He was captured with his brother Pedro Nel in the battle of "Los Chancos". The dictatorial government deported them once again to Guatemala. There they consecrated to the study, growing and commercialization of the best coffee. Later they immigrated to the United States and went to study at the University of California. Don Tulio studied Agriculture and geology. After graduation, they both traveled to Europe to study and learn from the Old Continent industry.

Upon his return to Colombia, Don Tulio was chosen as Headmaster of the “Universidad de Antioquia” (1905-1911). He created the “Escuela de Minas” and was his first Rector (1911 - 1921).

He married Clara Perez-Puerta and had nine children, among them Mariano and Rafael, who later became the founders of the Colombian Federation of Coffee Growers.

He was member of the Colombian Academy of History and founder of the “Academia Antioquia de Historia”.

He died in Panama on February 17, 1921.