Jason Nichols 1830-1914

NICHOLS, GIBBERT, SPEERS, COZINE, SMITH, HEWITT

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 8/25/2011 at 19:06:23

Jason Nichols was born in Potsdam, Lawrence county,
New York, August 14, 1830. He died in his home in
Oelwein, Iowa, March 28, 1914; aged 83 years, 5
months and 14 days. He grew to manhood in New
York State and was married to Eliza Gibbert, June 19,
1853. To this union was born two daughters, Francis,
later Mrs. James Speers who preceded him the
heavenly life several years ago, and Mrs. Charles
Cozine, of Chicago, Illinois. Soon after his marriage he
moved with his family to Virgil, Illinois, where he and
his wife were converted with the Free Baptist church, in
the year 1859.
In 1864 they moved to Iowa, settling on a farm near
Fairbank. Here they lived for several years. Having sold
this farm they bought property near Oelwein and later
moved into the city where they resided till the time of his
death. Since moving to Oelwein he plied to trade of a
stone mason till he was no longer able to carry on this
strenuous work. On January 13, 1893 a great sorrow came
into his life. The wife who had stood by his side for forty
years was taken to her reward, death coming suddenly into
their home. In the year 1894 he was married to Mrs.
Francis Smith. For twelve years they were permitted to live
happily together when the death angel invaded the home
and took his companion. On July 27, 1908 he was married to
Mrs. Sarah Hewitt who has ministered so lovingly and faithfully
to his every need during his long and tedious sickness. He was
patient during the trying time of his weakness, never
complaining but frequently quoting the phrase, "His Will,
not mine be done." Besides his wife and the daughter, Mrs.
Charles Cozine, he leaves four grandchildren and six great
grandchildren, a brother Jerod Nichols of Vinton, Kansas and a
large circle of other relatives and friends.
Deacon Nichols has been a most earnest and active
Christian from the day of his conversion. He was identified
with the Baptist denomination in the capacity of Deacon
for the greater part of his life. He was never so happy as
when about the Master's business. In 1875 while yet
residing in Fairbank, he with others, was instrumental in
the organization of the Free Baptist Church in a school house
a little west of the town of Oelwein. This organization is now
known as the First Baptist Church of Oelwein.
Funeral services were hel in the Baptist church on
Monday, March 30, conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. H. Nickell.
A long concourse of friends followed to the last resting place
in Oakdale Cemetery.

Oelwein Register - 1 April 1914
Note - no record or marker at Oakdale Cemetery