[ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

Thomas Nicholson died 1838

NICHOLSON, MAROLF, LIVINGSTON, GRIFFITH, MARKS, MORGAN

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 3/3/2016 at 19:13:34

TELEGRAPH-HERALD AND TIMES JOURNAL, APRIL 16, 1930

Old Grave ‘Up the Track’ From
Hopkinton Is That of the First
White Settler of the Vicinity
~
Hopkinton, Iowa April 5. – Special:
Thomas Nicholson, first white settler in the vicinity of Hopkinton and first white person to die in this locality. This old grave, located alone on a grassy knoll a half mile west of Hopkinton, is the oldest known around here. The railed tomb is on what is known as the Marolf Farm and is near the springs that caused the Nicholson’s to settle. Their squatters claim included the valley between the slopes where the grave is found and the river.

Years after this pioneer was buried on the solitary hill the railroad came. This invention of civilization cut its way within a few feet of the mound, separating it from the bubbling springs. Thomas Nicholson was laid to rest her 92 years ago on March 29, 1838. At the time of his death he was 47 years and five days of age.

Walked From Dubuque

A young lad wandered west from Dubuque early on 1835 in quest for a promising spot for squatters’ claim. Coming over the hill from the thriving city of the new territory he looked over the valley of the Maquoketa River. He found gushing springs watering the fertile valley bottom. After a short survey of the place he walked back to Dubuque to get his parents-Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nicholson. The family came at once and settled on their claim, the future city of Hopkinton. Their log cabin, the first in the neighborhood, they built overlooking one of the springs. This spring later cooled the cream in the first Hopkinton creamery. The frame of the first Hopkinton home is still to be found in the Holcomb house on the westward edge of Hopkinton.

The Livingston families came to Hopkinton in 1837 from the Selkirk Settlement in Canada, settling near the springs several miles south of the Nicholson’s. Mr. Nicholson died in 1838 and was buried on the hillside northwest of his new home. The next year the Nicholson family sold their claims to the Jacksons, who came in 1840.

Monument Lost

Wanting a suitable memorial for the grave the Nicholson’s sent to Davenport for a grave stone. The slab monument was made by J. Davis, stone worker of Davenport. For some unknown reason after the stone arrived in Hopkinton it was not put in place. Temporary markers for years told passerby the spot where Hopkinton’s first pioneer was buried. In time these rotted away and the mound was becoming obliterated. Years ago an iron rail was erected around the spot to mark it for future generations. But all thought of the stone had passed. After seeing the queer rail fence “up the track” children were told the story, but many knew nothing about it. Several years ago, some Hopkinton citizens interested themselves in the matter and made a search for the long lost stone.

In 1926, the stone was found in the ink. It had been used by some former printer as an ink stone. Serving admirably in its capacity. But in the passing of the years it had been broken in three pieces. These same men cleaned the old monument and found the writing clear. It was set on the grave in a solid bed of concrete. This ceremony took place Tuesday, Aug. 17, 1926. The passerby on seeing this solitary grave may now learn its significance.

The old stone which was found eighty-eight years now marks the resting spot of Hopkinton’s first settler through sunshine and storm. Thomas Nicholson’s descendants still live in Hopkinton, Miss Juila Marks, daughter of Squire Marks is a granddaughter, as is Mrs. Jay Griffith, and Mrs. Mary Morgan is a great-granddaughter.

The Inscription:

The following inscription is found on the old stone:
THOMAS NICHOLSON
Died
March 29, 1838
Aged
47 Yrs. and 5 Days
~
Behold, ye strangers passing by
As you are now so once was I.
As I am now so must you be
Prepare for death and follow me.


 

Delaware Obituaries maintained by Constance Diamond.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen

[ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]