He completed academic studies and was graduated from Amherst College in 1832.
He commenced practice in Clinton, Connecticut before he moved in 1841 to New London, Connecticut where he engaged in manufacturing tools, hardware, and kitchen utensils.
Belcher was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives 1846 and 1847 and also served in the Connecticut Senate in 1850.
He resumed his former manufacturing pursuits and also engaged in banking.
Belcher died in New London, Connecticut in 1891 and was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery.