Roster and Genealogies of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

Elmer Monroe Newton

b. 6 April 1838, d. 21 October 1861

Father: Barnabas Newton b. 6 May 1813, d. 28 Apr 1881
Mother: Betsey Stevens b. 10 Jan 1814, d. 3 Mar 1900

Company: G

Elmer Monroe Newton was born on 6 Apr 1838 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Barnabas Newton and Betsey Stevens.
Elmer Monroe Newton was enumerated in the household of Barnabas Newton and Betsey Stevens in the 1860 US Federal Census on 18 Jul 1860 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as follows:
Barnabas Newton, 47, mason, b. MA (as were all in the family)
Betsey, 46
Elbridge, 24
**Elmer N., 22, shoemaker
Albert, 19, shoemaker
Maria L., 17
Henry, 9
Arthur W., 7.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Elmer gave his occupation as clerk.
In 1861 Elmer was living at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 12 Jul 1861 Elmer mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 23 years, 3 months and 6 days old.
He died on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia, killed in action. He was 23 years, 6 months and 15 days old.
On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Elmer Monroe Newton was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
On 17 Sep 1890 Betsey Stevens received a pension to surviving family member based on Elmer's service; his mother, received certificate number 305856.

Last Edited: 16 Sep 2012

George F. Newton

b. 1 December 1845, d. 10 June 1862

Mother: Lydia Hart b. 19 Apr 1829, d. 13 Jan 1847

Company: A

George F. Newton was born on 1 Dec 1845 at Auburn, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Lydia Hart, according to the Auburn VR where only his mother's name is recorded.
On 13 Jan 1847 his mother, Lydia Hart, died at age 17.
George F. Newton was enumerated in the household of John Hart and Mary Rixford in the 1850 US Federal Census on 6 Aug 1850 at Auburn, Worcester County, Massachusetts, with his grandparents as:
John Hart, 52, laborer, b. MA (as were all in the family)
Mary, 50
Betsey, 82
**George F. Newton, 4.
George F. Newton was enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 4 Jun 1860 at Auburn, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
John Hart, 62, farm labor, b. MA (as were all)
Mary, 60, tailoress
**Geo. F. Newton, 14.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, George gave his occupation as farmer.
In 1861 George was living at Auburn, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 12 Jul 1861 George mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Auburn, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 15 years, 7 months and 11 days old.
He was declared missing in action on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, George F. Newton was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, George F. Newton was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
On 22 Feb 1862 at "The New York Times", New York City, New York, George F. Newton was mentioned, with 61 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, in an article about the return of prisoners under a flag of truce:
National Prisoners Released, Arrival of Four hundred at Fortres Monroe
Notice having been received by Gen. Wool, that some 400 exchanged prisoners would be sent down the James River Yesterday, the "George Washington" and "Express" left at about noon for the appointed meeting place.
The rebel boat was appointed to meet us at 3 o'clock, but at that time she was not in sight, and shortly after a heavy fog shut down, making it impossible to move in any direction. The two boats were then fastened together, and having dropped anchor, waited for the rebel boat to appear.
The fog did not lift till late in the evening, when the wind blew so fresh that the boats dragged their anchors and had to be separated. This morning at sunrise the expected prisoners made their appearance, on the "William Allison," which it seemed had also anchored for the night a few miles above us. The return passage was made without any incident, and the prisoners arrived here about 10 o'clock this forenoon. The returned prisoners will be immediately sent north. (Note: here follows a complete list of the released prisoners who arrived by a flag of truce from Richmond.)
He died on 10 Jun 1862 at Yorktown, York County, Virginia. He was 16 years, 6 months and 9 days old.
He was buried at Yorktown National Cemetery, Yorktown, York County, Virginia, Block # 4, Tomb # 1083.
He was buried at Hillside Cemetery, Auburn, Worcester County, Massachusetts, or this may be a cenotaph.
George F. Newton was included on the Civil War memorial at Auburn, Worcester County, Massachusetts.

Last Edited: 11 Apr 2016

Oliver W. Newton

b. 1845

Gravemarker of Oliver W. Newton

Father: Oliver Newton b. 1810
Mother: Mary Jane Woodbury b. 1823

Company: D

Oliver W. Newton was born about in 1845 at Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts, son of Oliver Newton and Mary Jane Woodbury.
His father, Oliver Newton, died apparently.
Oliver W. Newton was enumerated in the household of Nathaniel Woodbury and Hannah Ross Palfray in the 1850 US Federal Census on 23 Jul 1850 at Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, with his maternal grandparents, as:
Nath Woodbury, 56, bootmaker, b. Salem, NH
Hannah R., 53, b. Salem, MA
Eliza Ann, 29, b. Salem, MA
**Mary Jane Newton, 27, b. Salem, MA
Levi Nath Woodbury, 18, mariner, b.? Geo. N. B.
Sarah P. Woodbury, 16, b. ? Stephen, N. B.
Francis Aug. Woodbury, 8, b. Salem, MA
**Oliver W. Newton, 5, b. MA.
On 23 Feb 1851 Oliver's widowed mother, Mary Jane Woodbury, remarried to Shubael D. Todd at Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for both.
Oliver W. Newton was enumerated in the household of Courtland Newton and Parmela Brooks Hinds in the 1860 US Federal Census on 13 Jun 1860 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, with his aunt and uncle, as:
Cortland Newton, 55, boot manufacturer, b. MA (as were all the family)
Pamelia, 49
Ellen F., 10
Laura J., 16
**Oliver W., 15.
In 1862 Oliver was living at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, Oliver gave his occupation as farmer and yeoman.
On 6 Feb 1862 Oliver mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 17 years old.
He was declared missing in action on 17 Sep 1862 at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland.
On 15 Oct 1862 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Missing Men Of The Fifteenth Regiment

A member of the fifteenth regiment at the camp of paroled prisoners at Annapolis writes as follows:
“Thomas Caulfield, G. T. Osgood. George W. Hunt of Co. C; Charles A. Gleason, Peter McGune, Andrew Cadret, E. L. Smith, O. W. Newton, of Co. D; L. A. Cook, of Co. A; Edwin Chase, George Carpenter, of Co. B; C. L. Preston, Co. G; Thomas Horne, J. S. Flannigan, Co. H; J. G. Thornton, Thomas Welch, Co. K; E. A. Snow, Andrew Sharpshooters, were taken prisoners at the battle of Antietam, and recently released at Richmond. There are some that left Richmond, who are in the hospitals and I have been unable to obtain their names.”.
On 8 Feb 1864, Oliver was reenlisted for a bounty of $325.
On 4 May 1864 Oliver was wounded at The Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, by a spent ball which damaged his right eye.
On 27 Jul 1864 Oliver ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by transfer to the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Starting 28 Jul 1864, Oliver also served in the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company "G."
In Feb 1865 Oliver was wounded.
He ended his service discharged for wounds on 5 Jul 1865 at Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland.
He made application for a veteran's pension on 26 Jul 1866, and received certificate number 67362.
On 9 Apr 1870, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Togus, Kennebec County, Maine, Oliver was admitted.
He was enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 11 Jul 1870 at U. S. Military Asylum, Togus, Kennebec County, Maine, as:
Newton, Oliver W., 38, soldier, b. Ireland.
On 1 Jan 1880, Oliver was transferred to the southern branch of the Soldiers' Home.
He was enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 14 Jun 1880 at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Hampton, Elizabeth City, Virginia, as:
Newton, O. W., 40, widower, butcher, disabled, b. MA.
On 10 May 1883, Oliver was transferred back to the northern branch of the Soldiers' Home at his own request.
On 17 Oct 1885, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Togus, Kennebec County, Maine, Oliver was discharged at his own request, and his papers were sent to 17 Shelby Street, Worcester, MA.
He was buried at Pittston, Kennebec County, Maine, with a military headsttone in the family plot of Eben Day (Cemetery photo by permission of A. Miller and the "Kennebec Journal.")

Last Edited: 21 Jun 2019

Silas Harry Newton

b. 30 April 1837, d. 19 April 1886

Father: Gilman Dana Newton b. 14 Aug 1807, d. 25 Aug 1895
Mother: Sophia Lyon b. 28 Nov 1804, d. 21 Dec 1873

Company: B

Silas Harry Newton was born on 30 Apr 1837 at Phillipston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Gilman Dana Newton and Sophia Lyon.
In 1861 Silas was living at Phillipston, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Silas gave his occupation as painter.
On 26 Nov 1861 Silas mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Phillipston, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 24 years, 6 months and 27 days old.
On 12 Jan 1864 Silas ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts at Alexandria, Alexandria (city), Virginia, due to disability.
On 9 Feb 1871 Silas Harry Newton, 33, married Nettie Clara Doolittle, 22, daughter of John Doolittle and Lucy Watson Sprague, at Athol, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Silas Harry Newton and Nettie Clara Doolittle were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 15 Jun 1880 at Athol, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Newton, Silas H., 43, works in door factory, suffers from paralysis, b. MA (as were all)
---, Nettie C., 32, wife
---, Annie S., 6, daur
---, Willie H., 1 son.
Silas Harry Newton died on 19 Apr 1886 at Athol, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of cerebral diffusion. He was 48 years, 11 months and 20 days old.
He was buried in Apr 1886 at Highland Cemetery, Athol, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
In 1886 Nettie Clara Doolittle received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Silas's service; made application number 344635, but no certificate is recorded. (Date is difficult to read.)
On 17 Apr 1889 Silas's widow, Nettie Clara Doolittle remarried to George W. Stevens at Athol, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for both.
On 19 Jun 1895 Silas and Nettie's daughter, Annie S. Newton married Ernest H. White at Athol, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
In 1918 Nettie Clara Doolittle, his wife, died at Massachusetts.

Last Edited: 19 Apr 2016

Family: Nettie Clara Doolittle b. 22 Mar 1848, d. 1918

Fred Wesley Newton b. 28 Jul 1872, d. 1 Oct 1872
Annie S. Newton b. 15 Nov 1873
Willie H. Newton b. 12 Feb 1879

George Henry Nicholas

b. 19 May 1843, d. 2 February 1902

Father: Nelson Nicholas b. 7 Dec 1814, d. 8 Dec 1880
Mother: Lovina Goldthwait Fairbanks b. 16 Feb 1816, d. 20 Dec 1894

Company: E

George Henry Nicholas was also known as George H. Nichols in the 15th Mass.
He was born on 19 May 1843 at Uxbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Nelson Nicholas and Lovina Goldthwait Fairbanks.
George Henry Nicholas was enumerated in the household of Nelson Nicholas and Lovina Goldthwait Fairbanks in the 1860 US Federal Census on 26 Jul 1860 at Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, enumerated as follows:
Nelson Nicholas, 46, jobber, b. RI
Lovina, 45, b. MA (as were the rest of the family)
**George H., 17, shoemaker
Emily, 14
Jerome, 13
Jane F., 11
Laura W., 9.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, George gave his occupation as shoemaker.
George Henry Nicholas and George Washington Albee, future brothers-in-law, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Co. E.
On 26 Nov 1861 George mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 18 years, 6 months and 7 days old.
On 15 Apr 1862 George ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
Starting 27 Aug 1862, George also served in the 36th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
On 11 May 1863 George's sister, Emily Arabelle Nicholas, married George Washington Albee at Blackstone, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 20 Aug 1864 George was wounded at Weldon Railroad, Virginia.
He ended his service with the 36th Massachusetts on 8 Jun 1865 at Alexandria, Alexandria (city), Virginia.
On 5 Sep 1866 George Henry Nicholas, 23, married Sophia Morris, 20, daughter of Sanford Morris and Rachael Brown, at Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
George Henry Nicholas made application for a veteran's pension on 3 Feb 1869, and received certificate number 105994.
He and Sophia Morris were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 11 Jun 1870 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols (sic), George H., 27, teamster, b. MA (as were all in the family)
---, Sophia M., 24
---, Emory A., 2
---, George E., 4/12.
George Henry Nicholas and Sophia Morris were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 7 Jun 1880 at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nicholas, George H., 37, farmer, b. MA
---, Sophia, 35, wife, b. MA
---, George E., 10, son, b. MA.
George Henry Nicholas was enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 9 Jun 1900 at Douglas, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as George H. Nicholas, a married man and farmer, living as a boarder.
He died on 2 Feb 1902 at Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of a cerebral hemorage. He was 58 years, 8 months and 14 days old.
He was buried in Feb 1902 at South Sutton Cemetery, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, according to the Sutton Vital Records.
On 21 Feb 1902 Sophia Morris received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on George's service; his wife, received certificate number 531535.

Last Edited: 24 Feb 2016

Family: Sophia Morris b. 29 Dec 1845

Emory A. Nicholas b. between 1867 - 1868
George E. Nicholas b. 25 Jan 1870

Charles C. Nichols

b. 27 November 1840, d. 25 April 1907

Father: Charles Osgood Nichols b. 21 Dec 1814
Mother: Elivira Colburn b. 14 Nov 1815, d. 7 Dec 1840

Company: A

Charles C. Nichols was born on 27 Nov 1840 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Charles Osgood Nichols and Elivira Colburn.
On 7 Dec 1840 his mother, Elivira Colburn, died at age 25.
On 11 Mar 1848 Charles's widowed father, Charles Osgood Nichols, remarried to Frances Adams Kendall at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Charles C. Nichols was enumerated in the household of Charles Osgood Nichols and Frances Adams Kendall in the 1850 US Federal Census on 13 Aug 1850 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Charles O. Nichols, 34, comb maker, b. Leominster, MA (as were all in family)
Frances A., 28
**Charles C., 9.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Charles gave his occupation as painter.
In 1861 Charles was living at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 12 Jul 1861 Charles mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 20 years, 7 months and 15 days old.
On 30 Sep 1863 Charles ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts at Stephenson Station, Virginia, by transfer to the US Signal Corps.
Starting 1 Sep 1863, Charles also served in the U. S. Signal Corps, as a Private 2nd Class.
On 21 Feb 1864, Charles was reenlisted with credit to New York.
He ended his service with as Private 1st Class on 23 Aug 1865 at Winchester, Virginia.
On 14 Apr 1870 Charles C. Nichols, 29, married Harriet E. Lincoln, daughter of Timothy Lincoln and Laura Nurse, at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Charles C. Nichols and Harriet E. Lincoln were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 3 Jun 1870 at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Slaton, Frank W., 81, drygoods merchant, b. MA (as were all)
---, A. Fannie, 26
**Nichols, Charles, 27, works in piano shop, married in May
---, Hattie, 30, school teacher, married in May.
Charles C. Nichols and Harriet E. Lincoln were divorced.
Charles C. Nichols made application at Virginia for a veteran's pension on 29 Jun 1897, and received certificate number 1032486.
On 8 Jul 1897, at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Hampton, Elizabeth City, Virginia, Charles was admitted.
He died on 25 Apr 1907 at National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Hampton, Elizabeth City, Virginia. He was 66 years, 4 months and 29 days old.
He was buried in Apr 1907 at Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia, Section B Site 9313.

Last Edited: 19 Apr 2016

Family: Harriet E. Lincoln b. between 1840 - 1841

Elijah Dewey Nichols

b. 10 February 1808, d. 13 March 1868

Father: Dewey Nichols b. 22 Feb 1781, d. 4 Mar 1857
Mother: Lucinda Pierce b. 1782, d. 18 Feb 1814

Company: F

Elijah Dewey Nichols was born on 10 Feb 1808 at Fletcher, Franklin County, Vermont, son of Dewey Nichols and Lucinda Pierce.
On 14 Sep 1837 Elijah Dewey Nichols, 29, married Sally Mirick Wilder, 18, at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Elijah gave his occupation as shoemaker.
On 12 Jul 1861 Elijah mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 53 years, 5 months and 2 days old.
Elijah Dewey Nichols and John Randolph Nichols, father and son, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
On 2 Aug 1862 Elijah ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
Starting 16 Sep 1864, Elijah also served in the in the 13th Veterans Reserve Corps, Co. K.
He ended his service with by mustering out of the 13th VRC on 30 Jan 1865.
He died on 13 Mar 1868 at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 60 years, 1 month and 3 days old.
He was buried in Mar 1868 at North Brookfield Cemetery, North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 30 Jun 1879 Sally Mirick Wilder received a pension to surviving family member based on Elijah's service; and received certificate number 191958.
In 1886 Elijah Dewey Nichols was included in the Civil War memorial publication at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Sally Mirick Nichols was enumerated as the widow of Elijah Dewey Nichols, of the 15th Massachusetts, in the 1890 Veterans' Schedules of the US Federal Census in Jun 1890 at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Sally, his wife, outlived Elijah and died on 13 Mar 1901 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 81.
There is a "Nichols Family Manuscript Collection", ca. 1770-1864; Location: Worcester Historical Museum (Worcester, Mass.) (1999.31). Control No.: DCLV99-A2098
Typescript with historical and genealogical information about the family, as well as personal reminiscences by John Randolph Nichols and his father Elijah Dewey Nichols, members of Company F, 15th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, including insights on John's life as a prisoner; together with cartes-de-visite, tintypes, and other photographs, chiefly of members of the 8th and 15th regiments, Massachusetts Volunteers.

Last Edited: 11 Apr 2016

Family: Sally Mirick Wilder b. 21 Apr 1819, d. 13 Mar 1901

Sarah Ann Nichols b. 20 Jun 1838, d. 9 Jul 1838
Fidelia Nichols b. 21 May 1839, d. 17 Jul 1916
Frances Aveline Nichols b. 20 Feb 1841, d. 2 Dec 1911
John Randolph Nichols+ b. 12 Mar 1843, d. 6 Dec 1921
Mary Wilder Nichols b. 8 Aug 1845
Elijah Dewey Nichols Jr. b. 8 May 1848, d. 1943
Clara Eunice Nichols b. 3 Aug 1852

Francis Nichols

b. 11 September 1829, d. 23 July 1907

Father: Edmund Nichols b. 24 Aug 1801, d. 22 Mar 1870
Mother: Mary Derby b. 17 Jan 1804, d. 28 Apr 1870

Company: B

Francis Nichols was born on 11 Sep 1829 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Edmund Nichols and Mary Derby.
Francis Nichols was enumerated in the household of Edmund Nichols and Mary Derby in the 1850 US Federal Census on 19 Aug 1850 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Edmund Nichols, 48, farmer, $10,000 property value, b. MA (as were all in the family)
Mary, 46
**Francis, 20, farmer
Caroline, 17
Lucy, 15
**Lyman, 12
George, 9
Clara, 5
Charles, 3
Marcus, 11/12.
On 22 Oct 1859 his eldest brother, Augustus E. Nichols, died at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 35 of fever.
In 1861 Francis was living at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Francis gave his occupation as lumberman.
On 12 Jul 1861 Francis mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 31 years, 10 months and 1 day old.
Francis Nichols and Frederick Nichols, and Lyman Nichols, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Co. B.
George C. Nichols, his brother, mustered into service with Company F, 25th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on 7 Oct 1861.
On 10 Apr 1863 Francis ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts at Falmouth, Stafford County, Virginia, due to disability.
Francis Nichols and Frederick Nichols were the owners and builders of a steam mill and manufactured chairs.
On 24 Jan 1866 Francis Nichols, 36, married Sophia C. Bemis, 32, daughter of Stephen H. Bemis and Sophia C. Daniels, at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for him and the second for her. She was the widow of Augustus E. Nichols, his brother.
On 15 May 1867 his brother, George C. Nichols, died at home of diseases from POW camp at age 25. (an unknown value.)
On 4 Jul 1868 Francis Nichols was included on the Civil War memorial at Main Street, Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, From the "Massachusetts Spy," (Worcester, Massachusetts), 17 July 1868:
A very fine soldiers' monument of Fitchburg granite, with curb of the same material, was dedicated in Westminster, July 4. It stands 22 1/2 feet high, the names of 82 soldiers being on marble slabs attached to the sides of the monument.
The dedicatory services proper consisted of prayer, singing of an original ode, floral demonstration, an address, the reading of a poem, and the playing of a dirge by the Gardner Brass Band. A free dinner was provided in the grove....speeches were made by Captain Holden and General Kimball....
On 1 Jul 1879 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Francis Nichols attended the annual reunion of Company B, 15th Massachusetts, the Fitchburg Fisiliers. (Click icon to read the report in the Fitchburg Sentinel.)
He and Lyman Nichols were enumerated living nexdoor to one another in the 1880 US Federal census on 5 Jun 1880 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols, Francis, 50, dealer in lumber, b. MA
---, Sophia C., 45, wife, b. VT
---, George C., 21, son, sorks in chair shop, b. MA
---, Frank S., 13, son, b. MA
---, Edith C., 9, daur, b. MA
(nextdoor to)
Nichols, Lyman, 41, frmer, b. MA
---, Ellen S., 35, wife, b. MA
---, Lilly E., 9, daur, b. IL
---. Estella M., 5, daur, b. IL
---, Allace E., 4/12, daur, b. IL
Peabody, Etta G., 27, servant, single, b. MA.
On 12 Jun 1884 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Francis Nichols was mentioned as a member of the Westminster contingent of Company B, the Fitchburg Fusiliers. From The Fitchburg Sentinel, 12 June 1884
The "Veteran" members of Co. B., 15th Mass. regt. will hold their 18th annual reunion at Lackside House, Wachusett Lake, June 28th. Westminster sent ten men of her quota in this company. Do you remember that little squad of men who, 23 years ago, went to Fitchburg to join the Fitchburg Fusiliers and went into Camp Scott at Worcester June 28th, "the day we celebrate."
The were George W. Benjamin (dead), Joseph R. Houghton, N. Porter Howard, Edward S. Kendall, Francis Nichols, Frederick Nichols, Joel Pratt, Lyman Nichols and Lowell C. White. Nelson T. Bathrick came out as a recruit about one year later and died in hospital from wounds.
In Jun 1886 Francis was living at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in 1890 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
On 29 Aug 1890 Sophia C. Bemis, his wife, died at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 57 of La Grippe.
Francis Nichols made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension on 10 Nov 1890, and received certificate number 875318.
In 1893, Francis was included in the "History of Westminster."
On 26 Jun 1894 Francis and Sophia's daughter, Edith Clara Nichols married William Russell Stanbridge at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 11 Nov 1895 his brother, Lyman Nichols, died at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 56.
On 11 May 1898 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Francis Nichols was mentioned in an article as an original member of the Fitchburg Fusiliers.
He was enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census in Jun 1900 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols, Francis, b. Sep 1830, widower, b. MA
Stambridge, Edith C., daur, b. Jan 1871, married six years, one child, b. MA
---, William R., son-in-law, b. July 1864, b. Canada (Eng.), parents. b. England, chairmaker
---, Virginia S. grand-daur, b. Sep 1896, b. MA.
He died on 23 Jul 1907 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 77 years, 10 months and 12 days old.
An obituary for Francis Nichols was published as follows: from the "Fitchburg Sentinel," Wednesday, 24 July 1907:
Westminster: Death of Francis Nichols
Francis Nichols, a life-long resident of this town, died early Tuesday morning of chronic dispepsia (?). He was born Sept. 11, 1829, fourth child of a family of eleven born to Edmond and Mary Nichols. In early life he was a chair maker but in later years followed the lumbering business.
His wife, Sophia B. Nichols, died August 29, 1890. Of four children, two survive him -- Frank A. Nichols of Arlington, Vt., and Mrs. Edith Stanbridge, with whom he has lived.
Mr. Nichols enlisted July 12, 1861, in Co. B, 15th reg. Mass. Vol., and was discharged April 10, 1863. He was in 17 battles, including Ball's Bluff, Antietam, Fredericksburg and the Wilderness.
Funeral from his late home Thursday.
He was buried in Jul 1907 at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 21 Oct 1907 Francis Nichols was reported as "deceased" at the regimental reunion and banquet on the 46th anniversary of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, as reported in the Fitchburg Sentinel the following day.

Last Edited: 19 Apr 2016

Family: Sophia C. Bemis b. 25 Jul 1833, d. 29 Aug 1890

Frank A. Nichols b. 25 Apr 1867, d. 1949
Carrie Sophia Nichols b. 12 Feb 1869, d. 31 Dec 1869
Edmund Nichols b. 8 Jun 1871, d. 21 Aug 1871
Edith Clara Nichols b. 8 Jun 1871

Frederick Nichols

b. 30 October 1825, d. 19 May 1909

Father: Edmund Nichols b. 24 Aug 1801, d. 22 Mar 1870
Mother: Mary Derby b. 17 Jan 1804, d. 28 Apr 1870

Company: B

Frederick Nichols was born on 30 Oct 1825 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Edmund Nichols and Mary Derby.
Frederick Nichols and Augustus E. Nichols were enumerated in the 1850 US Federal census on 12 Jul 1850 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
James M. Clark, 23, farmer, b. VT
Mary,22, b. MA
**Frederick Nichols, 24, farmer, b. MA
**Augustus Nichols, 26, chairmaker, b. MA.
On 22 Oct 1859 his eldest brother, Augustus E. Nichols, died at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 35 of fever.
In 1861 Frederick was living at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Frederick gave his occupation as lumberman.
On 12 Jul 1861 Frederick mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 35 years, 8 months and 12 days old.
Frederick Nichols and Francis Nichols, and Lyman Nichols, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Co. B.
George C. Nichols, his brother, mustered into service with Company F, 25th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on 7 Oct 1861.
Lyman Nichols wrote a letter to Clara A. Nichols, his sister

, on 16 Jun 1864 from Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, mentioning Frederick Nichols, as follows:

Boston June 16th 1864

Dear Sister Clara

Your kind letter reached me today and I was very glad to hear from You.

I have been expecting to get a letter from you saying that brother Geo. had rote to some of the folks, but it would seam that he has not rote to any of you perhaps he has ben sick and could not write to any body it may be that the Rebs would not let him write or he may not have any papr to write on. I should like to hear from him so as to be sure that he is a live which I have no doubt he is but it would seam good to hear from him it is to bad that he was taken prisoner but it cannot be helped.

I did not know that so many of the boys were wounded as there was it appears that C.A.Miller was about the only one that did not get wounded or taken prisoner of the Westminster boys. I rote a letter to Fred about three weeks ago but have not got any answer yet. I used to hear hear from him quite often by the way of L.C. White but have not got any letter from him since the Army commenced to fight perhaps they do not get any time to write now days.

I asked the officer for a leave of 10 days last Sunday and he said he would let me know Monday but he was drunk Monday and forgot to do as he said he would and I have not asked hime again as my time is so near out I may as well stay here until it is out.

I have a chois of a great many cinds of work painting,cook, Boats Crew or charge of a squad of prisoners or do guard duty. I am on the Boat Crew at the present time. We took a load of officers and there wives over to see the Russian Fleet yesterday and they gave us $2.00 and we went to the city and got all we wanted to drinkand then came back to the fleet and the Russian officer said he would let his men take them back so we went to the old fort and put up the boat.

We have great times now days. It is one of the coolest places I was ever in such good shad trees and such a good sea brees and nothing to do but to sit in the shad and enjoy it.

There was two men that was prisoners took a boat and got away from this island yesterday about one O clock We took our boat and went after them but they got over to Boston before we got half way so they got off safe and I am glad of it.

Give my best respects to all and write soon

Lyman Nichols.

On 28 Jul 1864 Frederick ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts having fulfilled his term of service.

Frederick considered that some of his most intimate comrades included Oscar Kendall, William Taylor, Frank Burrell (not 15th), and Daniel Carpenter.

Frederick Nichols and Francis Nichols were the owners and builders of a steam mill and manufactured chairs.

On 15 May 1867 his brother, George C. Nichols, died at home of diseases from POW camp at age 25 (an unknown value.)

On 4 Jul 1868 Frederick Nichols was included on the Civil War memorial at Main Street, Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, From the "Massachusetts Spy," (Worcester, Massachusetts), 17 July 1868:

A very fine soldiers' monument of Fitchburg granite, with curb of the same material, was dedicated in Westminster, July 4. It stands 22 1/2 feet high, the names of 82 soldiers being on marble slabs attached to the sides of the monument.
The dedicatory services proper consisted of prayer, singing of an original ode, floral demonstration, an address, the reading of a poem, and the playing of a dirge by the Gardner Brass Band. A free dinner was provided in the grove....speeches were made by Captain Holden and General Kimball....

On 17 Dec 1873 Frederick Nichols, 48, married Aurelia A. Bemis, daughter of Stephen H. Bemis and Sophia C. Daniels, at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for him and the second for her. (She was his sister-in-law and the widow of Russell D. Fisher.)

Frederick Nichols and Aurelia A. Bemis were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 3 Jun 1880 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols, Frederick, 53, dealer in lumber, b. MA
---, Aurelia, 38, wife, b. VT
Fisher, Emma, 19, daur-in-law, b. MA
---, Ida, 14, daur-in-law, b. MA
---, Walter, 12, son-in-law, b. MA
Nichols, Alace, 5, daur, b. MA
---, Bessie, 3, daur, b. MA.

On 12 Jun 1884 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Frederick Nichols was mentioned as a member of the Westminster contingent of Company B, the Fitchburg Fusiliers. From The Fitchburg Sentinel, 12 June 1884

The "Veteran" members of Co. B., 15th Mass. regt. will hold their 18th annual reunion at Lackside House, Wachusett Lake, June 28th. Westminster sent ten men of her quota in this company. Do you remember that little squad of men who, 23 years ago, went to Fitchburg to join the Fitchburg Fusiliers and went into Camp Scott at Worcester June 28th, "the day we celebrate."
The were George W. Benjamin (dead), Joseph R. Houghton, N. Porter Howard, Edward S. Kendall, Francis Nichols, Frederick Nichols, Joel Pratt, Lyman Nichols and Lowell C. White. Nelson T. Bathrick came out as a recruit about one year later and died in hospital from wounds.

In Jun 1886 Frederick was living at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.

He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in 1890 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

He made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension on 10 Nov 1890, and received certificate number 679993.

On 7 Mar 1891 his daughter, Ruth Bessie Nichols, died at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 13 of tuberculosis.

In 1893, Frederick was included in the "History of Westminster."

On 9 Jun 1895 his daughter, Alice Sophia Nichols, died at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 20 unmarried, of consumption.

On 11 Nov 1895 his brother, Lyman Nichols, died at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 56.

On 11 May 1898 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Frederick Nichols was mentioned in an article as an original member of the Fitchburg Fusiliers.

On 28 Jun 1900 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Frederick Nichols attended a reunion of Company B of the 15th Massachusetts. Click icon to read the report in the Fitchburg Sentenel.

On 28 Jun 1908 Frederick Nichols was reported as deceased at the 40th annual reunion of Company B, 15th Mass.

He died on 19 May 1909 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 83 years, 6 months and 19 days old.

He was buried on 21 May 1909 at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, and it was reported in the "Fitchburg Sentinel," Monday, 24 May 1909:

Westminster: Funeral of Frederick Nichols
The funeral of Frederick Nichols was held from his late home, on Friday at 2 p.m., Rev L. A. Milton, pastor of the Universalist church, officiating. Delegations from the patriotic organizations were in attendance, and several of his old comrades from Fitchburg. Fibe members of Camp 101, S. of V., acted as pall bearers -- F. W. and E. E. Fenno, Alvin Estabrook, Ernest Lovell and L. S. Miller. Mrs. W. H. Griffin sang two solos, "Abide with me, " and "One sweetly solemn thought," The floral tokens were very appropriate and beautiful. The interment was in the family lot in Mt. Pleasant cemetery.
Mr. Nichols was the second son of Edmund Nichols, father of a family of 11 children, of whom only four are now living -- Caroline Greenwood, Clara A. Conant and Charles Nichols, all of Gardner, and Marcus M. Nichols of Leominster. He was the father of three children, two girls and one boy, but none are now living. He leaves a wife.
He was a chair manufacturer, but some years ago sold his business to his two younger brothers.
Frederick Nichols was born October 30, 1825, in Westminster. He first entered the service the 12th day of July, 1861, at Westminster, in Co. B, 15th regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, a private. He was discharged the 28th day of July, 1864 by rreason of end of term of service. He served as master of ambulance train in the last of his service. He was one of Westminster's best soldiers, enduring the three years' hardships without furlough or illness. He participated in engagements at Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Seven Days' fight, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Siege of Petersburg.

On 27 May 1909 Aurelia A. Bemis received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Frederick's service; and received certificate number 684557.

Last Edited: 19 Apr 2016

Family: Aurelia A. Bemis b. between 1841 - 1842

Alice Sophia Nichols b. 2 Nov 1874, d. 9 Jun 1895
Ruth Bessie Nichols b. 18 Apr 1877, d. 7 Mar 1891
Charles Gilbert Nichols b. 16 Feb 1883

James S. Nichols

b. 23 May 1842, d. 17 October 1899

Father: Wyman Nichols b. 1803, d. 21 Mar 1860
Mother: Zerviah Alona Upham b. 12 Dec 1815, d. 11 Jun 1877

Company: F

James S. Nichols was born on 23 May 1842 at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Wyman Nichols and Zerviah Alona Upham.
James S. Nichols was enumerated in the household of Wyman Nichols and Zerviah Alona Upham in the 1850 US Federal Census on 11 Sep 1850 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Wyman Nichols, 47, wheelwright, b. MA (as were all)
Loviah, 34
Henry W., 15
William N., 9
**James S., 8
Hannah F Dealand, 3/12.
On 21 Mar 1860 his father, Wyman Nichols, died at Brimfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, an accidental death.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, James gave his occupation as shoemaker.
On 12 Jul 1861 James mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 19 years, 1 month and 19 days old.
He was declared missing in action on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, James S. Nichols was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
On 20 Jan 1862 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, James S. Nichols was mentioned among the released prisoners.
On 15 Apr 1862 James ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
He made application for a veteran's pension on 24 Mar 1863, and received certificate number 32798.
On 12 May 1864 his brother, Henry W. Nichols, died at Virginia at the Battle of the Wilderness, serving with the 7th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry.
On 21 Nov 1867 James S. Nichols, 25, married Adelaide Bartlett, 21, daughter of Marshall Bartlett and Sarah P. Kendrick, at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
James S. Nichols and Adelaide Bartlett were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 10 Jun 1880 at Natick, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols, James S., 38, works in shoe shop, b. MA (as were all)
---, Adelaide, 34, wife
---, Helen, 5, daur.
On 5 Oct 1897 James and Adelaide's daughter, Helen Bartlett Nichols married Herbert Alpheus Shumway at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
James S. Nichols died on 17 Oct 1899 at Pepperell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, of heart disease. He was 57 years, 4 months and 24 days old.
He was buried in Oct 1899 at North Cemetery, Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 27 Nov 1899 Adelaide Bartlett received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on James's service; and received certificate number 498229.
He left family who were enumerated in the household of Adelaide Bartlett in the 1900 US Federal Census on 4 Jun 1900 at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols, Adelaide, head, b. May 1846, widow, both of her children are still living, b. MA, she owns their family home.
---, Sarah L., dau, Jan 1882, single, b. MA.
On 13 Oct 1913 James and Adelaide's daughter, Sarah Louise Nichols married Farrington Smith at Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont, in a second marriage for him and the first or her; the marriage is reistered in Worcester.

Last Edited: 5 May 2016

Family: Adelaide Bartlett b. 3 May 1846, d. 27 Nov 1914

Helen Bartlett Nichols b. 3 Dec 1874
Sarah Louise Nichols b. Jan 1882

John Randolph Nichols

b. 12 March 1843, d. 6 December 1921

John R. Nichols

Father: Elijah Dewey Nichols b. 10 Feb 1808, d. 13 Mar 1868
Mother: Sally Mirick Wilder b. 21 Apr 1819, d. 13 Mar 1901

Company: F

John Randolph Nichols was born on 12 Mar 1843 at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Elijah Dewey Nichols and Sally Mirick Wilder.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, John gave his occupation as shoemaker.
On 12 Jul 1861 John mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 18 years and 4 months old.
John Randolph Nichols and Elijah Dewey Nichols, father and son, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
John Randolph Nichols was declared missing in action on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia.
On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, John Randolph Nichols was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, John R. Nichols was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
On 22 Nov 1862 John ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
John also served in the a New Hampshire regiment.
In Jul 1864 John Randolph Nichols was a gas fitter.
Starting 20 Jul 1864, John also served in the 8th Regt MVI (100-day unit.)
On 1 Oct 1864 John was promoted to Corporal.
He ended his service with the 8th Regt. MVI by mustering out on 10 Nov 1864.
In Mar 1865 John Randolph Nichols was a machinist.
Starting 22 Mar 1865, John also served in the 62nd Regt MVI, with a bounty of $29.33.
On 17 Apr 1865 John was promoted to Sergeant.
He ended his service with the 62nd MVI by mustering out on 3 May 1865.
On 13 Mar 1868 his father, Elijah Dewey Nichols, also a veteran of the 15th Massachusetts, died at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 60.
John Randolph Nichols made application for a veteran's pension on 25 Jun 1880, and received certificate number 517478.
In 1886 John was living at Glen's Falls, Warren County, New York.
In 1886 John Randolph Nichols was included in the Civil War memorial publication at North Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 10 Sep 1889 John Randolph Nichols, 46, married Elinor Loomis, 18, daughter of William H. Loomis Sr. and Demis Ann Keech.
John Randolph Nichols and Elinor Loomis were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 7 Jun 1900 at Wilton, Saratoga County, New York, where he is a farmer. Of their five children, all five are still living.
John Randolph Nichols and Elinor Loomis were enumerated in the 1920 US Federal Census on 27 Jan 1920 at Wilton, Saratoga County, New York.
John Randolph Nichols died on 6 Dec 1921 at Wilton, Saratoga County, New York. He was 78 years, 8 months and 24 days old.
He was buried in Dec 1921 at Gurn Springs Cemetary, Gurn Spring, Saratoga County, New York.
On 27 Dec 1921 Elinor Loomis received a pension to surviving family member based on John's service; his wife, received certificate number 913230.
There is a "Nichols Family Manuscript Collection", ca. 1770-1864; Location: Worcester Historical Museum (Worcester, Mass.) (1999.31). Control No.: DCLV99-A2098
Typescript with historical and genealogical information about the family, as well as personal reminiscences by John Randolph Nichols and his father Elijah Dewey Nichols, members of Company F, 15th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, including insights on John's life as a prisoner; together with cartes-de-visite, tintypes, and other photographs, chiefly of members of the 8th and 15th regiments, Massachusetts Volunteers.
Credits: Primary photo above by permission of the Worcester Historical Museum, Nichols Collection.

Last Edited: 16 Sep 2012

Family: Elinor Loomis b. 6 Mar 1871, d. 20 Jul 1929

Dewey Elijah Nichols b. 8 Jun 1890, d. 10 Jul 1965
John Wesley Nichols Sr. b. 18 Nov 1891, d. 28 Jan 1985
Hazel Lydia Nichols b. 1 Oct 1893, d. 27 Feb 1922
Blanch E. Nichols b. 5 Oct 1895, d. 25 Sep 1977
Wilder Nichols b. 25 Nov 1897, d. 1 Dec 1969
Isaac J. Nichols b. 21 May 1902, d. 31 Aug 1986
Clara F. Nichols b. 13 Oct 1904, d. 13 Dec 1990

Jonathan E. Nichols

b. 17 May 1824, d. 3 October 1902

Father: Jonathan Nichols b. between 1781 - 1782
Mother: Charlotte Green b. between 1781 - 1782

Company: H

Jonathan E. Nichols was born on 17 May 1824 at Derry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, son of Jonathan Nichols and Charlotte Green.
On 14 May 1846 Jonathan E. Nichols, 21, married Nancy Mariah Smith, 15, daughter of Henry Smith and Louisa Stone, at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Thomas C. Biscoe officiating.
Jonathan E. Nichols and Nancy Mariah Smith were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 1 Jun 1860 at Sutton P. O., Northbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
J. E. Nichols, 36, shoemaker, b. New Hampshire
N. M., 29, b. MA
R. E., (m), 12, b. MA
Chas. F., 6, b. MA
Augustus, 6, b. MA
Henry H., 6/12, b. MA.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Jonathan gave his occupation as shoemaker.
On 20 Jul 1861 Jonathan mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Northbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 37 years, 2 months and 3 days old.
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Jonathan E. Nichols was listed, with 88 other men of the 15th Massachusetts, as a prisoner at Richmond.
On 6 Mar 1862 Jonathan ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability.
Starting 15 Aug 1864, Jonathan also served in the Co F, 1st Battalion, Heavy Artillery (organized for coastal defense), with duty at Fort Warren, Boston, MA.
He ended his service on 23 Jun 1865.
On 24 Sep 1865 Jonathan and Nancy's daughter, Rebecca E. Nichols married Alonzo L. Putnam at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 27 Feb 1877 his Augustus Le Roy Nichols, died at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 23 of a cerebral spinal disease.
Jonathan E. Nichols and Nancy Mariah Smith were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census in Jun 1880 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where Jonathan and his sons, George and Henry, all work in a shoe factory.
Jonathan E. Nichols made application for a veteran's pension on 4 Jun 1891, Received a pension based on his service in Co. F, 1st BN HA, no mention of the 15th Mass. in the pension index. Certificate no. 860029.
He was a pall bearer at the burial of Andrew Burrell Yeomans on 31 Dec 1893 at North Cemetery, Main Street, Oxford, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Jonathan E. Nichols and Nancy Mariah Smith were enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 1 Jun 1900 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols, Jonathan E., head, b. May 1824, 76, married 54 years, b. NH (as were his parents), occupation capitalist, they own a home with a mortgage.
---, Nancy M., wife, b. Mar 1831, 69, four of her five children still living.
Jonathan E. Nichols died on 3 Oct 1902 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 78 years, 4 months and 16 days old.
He was buried in Oct 1902 at Riverside Cemetery, Millbury St., Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 17 Oct 1902 Nancy Mariah Smith received a pension to surviving family member based on Jonathan's service; she received a widow's pension, certificate no. 547080.
He's surviving family was enumerated in the household of Nancy Mariah Smith in the 1910 US Federal Census in Apr 1910 at Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols, Nancy M., head, 79, widow, 4 of her five children are still living, b. MA (father b. CT; mor b. MA), no occupation, owns a home with a mortgage.
Her son, George W., 46, married 23 years to Mary J., lives next door and states that his father was b. in NH.
Jonathan's wife, Nancy Mariah Smith, died and was buried on 22 Dec 1912 at Riverside Cemetery, Millbury St., Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 81 years, 9 months and 19 days.

Last Edited: 26 Apr 2015

Family: Nancy Mariah Smith b. 3 Mar 1831, d. 19 Dec 1912

Rebecca E. Nichols b. 5 Nov 1847
Charles Frank Nichols b. 1 Oct 1851
Augustus Le Roy Nichols b. 3 Feb 1854, d. 27 Feb 1877
Henry H. Nichols b. 24 Nov 1859, d. 13 Dec 1910
George Waldo Nichols b. 7 Nov 1863, d. 1941

Lyman Nichols

b. 24 January 1839, d. 11 November 1895

Lyman Nichols

Father: Edmund Nichols b. 24 Aug 1801, d. 22 Mar 1870
Mother: Mary Derby b. 17 Jan 1804, d. 28 Apr 1870

Company: B

Lyman Nichols was born on 24 Jan 1839 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Edmund Nichols and Mary Derby.
Lyman Nichols was enumerated in the household of Edmund Nichols and Mary Derby in the 1850 US Federal Census on 19 Aug 1850 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Edmund Nichols, 48, farmer, $10,000 property value, b. MA (as were all in the family)
Mary, 46
**Francis, 20, farmer
Caroline, 17
Lucy, 15
**Lyman, 12
George, 9
Clara, 5
Charles, 3
Marcus, 11/12.
On 22 Oct 1859 his eldest brother, Augustus E. Nichols, died at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 35 of fever.
In 1861 Lyman was living at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Lyman gave his occupation as engineer.
On 12 Jul 1861 Lyman mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 22 years, 5 months and 18 days old.
Francis Nichols and Frederick Nichols, Lyman Nichols, brothers, served together in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Co. B.
George C. Nichols, his brother, mustered into service with Company F, 25th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on 7 Oct 1861.
Lyman Nichols wrote a letter to Charles Nichols on 28 Oct 1861 from Camp Foster, Poolesville, Maryland, as follows:
Camp Foster, Pooleville, MD

October 28, 1861

Dear Brother Charles

As I have written to most of the folks, I thought that I would address a letter to you lest you feel neglected.

We have had a very severe fight with the rebels and I suppose that you have heard about it some time ago. There are 22 missing in our company. Porter and George Benjamin were either shot dead or taken prisoner. I guess that they were shot by the rebels when they were swimming across the river. The rebels were too many for us and we had to retreat. They went over in a flat-bottomed boat about 100 men at a time. Our regiment and the Mass.19th and part of the California Brigade amounted to about 2500 men in all. The rebels were just too much for us and after fighting all day they had to retreat.

The rebels drove us into the river, and they either had to be shot or drown. They had so many in a boat the first time across that they sank it and ever so many of the boys drowned. Meanwhile, the rebs kept shooting at them all the time. Some of the poor fellows had not the strength to get up from the ground after swimming the river so they laid there on the shore with their faces in the mud. Here many in their helpless state were shot to death by the rebels for our boys had not even the strength to get up. Some of the boys drowned in the mud I reckon, and I guess that some 150 or 200 drowned crossing the river. It was a hard fight for our first one but I am pretty tough for a small boy.

We are now on picket by the river and one of the boys has been speaking with one of the rebels and he says that they have got three Captains of ours, and he describes one who sounds just like Captain Simonds. He said that the Captain was a prisoner in Richmond now. B. Simonds and Cprl. George Daniels started for home this morning. Simonds got shot in the leg just below the knee and Daniels got shot in the arm but not serious...The rebels have now about six or seven hundred boots and a good many pairs of pants containing considerable Union money. So the rebs made a pretty good thing out of the fight...Give my best respects to the folks, and write me all the news.

This is from your Brother, Lyman Nichols.
On 13 Nov 1862 Lyman ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts to reenlist in Battery I of the 1st U. S. Light Artillery.
Starting 14 Nov 1862, Lyman also served in the 1st U. S. Light Artillery, Battery I (Regular Army.)
He wrote a letter to Clara A. Nichols, his sister

, on 16 Jun 1864 from Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as follows:

Lyman Nichols ended his service on 12 Jul 1864.

On 2 Sep 1864 his future father-in-law, William Tyler Peabody, died at Andersonville, Sumter County, Georgia, at age 45 having served with the 57th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

On 29 Nov 1866 Lyman Nichols, 27, married Ellen Augusta Peabody, 22, daughter of William Tyler Peabody and Hannah Augusta Howe, at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.

On 15 May 1867 his brother, George C. Nichols, died at home of diseases from POW camp at age 25 (an unknown value.)

Lyman Nichols and Ellen Augusta Peabody were enumerated in the 1870 US Federal Census on 26 Aug 1870 at Jerseyville, Jersey County, Illinois, as:

Nichols, Lyman, 28, book agt. b. MA
---, Ellen, 24, b. MA.

Lyman Nichols and Francis Nichols were enumerated living nexdoor to one another in the 1880 US Federal census on 5 Jun 1880 at Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:

Nichols, Francis, 50, dealer in lumber, b. MA
---, Sophia C., 45, wife, b. VT
---, George C., 21, son, sorks in chair shop, b. MA
---, Frank S., 13, son, b. MA
---, Edith C., 9, daur, b. MA
(nextdoor to)
Nichols, Lyman, 41, frmer, b. MA
---, Ellen S., 35, wife, b. MA
---, Lilly E., 9, daur, b. IL
---. Estella M., 5, daur, b. IL
---, Allace E., 4/12, daur, b. IL
Peabody, Etta G., 27, servant, single, b. MA.

On 28 Jun 1883 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Lyman Nichols attended the 15th reunion of Company B, Fitchburg Fusiliers. From The Fitchburg Sentinel, 29 June 1883

Veteran Fusiliers' Reunion
The 15th annual reunion of Co. B (Veteran Fusiliers) 15th Regt., was held at Wachusett Park on Thursday, June 28th. At a few minutes past noon the business meeting was called to order by 1st Lieut. John W. Kimball (the captain being absent); 22 comrades were present when the roll was called by the sergeant. The treasurer reported $5.68 in the treasury. The following list of officers were chosen for the ensuing year: Captain, John W. Kimball; 1st Lieut., William E. Taylor; 2d Lieut., Lyman Nichols; 1st Sergt., clerk and treasurer, Henry A. Spooner. The place of holding the next reunion was left to the discretion of the officers elect.
Walter A. Eames, John W. Kimball and Henry A. Spooner were appointed to draft resolutions on the death of Comrades Roland E. Bowen and Orlando Wetherbee, who have died since the last reunion. Letters were read from Comrades A. J. Nye of Athol and Charles H. Eager of Boston. Captain Kimball stated that, since the death of AiOsborne, the association has but three honorary members (A. W. Benjamin of Westminster, Harrington Sibley and George H. Boss of Fitchburg)-- and he recommended that those who take an interest in the association and attend the reunions, bemade honorary members. On motion of Walter A. Eames, the recommendation was adopted and the following names were placed on the rolls of the association as honorary members:
Charles Devens of Worcester, Charles May of Leominster, ---- Bowen of Millbury, Charles T. Bateman of Boston, Walter C. Eames of Belmont, Wilbur Taylor, D. H. Piper and Harry Taylor of Winchendon, Charles Nichols, Marcus M. Nichols and George W. Gibbs of Westminster, Edward F. Kimball, Edward H. Fletcher, S. G. Frost, Cyrus Thurston, Sidney Sibley, F. A. Monroe, Albert McIntire, M. Edwin Day, Fred A. Bruce and Samuel F. Spooner of Fitchburg.
A bountiful collation was served in the grove and the afternoon was agreeably spent in games, boating and dancing to the music of a violin manipulated by Charles May of Leominster. At about 7 p.m. the festivities of the day were brought to a close by all uniting in singing "Auld Lang Syne."

On 12 Jun 1884 at "The Fitchburg Sentinel", Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Lyman Nichols was mentioned as a member of the Westminster contingent of Company B, the Fitchburg Fusiliers. From The Fitchburg Sentinel, 12 June 1884

In Jun 1886 Lyman was living at East Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.

He made application at Massachusetts for a veteran's pension on 12 Apr 1889, and received certificate number 815182.

He died on 11 Nov 1895 at Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 56 years, 9 months and 18 days old.

He was buried in 1895 at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.

On 21 Nov 1895 Ellen Augusta Peabody received a pension to surviving family member in Massachusetts based on Lyman's service; and received certificate number 430750.

He's surviving family was enumerated in the household of Ellen Augusta Peabody in the 1900 US Federal Census on 7 Jun 1900 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:

Nichols, Ellen, b. July 1844, widow, four of four children living, b. MA
---, Alice, daur, b. Jan 1880, single, b. IL
---, Stella, daur, b. Nov 1876, single. b. IL, clerk in dry goods store
---, Lillie, daur, b. June 1870, single, b. IL, laborer shoe shop
---, Edna, daur, b. Dec 1883, single, b. MA.

On 16 Oct 1901 Lyman and Ellen's daughter, Alice Ethel Nichols married Ethan Holden Washer at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.

On 18 Feb 1903 Lyman and Ellen's daughter, Estella May Nichols married Forest Wellington Seale at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.

On 29 Jun 1903 at Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Lyman Nichols 's widow attended the 35th annual reunion of Company B, 15th Mass.

On 26 Jun 1907 Lyman and Ellen's daughter, Edna H. Nichols married William J. Wilkins at Leominster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.

Last Edited: 20 Mar 2018

Family: Ellen Augusta Peabody b. 11 Jul 1844, d. 27 Mar 1929

Lillie E. Nichols b. Jun 1870
Estella May Nichols b. Nov 1876
Alice Ethel Nichols b. Jan 1880, d. 24 Jun 1932
Edna H. Nichols b. 4 Dec 1882

William Harrison Nichols

b. 10 May 1840, d. 6 October 1922

Father: Austin Nichols b. 14 Feb 1810, d. 14 Dec 1869
Mother: Nancy Walker b. 20 Mar 1811

Company: F

William Harrison Nichols was born on 10 May 1840 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Austin Nichols and Nancy Walker.
William Harrison Nichols was enumerated in the household of Austin Nichols and Nancy Walker in the 1850 US Federal Census on 18 Sep 1850 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Austin NICHOLS, 40, farmer, $1000 real estate value, b. MA (as were all in the family)
Nancy, 39
Nancy, Jr. 15,
**William Nichols, 10
Martha A. Nichols, 5
Austin L. Nichols, 3
Mary Nichols, 3/12
Rice Johnson, 48, shoemaker, b. MA
Lymann Hodgeman, 56, shoemaker, b. VT.
On 28 Feb 1860 William Harrison Nichols, 19, married Amelia Ann Nichols, 20, daughter of Caleb Nichols and Amanda Walker, at Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
William Harrison Nichols was enumerated in the household of Caleb Nichols and Amanda Walker in the 1860 US Federal Census on 27 Jul 1860 at Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Caleb Nichols (his uncle and father-in-law), 43, shoemaker, b. MA (as were all in the household)
Amanda, 44
**William H., 20, shoemaker
Amelia, 20 (his wife)
George H., 16
Charles A., 10
Henry L. 5.
In 1861 William was living at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, William gave his occupation as shoemaker.
On 12 Jul 1861 William mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 21 years, 2 months and 2 days old.
He was declared missing in action on 21 Oct 1861 at The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia, and taken prisoner.
On 30 Oct 1861 at the "Worcester Palladium", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Harrison Nichols was included, with 304 other men, among "The Killed Wounded and Missing of the Fifteenth Regiment," after Ball's Bluff.
On 20 Nov 1861 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William H. Nichols was listed with 195 other men among the prisoners taken at Ball's Bluff.
On 8 May 1864 William was wounded at The Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
On 18 May 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Harrison Nichols was noted among the wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness.
On 25 May 1864 at "The Worcester Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, William Harrison Nichols was mentioned among the casualties.
On 28 Jul 1864 William ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts having fulfilled his term of service.
He made application for a veteran's pension in 1876, and received certificate number 149352.
He and Amelia Ann Nichols were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1880 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
William NICHOLS, 40, b. MA, Occ: Works On Boots
Amelia, Wife, 40, b. MA
Carrie, Dau, 15, b. MA
Annie, Dau, 13, b. MA.
On 27 Oct 1883 William and Amelia's daughter, Carrie Estelle Nichols married Charles A. Parsons at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for him and the first for her.
On 21 Jul 1888 William and Amelia's daughter, Annie A. Nichols married Allan Z. Mathewson at South Framingham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
William Harrison Nichols was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. F.
He and Amelia Ann Nichols were enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census on 20 Apr 1910 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Nichols, William H., 69, married 50 years, b. MA
---, Amelia A., wife, 70, both of her children are still living, b. MA
Parsons, Gertrude V., granddaughter, 18, single, b. MA
---, Althea A., granddaughter, 14, single, b. MA.
On 17 Jan 1915 Amelia Ann Nichols, his wife, died at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 75.
William Harrison Nichols was enumerated in the 1920 US Federal Census on 5 Jan 1920 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as a widower, age 79.
He died on 6 Oct 1922 at Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 82 years, 4 months and 26 days old.
He was buried in Oct 1922 at Brookfield Cemetery, Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (center section.)

Last Edited: 6 May 2016

Family: Amelia Ann Nichols b. 27 Dec 1839, d. 17 Jan 1915

Carrie Estelle Nichols b. 17 Apr 1865, d. 1938
Annie A. Nichols b. 1867, d. 1927

Charles H. Nickols

b. between 1847 and 1848, d. 2 July 1864

Mother: Hannah White b. between 1814 - 1815

Company: D

Charles H. Nickols was born between 1847 - 1848 at New Hampshire, son of Hannah White.
Note: it is unclear if Hannah White is his biological mother. The same two White women appear in 1850 living nextdoor to Banj. and Eleanor Nichols, but there is no sign of Charles. Possible that Hannah is a foster mother.
Charles H. Nickols was enumerated in the household of Rachael White in the 1860 US Federal Census on 10 Jul 1860 at Ossipee, Carroll County, New Hampshire, as:
Rachael White, 80, b. ME
Hannah White, 45, b. NH
**Charles H. White, 12 (sic), b. NH.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1864, Charles gave his occupation as farmer.
In 1864 Charles was living at Ossipee, Carroll County, New Hampshire, according to Ford's history.
On 13 Apr 1864 Charles mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of New Marlborough, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
He died on 2 Jul 1864 at Alexandria, Alexandria (city), Virginia, of disease.
On 9 Sep 1864 H. White applied for a pension to surviving family member, based on Charles's service; his mother with application number 64311, but no certificate number is recorded.

Last Edited: 18 Dec 2014