This is a copy of a article I just received that I thought could be of interest to someone out there. NICHOLS SETTLED HERE IN 1854-History of Nichols family in Howard County, Iowa Holt Nichols and his wife, Mary (March) Nichols, were both born in Londonderry, NH, Holt on Feb 2, 1802, to Jacob and Hannah (Abbott) Nichols. They began their westward trek with their family by moving first to Cattaraugus County, NY. where the family engaged in farming. They later moved to Ogle County, IL., making part of that trip by wagon. In 1854 they made their last move west when they traveled with ox teams to Albion township and secured 160 acres of virgin prairie land near Granger. Mr. Nichols’ immediate concern was the building of a log house for his family. Some years later as lumber became more accessible, he replaced it with a frame house. He spent the remainder of his life working and improving the acreage in Howard County. Both Holt and Mary Nichols were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Holt held a number to township offices. He died April 1, 1881, and is buried in Albion Cemetery. His wife died in 1883. William Campbell Nichols was born to Holt and Mary Nichols on August 18, 1831, in Londonderry, NH. He received his education in the local schools and Lowell, MA and Boston. He made his moves westward with his family as far as Ogle County, IL., There he remained until 1856 when he left his job as a salesman for the Grand Detour Plow Co., and he, too, followed his family to Albion Township. He purchased a quarter section of government land south of his father’s farm, His wife was Lydia (Hazard) Nichols who was born Dec. 11, 1833, in Yorkshire Corners, NY. She was the daughter of James and Terresa Hazard who had moved west to Ogle County, IL. William farmed extensively and also expanded into the livestock business. He imported Holstein cattle direct from Holland. William and Lydia moved to Cresco after his retirement. He died in Cresco in 1902 and his wife died Dec. 3, 1917. Charles D. Nichols, eldest son of William and Lydia, was born August 26, 1861, and grew up on the family farm in Albion Township. After attending the district schools and graduating from high school in Cresco, he attended St. Paul Business College to further his education. He then spent five years as a teacher in Howard County schools. In 1882, he became a partner of J.W. Wentworth in Cresco in the clothing business. In 1888, C.D.. Nichols became the sole owner of the business when he purchased Mr. Wentworth’s interest. In 1921 he admitted his son, William W., to a partnership and their business was called Nichols Clothing Store. They carried a large stock of clothing and men’s furnishings, and the business flourished. C.D. Nichols had varied business interests as he was also engaged in farming and stock raising. He owned the old homestead farm of 325 acres. The farm served as the headquarters for an extensive cattle business--the Nichols Livestock Co. He and his son, Charles C. were partners in the business. They dealt extensively in Aberdeen Angus cattle which they imported from Scotland. They also handled Clydesdale horses and Shropsire sheep-the first of which were imported from England. On Jan. 1, 1887, C.D. married Virginia Strother, who was born in New Oregon Township on March 1, 1864. Her parents were Werdon and Louise Strother. Mr. Strother was born in Fauquier County, VA. on Feb. 3, 1829, and arrived in Howard County in 1856, Mrs. Strother was a native of Niagara Falls, Canada. C.D. and Virginia Nichols were active members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Nichols was a member of the Masons, the Modern Woodmen, the Woodmen of the World, and was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias. C.D. Nichols died in Cresco on Oct 27, 1931, and Virginia Nichols died Oct. 12, 1947. The children of C.D. and Virginia Nichols were Louise, born Aug., 1, 1888, married R.D.. Seeley: her twin brother, William W., born Aug. 1, 1888, married Mae Mitchell; Virginia Vera born Sept. 15, 1889, married J.W. Meyer; Charles Chapin, born Feb 2, 1891, married Marjorie Daskam; and Harold Hobert, born July 30, 1893. Harold was married on May 14, 1815, to Gladys Mae Tillson, daughter of Wm. H. Tillson and Allie (Burdick) Tillson. Gladys was born Aug 17, 1896, in Cresco. Through the years Harold farmed on a number of farmsteads in Howard County. In the early years of his farming, he raised purebred hogs. He farmed until his retirement when he moved to Cresco. Gladys died on Dec. 24, 1957, and Harold died May 12, 1975. Four children were born to Harold and Gladys Nichols. They were Harold J. of Ames (since deceased), born March 22, 1917; Donald H. of LaGrange Park, IL, born Aug 8, 1918; Gladys L., born Aug 7, 1920, died July 8, 1923; and Charles W. of Edina, MN, born Oct 26, 1925. The three sons grew up in Howard County and graduated from Cresco High School. Charles and Marjorie Nichols were the parents of one daughter Barbara, now Mrs. Gary Kurdelmeier of Florida. Source: Times-Plain Dealer 214 N Elm Street Cresco, IA 52136-522 November 8, 1998 Page B1