Alexander “Alex” Nicoll (1833-1897)

DINSDALE, FOTHERGILL, NICOLL

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:46

Another of north Tama's pioneers dropped out of the rapidly depleting ranks this week. Alex Nicoll died at his home in Traer on Tuesday morning. The direct cause of the demise was la grippe, which intensified the old ailments to which he had been subject for years. Mr. Nicoll was unable to do any work for ten years, in fact was confined to his home much of the time. He grew very fleshy and at the time of his death weighted nearly 400 pounds. This growth affected his respiration and circulation and although able to be about the house, Mr. Nicoll has walked very little in several years.

He was born in Peterborough, Ontario on September 21, 1833 of Scotch parents. In 1858 he was married to Elizabeth Dinsdale who survives him. They came to Tama county in 1866 and have lived here continuously since, first in Grant township, later and for many years in Traer. Mr. Nicoll was a man of strict integrity, kind, open hearted, of generous impulses, and always commanded the highest respect of his neighbors. He was a good man. His heart beat in sympathy with the poor and unfortunate and his purse often opened to their needs. He bore his trials with a heroism that is worthy of remark.

The funeral services will take place at the home at 9 a.m. today. Rev. F. X. Miller of Clinton, a former pastor, will make the principal address. He will be assisted by Rev. Geo. B. Shoemaker, of Toledo and Rev. Lackey of Traer. The body will be taken to Goldfield on the 10:40 train for internment.

The Star Clipper
Traer, Iowa
Friday, January 15th, 1897

Contributor: George (48419540) • geokadrmas@gmail.com
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Thomas Fothergill, who lives on a farm near Watertown, S. Dakota, is here to attend the funeral of Alex Nicoll. His two daughters were adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Nicoll several years ago and have found a good home with them.

The Star Clipper
Traer, Iowa
Friday, January 15th, 1897
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J. C. Nicoll returned this morning from Goldfield, where he attended the funeral of his uncle, Alexander Nicoll who died at Traer last week.

The Gazette
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Monday, January 18, 1897
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Died, at his home in Traer, Tuesday, Alex Nicoll, a brother of John Nicoll. of this place. He had been troubled with heart disease for some time, but death came rather unexpectedly nevertheless.

The funeral was held in the U. P. church, of this place, Friday afternoon, after which the remains were sadly laid at rest in Glenwood cemetery. He was personally known to Goldfield people and his cheery face will be sadly missed. The heartfelt sympathy of his many friends go out to the widow in her sad bereavement. A number from Traer accompanied the widow here and attended the last sad rites. –Goldfield

The Wright County Monitor
Clarion, Iowa
Wednesday, January 20, 1897