NICHOLS, Edwin 1827 - 1911

NICHOLS, HENDRICKSON, SIMENSON

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 8/19/2015 at 23:13:34

OLD RESIDENT PASSES AWAY
EDWIN NICHOLS DIES VERY SUDDENLY AT HIS HOME IN THEIS CITY WITHOUT WARNING
DIES IN THE ARMS OF WIFE

The community was shocked on Thursday to learn of the sudden death of Edwin Nichols at his home in this city. His demise occurred about eight o’clock Wednesday evening. Deceased had been in his usual health and on Wednesday had been down town several times. During the day he had spaded a spot of ground for next year’s garden. He ate his meals regular. Shortly after supper he did not feel as well as usual and went to his bed and soon after died in his wife’s arms while she was endeavoring to assist him in some way. His death was a peaceful one, as though he were going to sleep. For a number of years deceased had suffered with heart trouble and he felt as though when his time should come he would pass away quickly. It was a great shock to the wife and family.

Edwin Nichols was born at Long Meadow, Mass., on March 7, 1827, and died at Clear Lake on November 8, 1911, having therefore reached the age of 84 years, 7 months and 11 days. On May 10th, 1856, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hendrickson at Portage City, Wis. At the time the Civil War broke out deceased volunteered his service and became a member of Co. B of the Thirty-second Iowa. Before his discharge he became sergeant but was unable to remain in service to the close on account of sickness. Mr. Nichols was one of the early pioneer settlers of Cerro Gordo county, having moved here in the year 1856. Together with Oscar Stevens he operated the first grist mill in the county. Later he moved to a farm south of town where he resided for nineteen years. Becoming weary and worn he rented the farm and moved to Clear Lake where he built a beautiful home on Third street and has made that his home ever since.

Five children were born to this union, four of whom are still living, and are as follows: Florence A. Simenson, Swaledale, Iowa; Edwin J., a civil engineer, Houston, Texas; Charles, living on old farm; and Wilfred C., a mechanical engineer, Goodland, Kansas.

The subject of this sketch was a man who was admired and held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He was a splendid neighbor and always square in all his dealings.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist church on Saturday morning under the direction of the local Grand Army lodge. Rev. F. B. Stafford preached the funeral sermon. Interment was in the Clear Lake cemetery.

All the children were present excepting Edwin of Houston, Texas, who was unable to get here on account of his duties.