JOHN F. NICHOLSON, a leading jeweler of Monongahela, is descended from Irish ancestry. His grandfather, James Nicholson, was born in Ireland, and, immigrating to America in about 1790, settled in Union township, Washington Co., Penn., locating in 1795 on his farm on Mingo creek. The land in that region was wild and covered with forests, but the hardy pioneer persevered until the dreary wilderness was transformed into a comfortable homestead. The children of this family were as follows: John, William McKendrie, James, Asa, Sarah (wife of Andrew Pierce), Mary, Jennie (wife of Matthew Murdy), Nancy (wife of James McAllister) and Elizabeth (wife of William Tidball). The father was a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics voted with the Whig party. For many years in those early days his home was the Methodist preaching place, services being held there every two weeks, on Saturdays, by Rev. Asa Shinn, who was succeeded in that work by Rev. George S. Holmes. William McKendrie Nicholson was born April 21, 1820, on the home farm in Union township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended the subscription and public schools, proved an eager reader and close student, and was trained from boyhood to agricultural pursuits, which he followed throughout life. He was married to Rachel, daughter of Samuel Morrison, of Nottingham township, and their children were: William Alvin, Arilinda J. (wife of E. J. McClure), John Fletcher, Violet A. (wife of Samuel McMillan), Flora B. (deceased), Sarah Adalaide, Clara Lucina (wife of George Kahl) and Laura Pricilla. Mr. Nicholson conducted a general store at Ginger Hill from 1844 to 1846; then followed farming, but in 1887 retired from active life. He has been an enthusiastic leader in politics, has voted with the Whig and Republican parties, and has taken a special interest in school matters. In religion he is a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Rachel Nicholson died in 1880. John Fletcher Nicholson was born April 21, 1851, in Union township, Washington Co., Penn., and received a common-school education. In 1872 he came to Monongahela, and opened the jewelry and music store, which he has since conducted. In 1877 he was united in marriage with Miss Sue E. Wilson, and their children are: Alverda, Jessie Rebecca, John Fletcher, James Bloomfield, Marjorie Ann and Louis McKendrie. Mr. Nicholson is a shrewd, honest business man, and enjoys a large and constantly increasing custom. He is an active member of the Republican party, and has served two terms as treasurer of Monongahela, also as Congressional and Senatorial conferree, as well as in various other offices. He was elected mayor at the February election and was duly sworn in to serve as mayor for one year from April 3, 1893. Mr. Nicholson shows his identification with the people of the city in their social and moral interests, by his church and society relations. He has been secretary of the Royal Arcanum Council for twelve years, is past master by service in the Masonic Lodge of this city, and is also a Royal Arch Mason. He is past grand in Nucleus Lodge of Odd Fellows, and was D. D. G. M. for Washington county for three years. He is an Encampment member, and was D. G. P. for three years; he is a member of the American Mechanics, is deputy State councilor now, and a past chief in the order of the Golden Eagle. In this way he contributes largely to the social Orders, giving them part of his time and ability, and always for good. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is at present secretary of the Sabbath-school, which position he has acceptably filled for some time.

Text taken from page 837 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 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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