From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 220-221.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


BELTZ, FLADING & CO.

Beltz, Flading & Co., a well-known firm of Wheeling, is extensively 
engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds and other builders' 
supplies, as proprietors of the Excelsior planing mill, and also have 
a large trade in lumber.  The factory is 70X120 feet in area, and 
includes three floors and a basement.  John Beltz, senior member of 
this firm, was born in Somerset county, Penn., August 4, 1837.  His 
father, Peter Beltz, a native of the city of Fulda, Germany, came to 
United States in 1837, and while he and family were on the way from 
Baltimore to Wheeling, by the old National road, the subject of this 
mention was born.  Peter Beltz was one of the pioneer German citizens 
of Wheeling, and for a number of years followed his occupation of 
blacksmithing; a good citizen, highly esteemed by the community.  In 
1848 he removed to a farm on Peter's run, near Triadelphia, where he 
followed his trade in connection with farming.  He is still living, 
in his eighty-third year.  John Beltz was reared in Wheeling, and 
received his education in the common schools.  When about nineteen 
years of age he learned the trade of cabinet-making, at which he 
worked until the beginning of the late war, during which he was for a 
time in the quartermaster's service as a carpenter.  After the war he 
became a member of the firm of Saulsbury, Flading & Co., proprietors 
of a planing mill.  The firm continued for two years. About 1867, the 
firm of Beltz & Flading was established, which has since then been 
changed to Beltz, Flading & Co., the members being John Beltz, John 
Flading and M. F. Giesey.  Mr. Beltz is prominent and public spirited 
as a citizen, and has served the city two terms of two years each, 
beginning in 1876, as councilman.  He was married in 1878 to Regenia 
Granner, the step-daughter of Lawrence Harwell, and they have five 
children.


(Linda Fluharty)