Nichols, Reuben 1804-1891

NICHOLS, FRISBIE, AMES, RODWELL, BRODWELL

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Luana - Died, at his home in Luana, Reuben Nichols. Born in Essex county, N.Y., April 24, was married to Jerusha Frisbie, October 2nd, 1828; came to Iowa in 1856, settled in Clayton county where he has since resided.

Mr. Nichols experienced religion and joined the M.E. church 58 years ago.

He died May 15, 1891, at the ripe old age of 87 years, 1 month and 14 days.

Since we have known Father Nichols, some twenty-five years, he has lived a consistant Christian life, and since he moved into town, where we have daily associated with him, his life has been a bright and shining light. No one can tell how this good man will be missed by the church-going people of Luana, as he and his good wife were always present, not only at regular services , but at all the social meetings as well.

Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were joined in wedlock by Rev. Whitford, of Volga, Iowa, then a traveling pastor of the M.E. church in Essex, N.Y.

~Elkader Argus, Wednesday, May 20, 1891

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Reuben Nichols was born in Essex county, New York, April 2d, 1804; was married to his now bereaved companion October 2d, 1825.

He had been slowly fading away for some time; was taken seriously ill Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening just as the sun was illuminating the western sky his spirit took its flight to sing the songs of the redeemed with the blood washed throng in that brighter and better world. It seems as if God in his wisdom is calling for many of his good people from earth to heaven.

Father Nichols connected himself with the Methodist church in early manhood and has been an active member of that church for 58 years, all his long and useful life has been spent in God's service and he has now gone to reap the reward he so richly deserves.

Father and Mother Nichols have traveled together the rugged path of life for sixty-two years. It was a grand, good and happy union. It was a marriage such as it is seldom the privilege to witness and gave to the loving couple a paradise below. It is given to but few to pass so gently down the stream of years with never an evil wind to ruffle the current of connubial bliss.

Nine years ago he sold his farm to his son, and they spent a year with their daughters at Storm Lake. They then settled down in Luana to be near the church which he loved so well to attend and where he will be so sadly missed.

It is customary to speak well of the dead in all cases, but in this case too much cannot be said of the life and character of the deceased. No man ever lived in Luana that stood better in the community or had more friends, absolutely no enemies, just as near a model man as it is given to humanity to be.

A large number of neighbors and friends gathered to pay the last sad tribute of respect to one they loved and esteemed. All his children and a large number of grandchildren and other relatives were present. The funeral discourse by Rev. Littler was a fitting tribute to a just and good man.

I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, write, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the spirit that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."
LUANA
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Mrs. Ames and Rodwell* came from Storm Lake, Friday, called here by the death of their father, Reuben Nichols.

~The Register, Thursday morning, May 21, 1891 (Luana column)

Note: The obit of his son Abel names a sister as Mrs. Brodwell, rather than Rodwell. Where the 2 obits differ, researchers should resolve the conflicts to their own satisfaction. Burial is in Eno cemetery, rural Luana.