William L. E. Nickels Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the picture of Mr. and Mrs. William L. E. Nickels that accompanies this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Nickels, Edward, Lahann, Morthoss, Einfeldt. William E. L. Nickels, now living retired in Davenport, is a representative of that lcass of men who have found in agricultural life the opportunities for success. Long connected with farming interests, his diligence and enterprise in managing the work of the fields brought him the prosperity that now enables him to live retired. He was born in Holstein, Germany, October 18, 1835, a son of Henry Ludwig Edward and Louisa Nickels. The father was a farmer and hotel keeper who spent his entire life in Germany. Following his demise the mother married again and came to the he United States, spending her last days in this country. William L. E. Nickels was a young man of twenty-one years when he crossed the Atlantic to America. Favorable reports which he heard concerning the new world led him to the determination to try his fortune on this side the Atlantic, and on the 22d of December, 1856, he landed at New York, whence he made his way westward to Rock Island, Illinois, where he arrived on the 1st of January. The following day he crossed the river to Davenport but after a few days went to Moline. While there he met Claus Lahann, a friend from Germany, who asked him to go to Clinton county with him and Mr. Nickels made his home with that friend in Clinton county through the winter. It was there he met the lady whom he afterward made his wife . In the spring of 1857 he left his German friend and worked for an American at Big Rock in order that he might learn the English language and there he remained for six months, after which he returned to his German friend, remaining his assistant until his friend! 's death in 1859. It was then, on the 6th of January, 1859, that Mr. Nickels married his old friend's daughter, Miss Margaretta Lahann, who was born in Germany, January 12, 1824. He rented the farm from her widowed mother, who died in 1861, at which time by the terms of her will Mr. Nickels inherited the farm, comprising ninety acres. He made his home thereon until 1876 and during that time extended the boundaries of his place by additional purchase until it comprised on hundred and sixteen acres. He made a number of improvements and continued the cultivation of the fields there until 1876, when he removed to Wheatland, Iowa, renting his farm. While living in Wheatland he served as a member of the town council and was prominent and influential in public affairs. He continued his residence in Wheatland until 1901, when he came to Davenport, where he has since made his home. In 1903 Mr. Nickels was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 3d of March of that year. He has since wedded Caroline Morthoss, a daughter of Claus and Magdalena Morthoss, both of whom died in Germany. Mrs. Nickels had been previously married, her first husband being Hans Einfeldt, who died December 17, 1894. There have been no exciting chapters in the life history of William L. E. Nickels, who in his life has exemplified many of the sterling traits of his German ancestry. He has been diligent and persistent in business and as the years went by his labors brought him the success which always comes form honorable and well directed effort. Now at the age of seventy-four years he is living retired and his rest is well merited, following years of active life. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES