Ernest Vincent Nichols

FINLEY, JOHNSON, MCINTYRE, NICHOLS

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/15/2004 at 12:05:06

E. Vincent Nichols, a farmer of Madison township, who has won a deserved reputation for progressiveness and ability, is a native son of this county, born December 10, 1869. His parents, George T. and Mary C. (Johnson) Nichols, were both born in Indiana, whence the father removed to this county in 1854, buying land in Madison township. That farm remained the family home for many years and there both the father and mother passed away, the former on the 3d of March, 1888, and the latter on the 2d of January, 1909. Mr. Nichols erected the Worthington Methodist Episcopal church in Madison township.

E. Vincent Nichols grew to manhood upon the home farm and acquired his education by attending the country schools in his neighborhood, while much of his time was devoted to arm work, as he assisted his father more and more as his strength increased. Upon putting aside his textbooks he concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits and remained with his mother until he was thirty-one years of age He then bought an eighty-acre tract of land near the Worthington church and began farming for himself. After eight years he sold that place and bought his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres and is situated on section 23, Madison township. He has spared neither thought nor time in his endeavor to make it one of the best improved places of the county and its excellent condition bears testimony to his energy and good judgment. He raises nothing but thoroughbred stock, specializing in shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep, and the sale of his stock yields him a gratifying addition to the income received from his general farming.

Mr. Nichols married Miss Gertrude A, Mclntyre on the 20th of June 1896. She is a daughter of Robert and Rhoda (Finley) Mclntyre, the former born in Maine and the latter in Ohio. Mr. Mclntyre devoted the greater part of his life to school teaching, first following that profession in Illinois and later in Cass county, Iowa, where the family resided for twenty-two years. He passed way in 1894, but his widow is still living and makes her home in Des Moines. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, have four children, namely, Verde, George, Howard and Ray, all attending school.

Mr. Nichols is an adherent of the republican party and is consistent in his support of its policies. In religious matters his belief is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and both he and his wife are members in good standing of the local society of that denomination. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and his relations with his fellowmen are in harmony with the spirit of that great friendship upon which the order is based. The use of approved methods of agriculture, combined with industry, foresight and excellent judgment as to financial affairs, has made Mr. Nichols a prosperous agriculturist and makes certain his continued success in his chosen occupation.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”