George M. Nicholson 1853-1922

NICHOLSON, BRAITHWAIT, BRAETHWAIT, BRAITHWAITE, LYONS, ROSSEAU, PRATT, HAMPTON, TRISTOW

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/18/2010 at 22:42:28

G.M. Nicholson Passes Away
Has Been a Resident of Estherville for Years, Well Known in County
Was Employed on Rock Island

G. M. Nicholson who has resided in this city for many years and who was well known and highly respected here, passed away at his home last Friday evening after a long illness.

George M. Nicholson was born in Paw Paw, DeKalb County, Ill., Feb. 16, 1853, and it was here he grew to manhood. March 18, 1881 he was married to Laura F. Braithwait and moved to Manson, Iowa, and lived on their farm two miles east of the city until the years 1892 when they moved to Estherville, Iowa, where he has since resided.

Mr. Nicholson departed this life early Friday evening at 6 o’clock, Jan. 6th, being in his 69th year.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife, three children Guy Nicholson of this city, Lydia Rosseau of this city and Nellie Lyon of Van Nuys, Calif., besides two brothers and three sisters Edward Nicholson of Aurora, Ill., Fremont Nicholson of Oakland, Calif., Mrs. D. B. Pratt, Aurora, Ill., Mrs. Kate Hampton, Jefferson, Iowa, Mrs. S. A. Frestow, Denver, Colo.

In the early days of 1892 Mr. Nicholson drove a stage and carried the U.S [mail] from here to Fairmont, Minn., later he did bridge contracting work for the B.C.R. & N.R.R. and at the time of his death he was with the C.R.I. and P.R.R.

In October Mr. Nicholson went to Rochester and consulted the Mayo Bros., who told him what his condition was, since which time he has been failing until the time of his death.

The funeral services were held from the home the Rev. Hurley officiating. The remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery.

Those from out of the city who attended the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. John Hoag of Manson, Ia., Ralph Nicholson of Aurora, Ills., Mrs. Robert Hough, Mount Morris, Ills., and Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Finkins, Ottoson, Iowa. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, January 11, 1922)

A Worthy Pioneer is Summoned
G. M. Nicholson Died Last Friday Evening
Drove State Between Here and Fairmont – Worked for B.C.R.&N.

The community was deeply grieved to hear of the death of G. M. Nicholson at his home in Estherville last Friday evening. Just as the day was closing he slipped quietly across the river to the land from whence there is no return, to be at rest from a life well spent in the service of his fellow man. Mr. Nicholson was one of the most highly respected and admired of our citizens. His life has been one of good and the community has been bettered by his having been a resident. For thirty years he went his way among us, giving a kind word here, a smile there, lifting up the despondent, rejoicing with the happy and caring for the sick and afflicted. He was quiet unassuming but his good deeds will live long after his name is but a memory.

Mr. Nicholson was born in Pau Pau, Illinois in DeKalb County on February 16th, 1853. There he grew to young manhood. In 1881 on March 18th, he was married to Laura Braethwait. The happy couple moved to Manson, Iowa where they lived on a farm until 1892 when they moved to this community. It was pioneer days when Mr. Nicholson arrived here. He drove the first stage coach from here to Fairmont, Minnesota, the trip taking two days. The stage carried both passengers and mail and he had many thrilling experiences while in that service. He was later a bridge contractor on the B.C.R.N. In October he was taken to Rochester in the hopes of helping his rapidly failing health. This last winter was spent in California. He has had his share in the building of the community.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Nell Lyons of Van Nuys, California and Mrs. Lydia Rousseau of this city and a son Guy Nicholson of Estherville. He leaves two brothers, Edward of Aurora, Illinois and Fremont of Oakland, California, and three sisters, Mrs. R. B. Pratt of Aurora, Illinois, Mrs. Kate Hampton of Jefferson, Iowa and Mrs. L. A. Tristow of Denver.

Funeral services were held last Sunday afternoon from the home the Rev. J. Arthur Hurley in charge. Music was furnished by Mesdames Noe, Eiden and Letchford and Messrs Myhre and Albertson. The entire community joins with us in extending deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, January 11, 1922)