Nichols - Francis M.
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly, Friday, March 26, 1897
Francis M. Nichols was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 6, 1829. At an early age came with his father's family to this county and settled near Whitesville. Here he grew to manhood, enduring all the hardships of pioneer life. At the age of 18 he entered the saddle and harness shop of William Nicholson, who was then the leading harness maker of the town. Having learned the trade he entered the harness shop of B.L. Ornbaun in 1856, where he was compelled to give up on account of the malady which caused his death. On November 26, 1857, Mr. Nichols was married to Martha C. Mitchell, daughter of Andrew Mitchell, one of the early settlers of Crawfordsville. To them was born one daughter, Ida Geneva, who is now Mrs. Selby. His wife Martha C. died on March 4, 1861. On December 30, 1868, he was married to Mary J. Crane, daughter of Washington Crane, who came to this county more than seventy years ago. To Mr. Nichols and his last wife, were born four children; John Roy, Everett Lee, Harry Morton, and Grace Mae, who with their mother are left to mourn their irreparable loss. Mr. Nichols was a man of indomitable energy and industry. For forty years he scarcely lost a day from his bench except when his country's call he shouldered his musket and went forth to battle valiantly for her salvation. For a year or more he had been at intense and constant sufferer but through it all bore himself the heroic soldier that he was. Mr. Nichols was a kind and accommodating neighbor, a faithful friend and a loving husband and father.
Thanks so much to Kim H. for this and many of the old nifty obituaries - you rock, Kim :) kz
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 26 March 1897
Francis M. Nichols, aged 67 years, died Sunday evening about 6 o’clock at his home on the corner of Grant Avenue and Perry Street. He had been a sufferer from cancer for several months.
The funeral occurred from the residence Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, the services, which were under the auspices of the G. A. R., were conducted by Rev. J. G. Stephens. The interment occurred at Oak Hill.
Mr. Nichols was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 6, 1829, but came here when quite young. He was a harness maker by trade and was employed by Benjamin Ornbaun for over forty years. Mr. Nichols was a brave soldier in the Civil War and was an excellent citizen, respected by all. He leaves a wife and four children. - thanks to S