Nelson Chetwynd Draper Biography


	This biography appears on pages 785-786 in "History of Dakota Territory" 
	by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				NELSON CHETWYND DRAPER.  

	Nelson Chetwynd Draper is vice president and manager of the Sioux 
Falls Light & Power Company and vice president of the Sioux Falls 
Commercial Club and a potent force in the promotion and support of 
those progressive measures and projects upon which the city,s growth 
and development depend. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, December 
18, 1865, and is a son of Charles and Fanny (Ward) Draper, the former a 
native of Devonshire, England.  

	Nelson C. Draper acquired his education in the public schools of 
his native city and later entered the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology at Boston, graduating in 1886. Following this he went to 
Schenectady, New York, and entered the employ of the General Electric 
Company, there remaining five or six years. At the expiration of this 
time he removed to Peoria, Illinois, where for seven years he was 
superintendent of the street railway system. From Peoria he went to 
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, as manager of the interurban railway and the gas 
and electric light company of that city. Those positions he held for 
four years, after which he removed to Zanesville, Ohio, becoming 
manager of the Ohio Electric Railway Company. In 1911 he located in 
Sioux Falls and there he has since been vice president and manager of 
the Sioux Falls Light & Power Company. This was organized in that year, 
when the electric light and power interests of Sioux Falls were 
purchased by H. M. Billesby & Company of Chicago, a firm well known as 
operators and managers of public utilities. Both of two combination 
water power and steam generating plants were acquired and were merged 
into one strong organization under the present name.  

	The principal generating station is operated by water power and 
is located in the heart of the city's industrial district on the Big 
Sioux river. This plant is a splendid example of modern hydroelectric 
engineering. The building itself and every piece of machinery in it 
cannot be excelled in scientific design or operating efficiency. The 
water is carried in a huge iron penstock from a large reservoir made by 
erecting stone and concrete walls along the river. From the penstock 
the water rushes at a head of sixty feet into four horizontal turbine 
water wheels, which in turn operate the electrical generators, these 
being mounted on the shafts, directly above the wheels. A smaller water 
power plant with steam auxiliary is located just below the larger 
hydroelectric station. It is probable that some way will be devised to 
utilize the entire flow to the best advantage and thus further increase 
the ultimate output of electricity obtained by developing the power of 
the stream.  

	N. C. Draper, the new manager of the Sioux Falls Light & Power 
Company, is authority for the statement that within a short time 
distributing lines will be extended to newly built up residence 
sections and that service of the widest scope will be placed at the 
command of the public. A feature of the present management is the 
inauguration of a new business department in charge of an expert 
illuminating and power engineer. His department studies the needs of 
customers, plans effective and economical installations and does 
everything possible to popularize the use of electricity in the many 
ways in which it is capable of application to the needs of modern life.  

	Thus it may readily be seen that Mr. Draper as manager of the 
Sioux Falls Light & Power Company occupies a difficult and responsible 
position. To the discharge of its duties he brings a thorough knowledge 
of the operation of public utilities, wide experience in various 
positions along that line and keen business insight and discrimination. 
He looks upon his position as a public trust and does everything in his 
power to be found worthy of it.  

	At Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1889, Mr. Draper was united in marriage to 
Miss Elizabeth Roletta Powers, a daughter of Martin Powers, who served 
in an Illinois regiment during the Civil war. Mr. Draper is a member of 
the Episcopal church and belongs to the Masonic older, holding 
membership in the Shrine. He has become very popular in Sioux Falls 
and, although he is a newcomer in the city, has been elected president 
of the Dacotah Club, a member of the Elks and of the Country Club, and 
vice president of the Sioux Falls Commercial Club. His personal 
characteristics have gained him the warm regard and friendship of many, 
while in business circles he has gained that distinction which comes 
only in recognition of merit and ability.