database, Missouri State Archives, Jefferson City, MO:
Statement by Andrew A. Belt to Capt. D. A. Calvert re: robbery of steamboat "Marcella" by 18 bushwhackers led by Mark Belt in October of 1863 near Holmes warehouse Four Federal soldiers onboard at the time Frank Dosier, Captain of the "Marcella,"
01-20-1864.
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Obituary:
CAPTAIN M. L. BELT HAS PASSED AWAY
One of Higginsville's Most Public Spirited Citizens Succumbs to a Protracted Illness
Marcus Lindsey Belt died at his home on Fair Ground avenue Saturday night, August 27, 1921, at 11:30 o'clock after an illness extending over many weeks. Capt. Belt, as he was familiarly known, was born in Lebanon, Marion county, Kentucky, September 10, 1837 and was therefore 93 years, 11 months and 11 days old. He was a man of remarkable activity and a vigorous constitution. He was a son of Dr. Wm. M. and Mildred Belt, who located in Independence, Mo. in 1845, where Dr. Belt practiced his profession for 21 years.
Capt. Belt went to Denver in 1859 and was a Pike's Peak prospector when the war broke out. He then returned to Missouri and enlisted under General Price at Springfield and continued in service throughout the war, surrendering with the rank of captain. After the war he clerked in St. Louis for a time and then opened a general store at Dover, this county, and continued in business there for twelve years. Then in company with Chas. Erskine, he became a railroad contractor furnishing supplies along the Missouri Pacific when the branch was built from Sedalia to Myrick. He also had contracts with the Frisco when that road was built and the town of Belton, in Cass county, was named in his honor.
Following his railroad experience he spent several years in Texas in the cattle business after which he returned to Higginsville in 1888 and began to develop the coal business here. He then organized and built the Rocky Branch railroad about six miles in length, connecting the various mines with both railroads at this place. The company was incorporated in 1888 with Capt. Belt as secretary and manager.
Capt. Belt, Capt. A. E. Asbury and Jacob Fulkerson succeeded in locating and establishing the Confederate Home here and Capt. Belt was its first superintendent. He also served on the board four years without recompense. He was a life long Democrat and had been a member of the Masonic lodge for many years.
He was a member of the Higginsville city council when the present light and water plant was first installed, and five years ago was elected mayor of the town. During his administration the city sewer system was installed and an extension made to the city's paved streets.
Capt. Belt was a public spirited man and a great believer in the future of his town. He spent much effort on developing the asphalt fields near this place and had a block of street laid with this material as a demonstration of its qualities. Capt. Belt was married in 1856 to Miss Mollie Burton, a daughter of Jas. A. Burton, who then resided on what is known as the Schlooman farm east of Higginsville. To this union four children were born, three of whom survive. They are William R. of Sacramento, Cal Joseph Shelby of Kansas City and George M. of the home, Marcus L. died about two years ago. Mrs. Belt died in 1877.
Capt. Belt was married in 1885 to Miss Jennie E. Burton sister of Mary S. Burton. To this union two children were born, both of whom survive, together with the mother. They are Mrs. Mildred Hoefer and Alfred Belt of this city. Deceased is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. John B. Morris of St. Louis adn[sic] Mrs. Alice V Erskie of New York City.
Funeral services were held at the family residence Monday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. E. D. Holloway, assisted by the Rev. A. C. MacKinney. Burial was made in the city cemetery.
--- Higginsville paper, 1921
Obit Above Provided By: Woody/Belton Remembers, Find-a-Grave Member# 48220762