Nicholson - John
Source: H. W. Beckwith History of Montgomery County, Indiana (Chicago:
HH Hill, 1881) p 315
John NICHOLSON, photographer, Crawfordsville, was b. in
Jefferson County, Indiana on a farm, July 12, 1825 and remained a
tiller of the soil until he learned the trade of a carpenter. His
father, Jesse C. was a carpenter and is now living in
Indianapolis, at the advanced age of 78 years. He is a native of
Ky, and came to Indiana before it was admitted as a state and to
obtain a market for his produce was compelled to ship it down the
river on flatboats. In 1832 the family moved to Shelbyville, Ill
where Mr. Nicholson was engaged at his trade. From here the
family moved to St. Louis, Missouri and then to Bellville, St.
Clair Co Il and remained until 1841. Here John received a common
school education, and from this place moved to Louisville, Ky and
in a short time the family moved to Clark Co In upon a farm,
where John was employed in outdoor work. His next residence was
in New Albany, IN where he was engaged in guarding the prisoners
who were at work upon the penitentiary. From here he went to
Livonia, where he engaged in the manufacturing of Windsor chairs
and in 1845 he took up his residence in Salem, Indiana, where his
father, brother-in-law and himself were engaged in chair
manufacturing. He then moved to Columbus, Indiana where he
occupied himself in house, sign and portrait painting. March 10,
1847, he reached Franklin, Johnson Co, where he resided man
years, engaged in painting and in the cultivation of fruits, at
which he made a signal success producing fruits of rare quality
and beauty. In Jan 1849 he moved to Durhamville, Tenn. and
engaged in chair manufacturing and painting. IN May 1850, he
returned to Franklin and in Feb 1851 learned daguerreotyping and
thoroughly fitted himself for an artist's life. After the
introduction of photography he spent some time in Cincinnati
studying that branch of his life work, which has since occupied
the greater portion of his time. In March, 1872, he moved to
Kokomo, IN and here lived until May 23, 1879 at which time he
began his residence in Crawfordsville. He has a well furnished
photograph gallery on Main St, from which much work of excellent
character has come, to the satisfaction of nu8merous customers,
and credit to himself. In 1853 he was marr. to Minerva HICKS and
they became the parents of 3 children: Eva, Mary and Mabel. Eva
attended Franklin College and became a proficient elocutionist
and today has a good reputation as a teacher, and is held in high
esteem by members of the profession. After the death of his first
wife he marr. Mary L. DAVIDSON in 1861 and became the father of
John Jr.; Thomas; Nellie and Bessie. Mr. Nicholson is an Odd
Fellow joining at Franklin in 1861 and a member of the Knights of
Pythias. He first united with the Baptist Church while in Tenn
and in 1856 joined the Christian denomination at Franklin,
Indiana and has since been a faithful, energetic and consistent
worker. His wife is a member of the same Church. He is a
republican and was one of its earliest supporters as an
abolitionist. As an artist Mr. Nicholson is eminently successful
and his love for the ideal and beautiful prompts him to study his
subject from a phrenological standpoint, enabling him to more
fully develop those leading features in a person's character,
thereby giving to his pictures more of a natural and life-like
expression. He is a close observer of men and things, and finds
great pleasure in his well filled library with his special
favorites, mental philosophy, theology, poetry and art.
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal, March 21, 1923
John Nicholson, one of the well known and highly respected
citizens of the community (Ladoga) passed away at his home here
Tuesday night following an illness of a few weeks with a
complication of diseases. Mr. N. was born in Ladoga on the site
where the opera house now stands and has spent all of his life in
this community. He was 84 years old. His wife preceded him in
death 5 years ago. The deceased is survived by one son, John,
with whom he lived and two brothers, William of this place and
Reese of Noblesville. Funeral services will be held Friday
afternoon at 1 o'clock at the home. Interment at Ladoga
Cemetery.
John Nicholson, 1870 Crawfordsville Indiana census #467 age 29 Day
laborer born Ireland lives in a hotel. May be one in Death RecordsCH 38 p
4 (sorry, never tried it) age 68 d. 4 18 1893.