My Genealogy Hound

JUDGE W. H. NICHOLS, of Sedalia, who is now serving as Judge of the Probate Court of Pettis County, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, at the old Rock Creek Mill in Tiffin, on the 13th of August, 1836, and is a son of Daniel K. Nichols, a native of Berkeley County, W. Va. The father emigrated to Ohio in 1831, moving with horse and wagon, and began milling in the old Rock Creek Mill, near which he lived in a stone house, one of the first built in that locality. Later, however, in 1842, he went to Lower Sandusky, and engaged in milling; but ten years later located near Ft. Seneca, Seneca County, Ohio, where with a partner he operated a mill until his death, which occurred in 1858, at the age of fifty-five years. Formerly he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later in life became a Universalist. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Susan Rhineberger, was born in Berkeley County, W. Va., and was a daughter of Henry Rhineberger, who was of German descent, and died in Ohio at the age of seventy-five. Mrs. Nichols passed away in 1866, at the age of fifty-six, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children, but only three are yet living.

Judge Nichols, the youngest of the family, was reared to manhood in Seneca and Sandusky Counties, where his primary education was received, though he later attended Heidelberg College for two years. On completing his literary course he began teaching, which profession he followed for two terms. He then worked with his father in the mill for two years, when, in 1857, he started for California, going by way of New York and the Panama route to Orleans Flat, on the Yuba River. Later he went to near Truckee Lake, where he was employed during the summer, but the following spring we find him at the Frazier River. After returning to Jackson, Cal., he prospected there for several months, and later was employed by a lumber firm as a bookkeeper and collector for three years. He then clerked in a general store in Jackson until the fire of 1863, when he went to the copper mines, where he engaged in prospecting, meeting with excellent success. On the 1st of January, 1864, he returned to Ohio by the same route as he had left it.

In July of the same year, Mr. Nichols enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the company was organized at Camp Chase. He was mustered in for one year’s service, and with the regiment proceeded to Deckerdtown, Tenn., guarding Sherman’s rear. From there they went to Columbia, from which place they returned, later embarking by rail and steamer for Camp Stoneman. On the voyage the measles broke out and many of the regiment died. At Newbern, N. C., they were engaged in guarding the railroad, the regiment being a part of the Twenty-third Corps, commanded by General Schofield, but later by General Ruger. They participated in the engagement at Kingston, where they lost heavily, and then joined Sherman, assisting in the capture of General Johnston. They were then sent to Charlotte, N. C., where they remained until mustered out of service. Mr. Nichols was first Orderly-Sergeant, but later was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant of Company B, One Hundred and Eightieth Volunteer Infantry. He saw much hard service, but was never in the hospital for a single day, and valiantly aided his country in the defense of the Union.

On his return to Ohio, in July, 1865, he bought an interest in a mill, which he operated until the spring of 1868, when he sold out and by team and wagon came to Missouri. He had no destination in view, but as Sedalia pleased him, he decided here to locate, when it was a thriving little town with but one bank and a few stores. Purchasing a farm in Washington Township, he continued its improvement and cultivation until the spring of 1888, when he located in the city, but still owns that place, which is a valuable tract of one hundred and seven acres.

At Ft. Seneca, Ohio, in 1866, Mr. Nichols wedded Miss Janet E. Abbott, a native of that place and a daughter of Lorenzo Abbott, the latter of whom was born in Massachusetts, but came from New York to Ohio in 1820. By this union have been born three children: Edith and Janet, who are at home; and Raymond Henry, who attends the public schools.

At one time Mr. Nichols served as Deputy-Asessor of Sedalia, and in 1890 was made register clerk in the postoffice, being appointed by Captain Demuth. He continued under that gentleman for four years, during which time he was always on duty, never missing a single day. In the fall of 1894 he was elected Probate Judge of Pettis County, which office he is now filling with credit and ability. In the cause of education he takes considerable interest, and served as School Director for some time. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having supported that party since its organization. He holds membership with Equity Lodge No. 26, A. O. U. W.; and George R. Smith Post No. 53, G. A. R., in which for three years he was Adjutant. In business Mr. Nichols is honest and straightforward, and success has usually attended his efforts, making him now one of the substantial citizens of Pettis County. We thus note, in the history of this gentleman, a career of more than ordinary interest.