H. C. Nichols

As printed in 1911

H. C. NICHOLS.

It seems right that the men who are at the head of a business which they have themselves developed or who enjoy a high standing in professional circles should be the leaders in a community. Such men have demonstrated their ability and have earned the respect of their fellows. H. C. Nichols, of West Liberty, clearly belongs to the class briefly outlined above. He is not only successful in his business but for nine years past has discharged the duties of city assessor in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of voters of all political parties.

Born in Morrow county, Ohio, September 6, 1850, he is the son of George P. and Elizabeth (St. John) Nichols. The parents were both natives of New York state and removed to Ohio with their respective parents. They grew up and were married in the Buckeye state, coming in 1853 to Muscatine county, where Mr. Nichols entered government land and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In his later years he lived retired at West Liberty, being called away June 6, 1873. His wife departed this life November 5, 1885. There were nine children in their family, namely: F. M., now of Texas; C. W., of Clarke county, Iowa; Durinda, deceased; H. C, of this review; Clara B., of West Liberty; Harriet L., also deceased; Ira A., of Colorado; James D., deceased; and U. S. Grant, now living in eastern Illinois.

H. C. Nichols remained at home assisting his father until twenty-one years of age and then began operating a rented farm in this county. Having acquired the necessary capital, he purchased a place, upon which he lived for thirty years, making it quite valuable by improvements which greatly increased its productiveness. Purchasing nine acres inside the city limits of West Liberty, he engaged in raising Duroc Jersey hogs and is now one of the most extensive breeders along this line in his part of the county. He understands his business thoroughly and it therefore yields a handsome revenue, paying well for the time and labor expended.

On the 22d of February, 1877, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Pringey, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1854, a daughter of Maryland. The family removed to Iowa and the father died in this state, but the mother passed away in Missouri. Four children have come to brighten George and Effa Pringey, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols: George P., now a clerk in the government postal service on the Rock Island Railroad; Ora B., a graduate of the high school, who was born February 15, 1880, and died September 8, 1909; Ida Pearl, born November 10, 1881, who graduated from the high school and is now the wife of Moray Leon Eby, of West Liberty; and Harold J., a dentist of Casey, Iowa, who was born December 11, 1888, and is a graduate of the high school.

Mr. Nichols ever since attaining his majority has given his support to the republican party and in addition to filling the office of assessor of the city has also served as a member of the school board. He is greatly interested in education as is indicated by the excellent opportunities that were given his children. He was a charter member of Raymond Lodge, No. 146, K. P., and has passed through most of the chairs in that organization. He and his wife are both identified with the Christian church and for a number of years he has filled the office of deacon. He is essentially a man of business talent and inclination, clear in judgment, firm in decision after he has once made up his mind and thoroughly upright in every transaction be it large or small. By perseverance and attention to duty he has gained his present enviable position in the community, where he is known and honored for his genial personal qualities and his unimpeachable character.

As printed in History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time; (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.