Elmer Carl Nelson (June 1, 1900 – March 31, 1975) was an American political figure who served as the chairman of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee from 1953 to 1956, a delegate to the 1956 Republican National Convention from Massachusetts, and the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1958. He was a resident of Mendon, Massachusetts.[1]
Elmer C. Nelson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party | |
| In office 1953–1956 | |
| Preceded by | Daniel Tyler Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Ralph H. Bonnell |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 8th Worcester district | |
| In office 1933–1937 | |
| Preceded by | Lester Libbey |
| Succeeded by | Nathan Rosenfeld |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 1, 1900 Woonsocket, Rhode Island |
| Died | March 31, 1975 (aged 74) Milford, Massachusetts |
| Resting place | Pine Grove Cemetery Milford, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Occupation | Car dealer |
Early life
editNelson was born on June 1, 1900, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He graduated from Milford High School in Milford, Massachusetts.[2] During his senior year he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the 26th Division, 101st Engineer Battalion during World War I. In 1929 he opened a Buick dealership in Milford.[3]
Political career
editNelson represented the 8th Worcester District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1933 to 1937.[2] He served as vice chairman of the Special Commission on Taxation.[4] He managed Leverett Saltonstall's successful 1938 gubernatorial campaign.[3] He then served as volunteer aide to Saltonstall and was seen as the Governor's patronage chief. From 1939 to 1942, Nelson was a state racing commissioner.[5] During World War II he was a captain in the United States Army.[3]
Nelson managed Christian Herter's 1952 gubernatorial campaign and in 1953, with Herter's support, was elected chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party. He was given a $12,000-a-year salary, becoming the party's first paid chairman.[5] In 1956, the party's presumptive gubernatorial nominee, Sumner G. Whittier demanded Nelson's resignation, which he refused.[6] He was defeated for reelection by Ralph H. Bonnell at that year's party convention.[7] In 1958, Nelson was the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor. He lost to Democrat Robert F. Murphy 60% to 39%.[8] Nelson led his third successful gubernatorial campaign when he managed John Volpe's 1964 campaign.[3]
Death
editNelson died on March 31, 1975, at Milford Hospital.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Nelson, Elmer C." PoliticalGraveyard.com. Lawrence Kestenbaum. Retrieved 12 September 2011.
- ^ a b Public Officials of Massachusetts 1935-36. Boston Review.
- ^ a b c d e "Elmer Nelson; managed GOP governor campaigns". The Boston Globe. April 1, 1975.
- ^ "Nelson Defends Exemption Cuts". The Boston Globe. January 22, 1936.
- ^ a b "G. O. P. Votes $12,000 Salary for New Chairman Nelson". The Boston Globe. February 27, 1953.
- ^ Lewis, William (March 27, 1956). "Bonnell Predicts Ouster of Nelson as Chairman". The Boston Globe.
- ^ "Whittier Hails Bonnell Victory". The Boston Daily Globe. May 22, 1956.
- ^ Massachusetts Election Statistics 1958. p. 252.