I found this obit in the Hastings Banner dated Dec. 8, 1909 Eli NICHOLS, Prominent Pioneer, Dead Was for 73 Years honored resident of Orangeville Township Well known Mason and business man Long and Useful Life Closed in Kalamazoo-Hospital - Burial near his old home Eli NICHOLS, one of the oldest and best known pioneer residents of Orangeville, died in Bronson hospital in Kalamazoo on Tuesday evening, Nov 30, aged 77 years. The funeral, conducted under the asupices of the Orangeville Masonic lodge of which deceased was a charter mamber since 1865 and of which he was worshipful master for a dozen years, was held from his old home in Orangeville at 3:00 o'clock on Friday afternoon. He had been ill of dropsy during the last year, and his death was expected some time ago. Eli NICHOLS was the son of John J. NICHOLS, one of the most prominent of the first settlers in the township, who moved to Barry County from Canada in 1837. Galvin BROWN, with his sons, George and Henry and their families, settled on section 32 and Duty BENSON just east of them on section 33 in 1837. Isaac MESSER, son-in-law of BENSON, Joshua PEASE and Isaac DIAMOND, Eli WAIT and Wm SHELP, Elam and John J. NICHOLS and their families comprised the Brown neighborhood at that time and a school house was built on George BROWN's land just east of the Henry BROWN homestead where good schools were maintained and the red school house was a central figure for many years for all sorts of gatherings, religious and social. In 1839 after the patriot war in Canada, Stephan NICHOLS, brother of John J. arrived and joined the settlement. He was a sympathizer with McKENZIE in Canada and in order to avoid trouble with the authorities he shouldered his rifle and walked to the Detroit River over which he was feeied by some fishermen. He arrived at the home of his brother on the banks of Pine Lake and John J. NICHOLS arterwards brought his brother's family from Canada. Eli NICHOLS left the farm in 1851 to engage in business in Orangeville. He conducted a general store and was also proprietor of a drug store. He sold out his business in 1864, but repurchased it soon afterwards. In November, 1865, he was appointed postmaster of Orangeville, and he held the position for eight years. He held the office of town clerk from 1869 to 1870. In 1871 he was elected supervisor. About 1850, Mr. NICHOLS was united in marriage with Miss Mary BROWN. She died about 10 years ago, and her husband never recovered from the shock caused by her death. From that time his health began to fail. He sold his business and retired. At one time during his business career he accumulated considerable property, but did not retain it. Mr. NICHOLS was widely known. During his residence of 72 years in this county, he became acquainted with almost all the pioneers of the western part of this county and the eastern part of Allegan county. He was an extremely jovial man; and was always ready with an amusing anecdote or story. He was a thorough pioneer, hospitable and always ready to assest the needy. During the last year he made his home with Mr. and Mrs. J. N. PIKE, but during the spring his health improved and he was taken to the home of his adopted son in Kalamazoo. His condition became such that it was necessary to remove him to the hospital where he died. A large number gathered from far and wide to pay last respects to deceased. In accordance with the wishes often expressed by Mr. NICHOLS, the funeral rites were conducted by the Masonic order. Lodges in Middleville, Bradley, Wayland and Shelby were represented. The body was laid to rest in Orangeville cemetery. Does anyone know if Stephen NICHOLS was the father of Luke NICHOLS? Luke's wife was Mary ENGLAND. Luke and Mary were the parents of Eva Ann, Frederick, Foy (Fay), Edith, Frank, and Nettie.