My Genealogy Hound

George W. Nichols, merchant, of Altus, Ark., and native of Franklin County, was born February 23, 1848, and is a son of Jesse and Julia Ann (Ransom) Nichols, who were born in Marion County, Tenn., November 22, 1817, and Marshall County, Ala., July 8, 1820, respectively. They were married in Marshall County, Ala., and there made their home until 1848, when they came to Arkansas and located near Ozark, where they resided, and where the father was engaged in farming and carpentering until his death, June 11, 1888. He was a devoted Christian, and a member of the Masonic fraternity, and at one time represented Grenada Chapter, Lodge 151, in the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. He was a life-long Democrat, and during the late war served as a private, first in the State troops and afterward in Company K, Col. Edmondson’s regiment regular infantry. The following are some of the engagements in which he participated: Oak Hill, Elkhorn, Prairie Grove, Poison Springs, and others. He was noted for his liberality and many deeds of kindness, and his memory will long be cherished by the present generation. He was of German-Iris descent, and became the father of nine children, seven of whom are living: Lucinda, wife of L. D. Knox; George W.; Mary, wife of James Yarber; Elizabeth, wife of William Taylor; Alice, widow of D. L. Greenwood; A. J., a lawyer of Cooper, Texas, and Laura wife of E. Mooma. George W. Nichols received his education previous to the war, and during the first part of 1864 enlisted in the same company as his father, serving until the close of the war. He then returned home and began working at the carpenter’s trade with his father, and was also engaged in farming. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming for himself, and up to January, 1888, was engaged in that occupation. He then embarked in his present business in partnership with Bailey P. Miller, and has been doing well financially. On the 22d of October, 1870, he was married to Emily S. Miller, of Franklin County, by whom he has five children: Minnie A., Bathus, Maud, Georgie and Jackson M. The family worship in the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mr. Nichols is a Mason, and in his political views is a Democrat. In 1880 he was elected justice of the peace and served two terms.