“Memorial and Biographical History of Dallas County,” published: Chicago; The Lewis Publishing Company, 1892. JOHN SPELLMAN, another one of the early residents of Dallas, Texas, came to this city in May, 1875, and engaged in work at his trade, that of machinist. Dallas at that time contained only about 4,000 inhabitants, and the business was confined chiefly to the public square, all business being west of Lamar street. For some time Mr. Spellman was employed in the Trinity Iron Works. He has noted with interest the rapid development of the city and has been an important factor in advancing its best interests. Mr. Spellman was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1849, son of Michael and Catherine (Dougherty) Spellman. His father died in that city in 1873, and his mother still resides there. He was reared and educated in Memphis, served an apprenticeship to his trade, and worked at it in that city until 1875, when he came to Dallas. In August of the year following his arrival here he was married to Miss Florence Belle Patterson, a native of Dallas. Her parents, Judge J. M. Patterson and his wife were among the early settlers of the town and she was one of the first children born here. Prominent mention of Judge Patterson will be found elsewhere in this work. After his marriage Mr. Spellman located on Ross avenue, and since that time has erected five residences on Ross avenue, all two-story houses except one, which is a fine cottage. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has taken quite an active interest in local politics; has served as Alderman from the Second Ward from 1882 to 1886; acted as Mayor pro tem. of the city one year; while in the City Council, served as a member of the School Committee; and was instrumental in pushing forward the work of paving many of the principal streets; was Chairman of the Street and Bridge committee when the first block was laid on the streets of Dallas; in 1886 he served an unexpired term as Superintendent of Water Works, and in 1888 was Assistant Chief of the Fire Department. At an early day Mr. Spellman was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department. Socially, he is a member of Dallas Lodge, No. 44, I.O.O.F. He is Grand High Priest of the Grand Encampment and has been to the Grand Lodge a number of times. He is now Grand Lecturer and Instructor of the Jurisdiction of Texas I.O.O.F. He is what may be termed a self-made man, having by his own industry and frugality risen to his present position of wealth and influence. Mr. and Mrs. Spellman have had two children, namely; John M., who is now fourteen years of age and is attending St. Edward’s College, at Austin, Texas, and Francis who died at the age of three years and six months. Mrs. Spellman is a member of the Episcopal Church. Submitted by: L. Pingel