Nelson S. Dilworth

Nelson S. Dilworth (June 27, 1890 – June 21, 1965) was an American farmer who served for 24 years in the California legislature. Dilworth was a strong proponent of restrictions on communists in schools and state government jobs.

Nelson S. Dilworth
Member of the California State Senate from the 37th district
In office January 1, 1945 – December 31, 1960
Preceded by	John R. Phillips
Succeeded by	Lee Backstrand
Member of the California State Assembly from the 76th district
In office January 1937 – December 1944
Preceded by	John R. Phillips
Succeeded by	Philip L. Boyd
Personal details
Born	Nelson Smith Dilworth June 27, 1890 East Palestine, Ohio, U.S.
Died	June 21, 1965(1965-06-21) (aged 74) Hemet, California
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Lillian Olive Whiteman (1924–1965)
Relations	Robert P. Dilworth (brother)
Children	Nelson S. Jr., James W., George H.
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Battles/wars	World War I

Dilworth was born in Ohio in 1890. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was seven, then moved to the Coachella Valley in 1903.[1] During World War I. Dilworth served in the American Expeditionary Forces in France.[2] He later became a farmer in Hemet, California. Dilworth was elected to the state assembly in 1936, where he served until his election to the state senate in 1944.[3]

A staunch anti-communist, Dilworth sponsored legislation to prevent communists from employment in the state government and to allow school boards to fire communist teachers. He also introduced legistation that removed the US Communist Party from the ballot in California. Dilworth was a member of the Committee on Un-American Activities under state Senator Jack Tunney."[1] During his tenure in the state senate, he served as chairman of the Senate Investigating Committee on Education.

Dilworth is quoted as saying,

"It is often true that many things which, in the end, bring benefits and satisfaction are very difficult to get started in the beginning. So it is going to be hard to save America from those who are pushing us and taxing us downhill into a form of state socialism. And there is no time to lose."[1][3]

The 1953 Dilworth Act specified that "no person knowingly a member of the Communist Party shall be employed or retained in employment by a school district" and that all school district employees have a duty to answer, under oath, questions about their membership in the Communist Party.[4] Refusing to answer such questions constituted grounds for dismissal.[5]

Dilworth retired from the legislature in 1960 at age 70. He died in 1965.[1]

The Nelson S Dilworth Elementary School in San Jose, California, is named after him.

References

1. "A Champion of the Average Man, Sen. Nelson Dilworth Dies". The Desert Sun. 22 June 1965. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
2. Vassar, Alexander C. (2011). Legislators of California (PDF). Retrieved 23 November 2016.
3. "Nelson S. Dilworth". Join California. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
4. "Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles v. Cooper". Civ. 20960–20965. 25 October 1955.
5. Eisloeffel, Paul J. (Fall 1989). "The Cold War and Harry Steinmetz". The Journal of San Diego History. 35 (4).

External links

• 1965 obituary,