San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1373
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 11/23/2009
NELSON S. DWELLY
A champion of progress and improvement may be found in Nelson S. Dwelly, whose record as a member of the board of trustees since 1914 and as president of the board since 1916 has been a potent factor in the development of Tracy and her environs. He was born near Waukegan, Ill., on December 27, 1873, and when six years of age was taken by his parents to Topeka, Kans. He is the son of Charles H. and Anna (Condel) Dwelly, his father being a machinist employed in the shops of the Santa Fe Railroad at Topeka. They were the parents of five children, four of whom reside in Kansas. Both parents are deceased.
Nelson S. received his first schooling in the public schools of Topeka, Kans., and then served an apprenticeship, with two of his brothers, in the Santa Fe railroad shops there; after completing his apprenticeship, he chose the air brakes department. In 1891 he was advanced to the position of foreman and remained there until 1900, when he located in Richmond, California, and became connected with the Northern Division of the Santa Fe, remaining there for eight months. In 1901 he accepted a responsible position with the Southern Pacific Railroad at Rocklin, California, working for two years in the general machine shop; he worked in Oakland for seven years, following his trade, and also for a few months at Port Costa. About the time of his removal to Tracy, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company consolidated two departments, and Mr. Dwelly was put in charge of the round house, and for several months supervised forty men. Leaving the employ of the railroad company, for two years he successfully conducted the West Side garage on the Lincoln Highway, and when he disposed of it received a good profit. Mr. Dwelly is the owner of extensive realty holdings in Tracy; he has erected a fine garage building at Eleventh and Windler, which is leased to the Atlas garage.
The marriage of Mr. Dwelly occurred in Topeka, Kans., in 1898, and united him with Miss Julia Boyer, a native of New York, and they are the parents of three children: Elizabeth, Nelson J. and Anna Bell. Fraternally he is a member of the Masons and Knights of Pythias of Tracy, and politically he is a staunch Republican. His influence and support can be counted upon for all movements intended for advancement of this portion of California and his services as mayor of Tracy have assured him popularity and esteem throughout the county.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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