San Joaquin County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


 
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 Windier, 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 � Los Angeles, Historic Record Co., 
1923
p   1373       
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.