James E. Nichols Biographical Sketch from Beers History of Warren County, Ohio
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James E. Nichols

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Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 23 October 2005

Sources:
The History of Warren County Ohio
Part V. Biographical Sketches
Harlan Township
(Chicago, IL: W. H. Beers Co, 1882; reprint, Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Publications, 1992)

Page
1037

JAMES E. NICHOLS, farmer; P. O. Edwardsville. It is with pleasure that we give space in the pages of this work to the man whose name appears at the head of this sketch. He is the son of Isaac and Dinah (Cook) Nichols, the former a native of South Carolina, born December, 1784, the latter, a native of North Carolina, born October, 1792. His father was originally a slave and was reared, until 12 years of age, amid the scenes of the cotton-fields, rice and tobacco plantations, so familiar to the poor slave of years ago. He came with his master, at the age mentioned, to Kentucky, he was then sold by his master, whose name was Nichols, to a large owner of slaves by the name of Martin. He labored faithfully for his master, and being honest and trustworthy, was much respected by his master, who gave him more than ordinary liberty. At the early age of 15 years, he embraced religion, associating himself with the Baptist Church, and began to preach to his colored friends. He soon became noted for his earnestness, which, together with his fluency as a speaker and Christian demeanor, gave him an opportunity for doing much good. After laboring on the farm and preaching until 21 years of age, be made a proposition to his master to purchase his freedom. His master named the sum, which was $500, which young Nichols soon raised, and for once in his life he was a free man. He then came to Waynesville, this county, and finally settled on the farm where his son and two daughters now reside. He married Diana Cook, who was also a slave until 14 years of age, when her master liberated her. These parents settled at Waynesville, in this county, about the year 1806, and soon after purchased the farm on which his son and two daughters now reside. The farm consists of 64 1/2 acres, and when the old gentleman settled on it, there was not a stick amiss. He commenced clearing and planting the soil, and his usage while a slave made him ready and willing to prepare a home where he might rear his children under the broad sunlight of liberty and religious freedom, none daring to molest or make him afraid. He continued to preach and labor for the Lord and Master, and it's said that he attended more funerals than any other man of his day. He was the father of six children, three of whom are living—James, the subject of this sketch, born March 10, 1831, and Phebe and Nancy, twins, born Dec. 15, 1833. James is a Democrat in politics, industrious and honest in all his dealings.


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This page created 23 October 2005 and last updated 23 October, 2005
© 2005 Arne H Trelvik  All rights reserved