San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1476
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 2/23/2010
JAMES EDWARD KELLEY
As superintendent of gas manufacture for the Western States Gas and Electric Company of Stockton, James E. Kelley occupies a position of great importance and responsibility in connection with one of the largest public service corporations in California and a strong factor in promoting the industrial development of many cities and towns in the central portion of the state. He is one of California's native sons, his birth having occurred at Benicia, in Solano County, on August 15, 1878, and his parents, Timothy and Mary (Shortell) Kelley, were natives of Ireland. The former came to California when nineteen years of age in the fifties, and was married in San Francisco to Miss Shortell. She came to California when she was about fifteen years old. They were ranchers at Benicia until they retired to Stockton in 1885, and here they passed away, the mother on August 24, 1912, and the father on October 10, of the same year. In their family were three children: James E., our subject, Frank and William, all residents of Stockton. Timothy Kelley proved his loyalty to his adopted country by serving in the Civil War.
James E. Kelley acquired his education in the grammar schools of Stockton and while pursuing his studies he acted as lamp lighter for the Stockton Gas and Heating Company, performing the task faithfully each evening. At the age of sixteen he laid aside his textbooks and secured employment with the California Paper Company, with which he remained for a year, in 1895, and then became wagon driver and errand boy with the Stockton Gas, Light and Heating Company, now the Western States Gas and Electric Company. He conscientiously applied himself to his work and was gradually promoted through the various branches, being for a time in the electrical department, while later he was transferred to the gas department, working his way from the bottom, acting as fireman, oiler and also as engineer. He was next made foreman of the gas plant and in 1910 merit and ability won for him promotion to his present position, that of superintendent of gas manufacture, in which connection he has charge of from forty to fifty men, while he also acts as superintendent of the company's natural gas wells, having seventeen wells in Stockton. He does everything in his power to promote the efficiency of his department and his services are of great value to the corporation.
Mr. Kelley married Miss Nellie Brisco, a native of Stockton and a daughter of Michael Brisco, now living retired in Oakland, Cal. He became one of the pioneer settlers of Stockton and took an active part in public affairs, serving as city councilman and also as a member of the Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have a son, Francis V., attending Stockton high school. Mr. Kelley owns his residence at 426 East Vine street, where he resides with his family. He is a member and officer of the Pacific Coast Gas Association and of Stockton Lodge No. 218, B.P.O. Elks.
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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