Bill Beltz facts for kids

William Earnest Beltz (born April 27, 1912 – died November 21, 1960) was an important American politician and a skilled carpenter. He was known for his dedication to improving education for people in rural Alaska.

Born in Bear Creek on the Seward Peninsula, near Haycock, Alaska, William Beltz was an Iñupiaq man. The Iñupiaq are a group of Inuit people who live in Alaska.

Early Life and Career

William Beltz started his career as a carpenter. He was so good at his job and so respected that he was chosen to be the President of the Alaska Council of Carpenters. He lived in Unalakleet, Alaska, for much of his life.

In 1953, William Beltz married Arne Louise Bulkeley. She was a nurse working for the U.S. Public Health Service in Unalakleet when they met. Together, they had seven children.

A Leader in Alaskan Politics

William Beltz was a member of the Democratic Party. He began his political journey in the Alaska Territorial Legislature. This was the government of Alaska before it became a state.

Serving in the Legislature

• In 1949, Beltz served in the House of the Alaska Territorial Legislature.
• From 1951 to 1959, he was a member of the Territorial Senate. This was a very important time, as Alaska was working towards becoming a state.

Becoming a State Senator

When Alaska officially became a state in 1959, William Beltz continued his public service. He was elected to the very first Alaska State Senate. He served as a state senator until he passed away in 1960.

In 1958, the first Senate of the new state of Alaska chose William Beltz to be their president. This was a big honor, and the vote was unanimous, meaning everyone agreed.

Legacy and Recognition

William Beltz is remembered for his strong efforts to bring education to people living in rural areas of Alaska. Because of his hard work, a school was named in his honor: Nome-Beltz Junior/Senior High School.

Also, a conference room in the Thomas B. Stewart Legislative Office Building was named after him. This building is where many important government decisions are made in Alaska.

William Beltz died in Anchorage, Alaska, at the Alaska Native Medical Center in 1960. He was 48 years old.