Your story is touching. But you really don't give much info. First, Is this Nicholas from Vermilion County? Or were you just throwing out a query in hopes of getting a response? Secondly, did they marry in Illinois in 1873? If they did the Illinois State Archives is on line and has all the marriages til 1900. If they are listed then you can write to the county and get the record. This will give you at least the brides name. Thirdly, They were in the 1910 census. WHERE? Fourthly, He died in Concho, Texas. Get his death record from the county courthouse. I have a Nicholas Hurst but no Tennesee or Alabama, just a Missouri Hurst. They were from Clark Co, Illinois and Paris, Edgar Co Ill. Good Luck Granny