Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 545
IRA NICHOLS, Esq., deceased, was an honored pioneer of Muscatine County, Iowa, and was born in Seneca County, N.Y., in 1820. He was but ten years old when his parents became residents of the Buckeye State, and he was there reared to manhood. On the 16th of November, 1843, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth W. Luse, the ceremony being performed in Knox County, Ohio. Seven children were born to their union. Those still living are : Charles M. and Isaac A., who compose the firm of Nichols Bros., dry-goods merchants of West Liberty ; and J. I., who is engaged in farming. Pliny Clay offered up his life in defense of his country. He was a member of Company D, 35th Iowa Infantry, and died at Sherman's headquarters on the Black River, Aug. 23, 1863, after the battle of Vicksburg. The three other children, two sons and a daughter died in infancy.

In 1855 Mr. Nichols came to Muscatine County, where he continued to reside until his death,which occurred March 22, 1888. Purchasing 700 acres of the best land in Wapsinonoc Township, he immediately began its cultivation,, and subsequently increased his farm until it comprised 1,200 acres. Steadily carrying froward the work of improvement, he soon had one of the best farms in the county, upon which he continued to reside until 1877, when, retiring from active life, he removed to West Liberty. The loving wife who shared with him the joys and sorrows which time brings to all, is still living. For five years Mr. Nichols served as a member of the City Council of West Liberty, and held the office of President of the Peoples Bank at the time of his death. In early life he supported the Whig party, but on the organization of the Republican party became one of its firm members. Religiously, he was a member of the Methodist Church, and was also an uncompromising enemy of intemperance in every form. He was ever prominent in any movement for the social, religious, or political advancement of the community in which he resided, and no citizen in the county was more highly honored.

---

Back to 1889 History of Muscatine Co. Index Page

Back to the Muscatine Co. IAGenWeb Index Page