History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics, Part 146

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1320

USA > Pennsylvania > McKean County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 146
USA > Pennsylvania > Potter County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 146
USA > Pennsylvania > Elk County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 146
USA > Pennsylvania > Cameron County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 146

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

1161

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

prise, the success of which would greatly promote the welfare and growth of the whole county. In the midst of the period of this greatest usefulness in his life work he felt the cold hand of the Angel of Death, paused to rest, and left the wheels of time to move on without him, leaving the record of a life that all would do well to imitate, and which entitles him to a respectful and honored position in the records and history of this court, in the hearts of its members, as well as in the memory of the people of Potter county at large.

"Potter county, ss. Certified from the records, this 21st day of May, A. D. 1889. Signed, Wm. A. Crosby, prothonotary."

In social life Mr. Larrabee was a good citizen, a kind neighbor, a faithful friend; upright in all his dealings, charitable to the poor, and to the unfor- tunate ever considerate. He was a charter member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M .; a charter member of Coudersport Chapter, No. 263, R. A. M .. and a member of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T., of Bradford, Penn. He was identified with the Republican party as one of its most active members, having been chairman of the county committee and delegate from time to time. On February 2, 1858, Mr. Larrabee was married to Mary J., daughter of A. A. Gridley, of Lewisville, Potter county, and their children are Carrie M. (now Mrs. S. A. Phillips, of Coudersport) and Leon E. These the husband and father has left with a grief too poignant and too sacred to be commented upon, but with a heritage of his pure life and noble deeds, and a blessed hope of a happy reunion in the home above.

FRED C. LEONARD, attorney at law, Condersport, was born in Elmer, Potter Co., Penn., February 16, 1856, and at nine years of age removed to Allegany county, N. Y. He graduated in the elementary course at Mansfield in 1874, but, however, studied another year, and taught two years at Mans- field. He was also a student of Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass., a preparatory school, for two years, graduating in 1879. He then entered Yale College, and from there graduated in the class of 1883. In the fall of that year he entered the office of Elliott & Watrous, of Wellsboro, as a law student, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1885. He then studied a year at Elmira, and was admitted to the bar of the State of New York in Jan- mary, 1887. He first began the practice of his chosen profession at Couders- port, where he became a member of the firm of Cobb & Leonard, having an office at Austin also. In 1884 he married Estella G. Cook, of Wellsboro, and they have two children. He is an active Republican.

LAVINIA M. LEWIS, daughter of James and Abigail Hurlburt, was born at Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., in 1806, and in 1828 married O. A. Lewis, son of Jesse Lewis, of Lisle, N. Y. In 1831 they removed to Ulysses, Potter Co., Penn., whither but five families had preceded them. Mr. Lewis purchased a farm in what is now the center of Lewisville, which he cleared, set out an orchard, built a saw-mill and engaged in sawing lumber, principally pine and cherry. He was the first justice of the peace there, and after the organization of the county became its first treasurer; was afterward auditor, and in 1841 was elected sheriff; was also appointed associate judge, serving two terms. Refusing a commission at the beginning of the Civil war, Mr. Lewis enlisted as a private in Company G, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and at the retreat from the Chickahominy he was taken sick, dying at Harrison's Landing in August, 1862. He was a highly respected gentleman, who won the esteem of all. Lewisville, his former home, was named in his honor. He was active as a temperance organizer, liberal in his charities, social, and a good counselor. His house was always open, and was the retreat of all in distress. He was the general agent through whom people transacted much business in

1162

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

that locality, and his usefulness will probably never be replaced. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were born three children: Elvina, now Mrs. Dennis Hall, of Keat- ing; Erastus D., who took his father's place on the farm, was deputy sheriff for twelve years, and register and recorder six years, dying May 13, 1888; the youngest is William Henry H. Mrs. Lewis removed to Coudersport in 1871, when she erected her late residence. She was liberal in her views of the tenets of all churches, but preferred and was a member of the Universalist. Ulysses had never given a license to this denomination, and at one time she found cause to circulate a remonstrance, obtaining to it the signature of every person in that township over twelve years of age, with but one exception, get ting in all 120 signatures. Mrs. Lewis departed this life February 17, 1889, sincerely mourned by her family and numerous friends. Her remains were interred beside those of her son, Erastus D., in the family burying ground at Lewisville, and beyond all doubt her last resting place will be kept green and sacredly guarded by her surviving children.

W. I. LEWIS, attorney at law, Coudersport, is a son of Burton Lewis, and was born at Ulysses, Potter Co., Penn., in 1852. He received his early edu- cation at Lewisville Academy, and also attended school at Coudersport for sev- eral terms. In 1872 he entered Alfred University, from which he graduated in 1876, as bachelor of philosophy. He began the study of law while attend- ing the university. and from July, 1876, to March, 1878, studied law with Olmsted & Larrabee, of Coudersport, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1878. During his course of study he compiled and published the local laws of Potter county, from its organization up to 1877. He began the practice of law at Duke Centre, Mckean county, and was associated for about a year with J. C. Johnson, of Emporium, a prominent attorney of Cameron county. In 1882, when Hon. A. G. Olmsted was elected judge of the district, Mr. Lewis removed to Coudersport, becoming one of the firm of Larrabee & Lewis, where he has acquired an enviable reputation as an able lawyer. Burton Lewis, father of W. I., one of the successful men of the county, was the owner of Farmers Mills, hotel property, etc., and, wishing to impress upon the mind of his son the importance and nobility of labor, he retained him in all these industries from 1863 to 1868. Our subject then worked a year as shin- gle sawyer for E. Hackett, in Lewisville, after which he commenced his education. Thus, by close application, perseverance and unswerving integrity, he has worked his way up until he has become a member of a firm which numbers among its clients many of the largest business interests in the county-among which are railroad companies, and other corporations, tan- neries, and the larger landed estates in the county-and enjoys a remunerative and constantly increasing practice. Mr. Lewis is a charter member of Cou- dersport Chapter, No. 263, R. A. M., being a past high priest therein, and is at present W. M. of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. He was also an early member of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, K. T., of Bradford. He is a member of the Republican party, and was chairman of the county committee during 1884 and 1888; but though he takes a lively interest in his party, he does not aspire to political preferment. In 1879 he married Miss Lucretia Rathbone, of Corning, N. Y., and is the father of one child, Robert R. Since the death of his partner, Mr. Larrabee, Mr. Lewis has continued the business under the same firm name, and is maintaining the business of the firm, and retaining the extensive clientage of the office.

A. G. LYMAN, lumberman, P. O. Coudersport, son of Lewis W. and Han- nah (Lewis) Lyman, was born in Sweden township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1844. Lewis W., father of A. G., was a son of Isaac and Patience (Mann) Lyman,

1163

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

and was born at Lymansville, Penn., in 1818. Isaac, grandfather of A. G., was a native of New Hampshire, was married at Mansfield. Tioga Co., Penn., re- moved to Potter county, and located at Lymansville in the fall of 1809. He built a log house, and from him the place derived its name, at that time there being but one house within twenty-eight miles. He returned to his former home, and March 10, 1810, brought his family. William Ayers was the first settler in Potter county, locating here in 1808, John Keating giving him 200 acres of land to induce him to remain. Isaac Lyman was the father of nineteen chil- dren: Jonathan, Lydia, Charlotte, Eunice. John, Burrell, Laura, Parthinna, Henry, Harry, Isaac, Jr., Otis, Charles, Eulalia (the first white girl born in Potter county), Milo, Edwin, Lewis W., and two that died in infancy, all now deceased but Edwin and Lewis W. Isaac Lyman, Sr., built the first saw-mill in the county, in 1810, and the first grist-mill, in 1811, and in the same year the first blacksmith shop. Lewis W. Lyman married Hannah, daughter of Jesse Lewis, February 11, 1839, and they are the parents of four children: T. B., A. G., Arthur and W. L. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. He was elected county commissioner in 1845, and served one term of three years; was also elected treasurer of the county in 1862, serving a term of two years. A. G. Lyman is one of the large land-holders of Potter county, and one of its heaviest lumbermen. When a young man he located in Sweden township, where he has since lived, and has been heavily engaged in the lumber trade. He married Adelaide A. Jackson, and to them have been born two children: Alice M. and L. Winifred. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman are mem- bers of the Methodist Church. He is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. He supports the Republican party, but is not a politician, devot- ing his time and energies to his large business interests.

B. A. MCCLURE, Coudersport, general superintendent of the Couders. port & Port Allegany Railroad, was born at Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Penn .. August 14, 1850. When he was a child his parents removed to Buffalo, N. Y .. where he received his.education, and in March, 1867. he became an employe of the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad Company, and in the second year of his service with this company he became superintendent of its telegraph office. He was trainmaster on the Lehigh & Susquehanna Rail- road for two and one-quarter years, after which he became trainmaster on the Pittsburgh, Baltimore & Washington Railroad, in which capacity he served for two years, and afterward was assistant superintendent of the MeKean & Buffalo Railroad for a period of eight years; since then he has been general

superintendent of the Coudersport & Port Allegany Railroad. Affable. courteous and accommodating to the patrons of the road, he makes for it many friends, and under his able management it is in a flourishing condition. its construction and shipping departments being perfect. Mr. McClure has been married twice, and has two children: Gertrude and Fanne. He is a member of Coudersport Chapter, R. A. M., No. 263, and of St. John's Com- mandery, K. T., at Olean, N. Y.

OWEN G. METZGER, lumber dealer, Condersport, son of William H. and Pomilla C. (Coolidge) Metzger, was born in Hebron township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1853. His father was a native of Lewisburg, Penn., and located at Pike Mills, Potter county, about 1830. He built the old Goodman mills, and later the Metzger mills, being also engaged in the lumber business. About 1857 he was elected county commissioner, and was one of the prominent men of Potter county. His death occurred in July. 1881, after a lingering illness of seventeen years, and his widow died the following year. They had four children: Francis, Margaret (now Mrs. Theodore Cobb, of Spring Mills, Alle-

1164

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

gany Co., N. Y.), William and Owen G. The last named made his home with his parents until 1874, when he married Phebe R., daughter of D. D. McGee, of Bradford, Penn. After his marriage he located at Coudersport, where he has since lived. He embarked in the lumber trade, which he con- tinned alone until 1881, when he became associated with James White in the same business, under the firm name of White & Metzger, their yards being located at Galeton, Potter county. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger have four children: Stanley, Elsie, Frank and Alice. In politics Mr. Metzger affiliates with the Democratic party.

A. R. MOORE, one of the enterprising citizens of Coudersport, is a son of Ross Aruna and Mary E. (Gleason) Moore, and was born in Belfast, Alle- gany Co., N. Y., in 1858. His father was a native of Richford, Tioga Co., N. Y., and was married there December 31, 1837. He was a stone-cutter by trade, and established marble works, but removed to Alma, Allegany county, thence to Collins, thence to Belfast (all in the same State), where he remained until 1867, when he came to Ulysses township, Potter Co., Penn., where he purchased a farm and remained until his death, November 6, 1883; his wife died October 22, 1881. They united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Belfast, in 1842, of which they were always faithful and consistent members. He was a Knight Templar, and in politics a member of the Republican party. Much might be said of his social and family relations, but it is sufficient to say that he was a devoted husband, a kind and affectionate parent, and a desirable acquisition to the community in which he resided. Their children are Laura J., now Mrs. Charles C. Perry, of Saginaw, Mich. ; Win. W., who married Mrs. Amelia Rodgers, now of Westfield, Tioga Co., Penn .; Mary E., now Mrs. Chester E. Lyman, of Cleveland, Ohio; Nancy J., now Mrs. Theodore Carpen- ter, of Ulysses; James W., who married Nellie Scott, now of Raymond; Chauncey Z., who married Kate E. Acker, also of Raymond, and Alonzo R., who remained with his parents until their decease. In November, 1883, the subject of these lines embarked in mercantile business at Raymond Corners, Potter Co., Penn., but in 1885 returned to the old homestead and worked the farm. During that year, however, he removed to Coudersport, where he became proprietor of a stage line between Coudersport and Harrison Valley, and removing to the latter place in April, 1886, he became the popular landlord of the Harrison Valley House. December 1, 1888, Mr. Moore leased the Commer- cial House at Coudersport, its principal hotel, which at this writing he is conduct- ing. In 1885 he married Miss Mary L., daughter of Frank B. Langdon. Mr. Moore is a member of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M. In politics he is a Re- publican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DANIEL NEEFE, son of Edward and Anna M. (Benauer) Neefe, was born in Allegheny township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1844. He remained at home until 1864, and began his business life as a carpenter and joiner, a trade he followed about two years, when he went into the carriage-building trade for himself, at Brookland, where he remained until 1872, in which year he removed to Coudersport. Here he was in the same business until 1873, when he sold his establishment, but has since worked at his trade as usual. He married Caroline Blackman, and has two children: Bertha and Anna. Mr. Neefe is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Methodist Church. He is a member of the Sons of Temperance, and of the Knights of the Maccabees. In politics he is a Democrat. Edward Neefe, father of Daniel, was born and educated in Sachsen Altenburg, Germany. and came to America in 1834. He located in Allegheny township, Potter Co., Penn., where he purchased and cleared a farm. He married Anna M. Benauer, in 1842, and their children

1165

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

were Daniel, Frank E., William, Adolph, Julius (deceased) and Frederick. Frank E. Neefe was born in Allegheny township, Potter Co., Penn., in 1846, remained at home till 1866. learned the carriage maker's trade at Brookland, Penn., and soon after went into business for himself at Coudersport, Penn., the firm name being F. E. Neefe & Co. In 1879 he married Mrs. Mira Seible, and their children are Carrie and Leon. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and in politics is a Democrat.

ALMERON NELSON, Coudersport, is a son of Cephas and Eunice Nel. son, and was born in the town of Putnam, Washington Co., N. Y .. January 15, 1817. His grandfather, John Nelson, was one of four brothers-Paul, Moses, John and Daniel completing the number -all of whom married and reared fami- lies. John was born in Massachusetts about 1750. He removed to Washington county, N. Y., town of Hebron, where he married Mollie Hare, a lady of Scotch descent, and they had a family of fourteen children: Ezekiel, John, Moses, Joel, Cephas, Silas, Lyman, Isaac, David. Betsy, Polly, Sallie, Annice and Eleanor. Cephas, the fifth son of John Nelson, was born in the town of Hebron. Wash- ington county, near the Vermont line, and there married the daughter of Hon. Isaac Lyman, whose residence was at Pollett, where he built a saw-mill over 100 years ago, and who was a major of the Revolution, a member of the State legislature, and afterward a resident of Lake George and of Charleston, Tioga Co., Penn. Having made the acquaintance of extensive land holders, who in him perceived good executive ability, his services were engaged as their agent, necessitating his removal to Lymansville, Potter Co., Penn., which, later, was named in his honor. There he remained as their agent until his decease. Cephas and his family removed to Lake George, and eventually to Potter county, locating in 1820 on the farm now owned by Almeron Nelson, at Lymansville. Here Cephas and his family underwent the privations and experiences incident to pioneer life. The family comprised six children: Horatio, Henry, Charlotte, Lyman, James and Almeron. The eldest three are de- ceased, as are also the parents. Almeron the fifth son of Cephas, after serv- ing an apprenticeship at hard work, married Henrietta M. McClelland in 1844, and to them were born three children, of whom but one lives, Eunice M. (now Mrs. Daniel Park, of Tioga Co., N. Y. ). Almeron lost his wife in 1866, and in the following year he married Elizabeth A. Taggart, and has by this marriage two children: Henrietta M. and Almeron T. Mr. Nelson was elected county commissioner in 1849, and jury commissioner in 1859, and served three terms -nine years. He was the nominee of the Democratic party for State senator, aud also for judge, but was defeated. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and of Eulalia Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M.

LYMAN NELSON, retired, Coudersport, is a son of Cephas and Eunice Nelson, and was born at Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1812. His early life was passed in securing a common-school education, and in hard work. February 15, 1832, he married Anner M., daughter of Dennis Hall, of Couders- port. They located in Eulalia township, engaged in farming, and raised a family of nine children-four boys and five girls: Lydia R. (now wife of Rev. Joseph Latham, of Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.), Louisa M. (now Mrs. Nelson H. Goodsell, of Coudersport), Carthagena (now Mrs. F. A. Glea- son, of Franklinville), Almeron E. (of Hinsdale, N. Y.), H. T. (of Couders- port). Orrell (now Mrs. M. L. Gridley, of Condersport). Ralph L. (of Gene- see, Potter county), Oliva A. (now wife of John J. Park, of Barton, Tioga Co., N. Y.), and Alva T. (of Hinsdale, N. Y.). Mr. Nelson was elected asso- ciate judge in 1870, has been justice of the peace for fifteen years, and has been in the higher and lower courts for a period of twenty years. He and his

1166

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

wife are members of the Methodist Church. He is a supporter of the Repub- lican party.

F. B. NELSON, proprietor of meat market, drover, etc., Coudersport, is a son of Henry and Speedy (Clark) Nelson, and was born in Allegheny town- ship. Potter Co., Penn., March 14, 1837. His father's family consisted of eight children: Samantha (now Mrs. Albert Presho, of Colesburg), Daniel (of Jefferson county, Penn. ), Amelia (now Mrs. James Booth), F. B., Sabrina (the late Mrs. Uriah Butler, of Cincinnati, Ohio), F. A. (of Colesburg), Oscar (of Lewisville), and Charles H. (of Coudersport). F. B. Nelson remained at home until twenty two years of age, and was engaged in assisting his parents in various ways. He married, July 24, 1863, Delphine Thompson, a daughter of Samuel Thompson, and granddaughter of Miles and Elizabeth Thompson. Her grandfather located in Harrison township in 1827, and was the second sheriff of the county, subsequently serving another term. He was a farmer, and eventually removed to Kettle Creek, where he died; his widow returned to Ulysses, and there died. Samuel Thompson married Permelia Hackett in 1845, and located on the farm he now owns in Eulalia township, upon which he has erected fine farm buildings. Mrs. Nelson is their only surviving child. After the marriage of F. B. Nelson he removed to Emporium, where he en- gaged in the lumber trade, remaining nine years. He then became a merchant at Raymond's Corners, and later a farmer, after which he settled in Couders- port and engaged in the butcher business; associated with his son he has a market at Odin. He is also a general buyer, speculator, drover, etc. His children were Arthur F., Mittie Bell (who died when one year of age), Mart J. and Bessie A. Of these Arthur F. married Cora, daughter of Washington Wyckoff, of Sinnemahoning, and has one child, Mina Bell.

C. H. NELSON, meat market, Coudersport, is a son of Henry and Speedy (Clark) Nelson, and was born at Colesburg, Potter Co., Penn., May 11, 1856. After attending the common schools and Coudersport Academy, he taught for six terms, and then graduated at the State Normal School, at Lock Haven, in the class of 1881. He was in the employ of C. H. Armstrong for a time, and then accepted a position in an engineer corps, remaining three years, when he be- came, in February, 1884, a butcher, with a market on Main street, where he furnishes food for the epicures of the county seat. He married June 5, 1884. Mary, daughter of John Evans, of Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F., also of the Equitable Aid Union, and his wife is a member of the Episcopal Church.

RODNEY L. NICHOLS, surveyor and conveyancer, and dealer in real estate, Coudersport, is a son of Col. Samuel and Sarah (Dutton) Nichols, the former of whom was a soldier of the war of 1812, being present at the burning of Buffalo, and who was commissioned a colonel of the New York State Militia by Govs. Dewitt Clinton and Daniel D. Tompkins. In 1808 he located at Arcade, N. Y., where he built a log-house, the nearest neighbors at the time being fifteen miles distant; and the following year he revisited his native place, Francestown, Hillsborough Co., N. H. Here he married Sarah Dutton, then returned to Arcade the same year, where he began clearing up his farm. He died at Arcade in 1856, his wife having preceded him in 1848. John Nichols, grandfather of Rodney L., was one of a large family, and was born at Londonderry, Ireland, whence he was brought in his infancy to this country by his parents, who settled in New Hampshire. He followed his father, Col. Samuel Nichols, to Arcade, N. Y., where he died, aged ninety- eight years, leaving a large family of children and several grandchildren. The children of Col. Samuel and Sarah (Dutton) Nichols were as follows:

1167

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Eurilia (now of Arcade, aged seventy-seven years), John (deceased), Bradford (now of Jessup, Iowa), Mianda (who died at Maquoketa, Iowa), Rodney L., Roxana (who died at the age of twenty-two years) and Alcina (the late Mrs. Skeele).

RODNEY L. NICHOLS is emphatically a self-made man. He was born at Arcade, N. Y., October 29, 1818, and there spent the early portion of his life. He taught school, commencing at the age of sixteen years, and when twenty-two went to Kentucky and Tennessee, where he became a teacher in slave-holding families; afterward he was principal of an academy in Fulton county, Ill., for three years. In 1848 he returned to Arcade, and in 1850 located at Millport, Potter Co., Penn., being connected with the Oswayo Lum- ber Association. In the fall of 1851, in company with Joseph Mann, he bought out their land, and was in business as merchant, manufacturer of pine lumber, dealer in real estate and land surveyor at Millport from 1850 till 1877, in which latter year he moved to Coudersport, where he now resides, engaged in the business named at the commencement of this sketch, though he still owns a farm and other real estate at Millport. Mr. Nichols has been twice married, first on October 9, 1850, to Mary E., second daughter of Andrew Shedd, Esq., of Sardinia, Erie Co., N. Y. She died in 1871 without issue, and on May 1, 1873, Mr. Nichols married his present wife, Jennie Wentworth, of Portage, Wyoming Co., N. Y., by whom he has one daughter. Nora Eola, born September 9, 1876. Mr. Nichols is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs in the Encampment; he is also a member of Olean Lodge, F. & A. M. He is a Presbyterian of the Scotch-Irish prononnced type, which faith largely predominates in the family. In polities he is a stanch Repub- lican. He voted for William Henry Harrison for the presidency of the United States, became allied to the anti-slavery party, and voted for John C. Fremont for the same great office, and afterward joined the Republican party, to which he has given his earnest support from the day of its formation until the present time. He did good and earnest work for the elevation of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency; was also an ardent supporter of the martyr's war policy, and rendered personal service in raising men and money for the carrying out of the same. The present head of the administration, "Ben" Harrison, also received his vote. Mr. Nichols is still a thorough Republican, and believes in a liberal pension policy in aid of worthy soldiers and their families. While a resident of Millport, Mr. Nichols was school director, postmaster and justice of the peace almost constantly for twenty-six years, and county commissioner three years. He took a leading part in the construction of the Coudersport Water Works, and is a stockholder in the Coudersport & Port Allegany Rail- road. He owns real estate at Arcade, N. Y., also extensive tracts of land in the northern part of Potter county and in Iowa. Though a gentleman of wealth, he never alludes to the fact, and has nothing of sham or show in his conversation or manners. Mr. Nichols resides in a pleasant home in Conders- port, and has a business office near the house. His life has been marked by continual struggles and by indomitable perseverance. The results which have come to him are not due to favorable influence or the aid of friends; on the contrary, they have been the outgrowth of his own innate course and temperate habits of life.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1320

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1320