Thomas J. Nichol, p. 1152

THOMAS J. NICHOL, one of the progressive and well-to-do agriculturists of South Strabane township, was born May 3, 1828, in Canton (now Franklin) township. His grandfather, Thomas Nichol, came to this county from County Antrim, Ireland, and took out a warrant, February 14, 1785, for a tract of land now owned by John Hughes, whose wife is a granddaughter of Thomas Nichol. This tract of land was surveyed on May 13, 1785, and was named in the survey "Crystal," containing 281 acres, adjoining lands of James Workman, James Huston and others. While yet a young man he was married to a young lady who had come from Scotland. After marriage they took up their residence in Washington borough for some time, and then removed to the farm in Canton township, which he had entered; there they passed the rest of their days. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. Two children were born to this honored pioneer couple: Samuel and Elizabeth (Mrs. Alexander Reynolds).

Samuel Nichol, the only son of Thomas Nichol, was born in Washington borough, this county, where his boyhood and youth were passed, and where he received his education. He was married to Rebecca Bane, daughter of David Bane, of Amwell township, and their children were: James, Franklin, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth (Mrs. John Hughes), and Thomas J. After marriage the young couple settled in Franklin township, and there remained until the death of the husband, which occurred November 19, 1870; his wife departed this life in February, 1854. They were members of the Disciple Church, in which he was an elder many years; he was a Whig, and took an active part in politics.

Thomas J. Nichol, whose name opens this sketch, passed his early life at the place of his nativity, and received his education at the schools of the district. While a young man he took a trip West, being absent for some time, and then returned to his native township. In January, 1859, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of ex-Judge James C. Chambers, of Amwell township, this county. After marriage the young couple carried on farming in Amwell township eight years, and then moved to Franklin township, where they remained one year, thence coming to South Strabane township, to their present home. The names of the children born to them are: Annie, Lizzie, Jennie, John, Lotta, Clark and Sadie. Mr. and Mrs. Nichol are members of the Disciple Church at Washington, and in politics he has always been a stanch Republican.

Text taken from page 1152 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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