Genealogy Report: Descendants of John Nichols
Descendants of John Nichols
9.MARENA4 NICHOLS (JOHN3, CHARLES CONRAD "GUNROD"2, JOHN1)35 was born Abt. 1818 in Wilkes County, Georgia, and died Aft. 1860 in Unknown.She married (1) WILLIAM C. RICHARDS November 13, 1834 in Madison County, Georgia, son of REUBEN RICHARDS and RACHAEL BOND.He was born 1816 in Georgia, and died May 1850 in Coweta County, Georgia.She married (2) PETER PATRICK BUTLER April 13, 1852 in Madison County, Georgia, son of PATRICK BUTLER and ELIZABETH FANNIN.He was born March 03, 1789 in Elbert County, Georgia, and died Aft. 1852 in Possible Elbert County, Georgia.
Notes for MARENA NICHOLS:
MARENA NICHOLS1818 - Aft. 1860
Marena Nichols, believed to have been the first child of John Nichols and Nancy Barton, was likely born in Wilkes County, Georgia about 1818. He father is listed in the 1820 Wilkes County Census as "John Nickels."
Marena married two times. Her first husband was William C. Richards, son of Reuben Richards and Rachael Bond. Richard was born in Georgia, the exact location unknown, during 1816. His father is listed in the 1820 Hall County, Georgia Census. William and Marena married in Madison County, Georgia November 13, 1834.
William is first found after his marriage to Marena as a resident in Elbert County, Georgia. Along with Marena he is listed as "Head of Household" with his wife, two sons and a daughter.
At least five children were born to the union of William Richards and Marena Nichols. Their last known child, Martha, is believed to have been born during 1846 in Madison County, Georgia. Marena is believed to have been the first born. She was born during September 1836 in Clarke County, Georgia. William died during May of 1850 in Coweta County, Georgia. Though William is not found in any Coweta County Census Marena, with several of her children, are listed in the 1850 Coweta County Census. Marena is listed as being born in Georgia about 1817. The children listed are: Mary A., 13; John, 12; Thomas, 9; James A., 8; Martha 4.
Marena married again on April 13, 1852, in Madison County, Georgia to Peter Patrick Butler. He was the son of Patrick Butler and Elizabeth Rebecca Fannin. Where Elizabeth may have been born is unknown, Patrick was born March 01, 1760, in Hanover, Virginia. He later migrated to Elbert County, Georgia where he died during 1838.
Unusual family connections came into play with Marena's second marriage to Peter Patrick Butler. He was born in Elbert County, Georgia on March 03, 1789. Prior to his marriage to Marena he was married to Hannah Snellings. She may have been born in South Carolina. She was born during October 1788 and died in Elbert County, Georgia about 1850. At least four children, maybe more, were born to this union. No children were born to Peter and Marena.
The first child of Peter and Hannah was George Snelling Butler who married two times. His second wife was Mary Ann Richards, the daughter of William Richards and Marena Nichols.
Other interesting connections between these families can be seen in the bios of the children of William and Marena.
Peter is found in the 1850 Dekalb County, Georgia Census as Patrick Butler. In the 1860 Oglethorpe County, Georgia Census Peter P. Butler and his family are found. This is believed to be a son of Peter and his first marriage to Hannah Snellings.
Peter Patrick Butler and Marena Nichols Butler disappeared shortly after their marriage. No information can be found of their location or place and time of their death. Per William Compton Kerr, a descendant, it could be possible that they went to Louisiana where several of Peter's children from a previous marriage were living. However, this has yet to be confirmed.
More About WILLIAM RICHARDS and MARENA NICHOLS:
Marriage: November 13, 1834, Madison County, Georgia
More About PETER BUTLER and MARENA NICHOLS:
Marriage: April 13, 1852, Madison County, Georgia
Children of MARENA NICHOLS and WILLIAM RICHARDS are:
34. | i. | MARY ANN5 RICHARDS, b. September 1836, Clarke County, Georgia; d. November 20, 1913, Lincoln or Wilkes County, Georgia. | |
35. | ii. | JOHN C. RICHARDS, b. Abt. 1838, Clarke County, Georgia; d. Bef. 1882, Clarke County, Georgia. | |
36. | iii. | THOMAS S. RICHARDS, b. January 1842, Clarke or Coweta County, Georgia; d. Bet. 1900 - 1910, Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. | |
iv. | JAMES A. RICHARDS36, b. 1842, Clarke, Madison, or Coweta County, Georgia37; d. Bef. 1850, Clarke, Madison, or Coweta County, Georgia. |
Notes for JAMES A. RICHARDS: JAMES A. RICHARDS,1842 - Unknown James Richards, a son of a son of William C. Richards and Marena Nichols, was born during 1842. The exact location of his birth is unknown. He likely was born in one of three Georgia Counties; Clarke, Coweta, or Madison. The only Census Report that this James Richards is for certain listed in is the 1850 Coweta County Census where he is listed at age 8. No one that fit the profile of this James was found in any other census nation wide. There is a likely possibility that he died at a young age in either of the counties listed. |
37. | v. | MARTHA F. RICHARDS, b. November 1846, Possible Athens, Clarke County, or Coweta County Georgia; d. Aft. 1930, Madison County, Georgia. |
10.WILLIAM J.4 NICHOLS (JOHN3, CHARLES CONRAD "GUNROD"2, JOHN1)38 was born 1822 in Wilkes County, Georgia, and died February 17, 1854 in Wilkes County, Georgia.He married MARY ANN "MINNIE" CROOK November 02, 1843 in Wilkes County, Georgia, daughter of LEWIS CROOK and SUSANNAH UNKNOWN.She was born 1820 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, and died Abt. 1880 in Possible Lincoln County, Georgia.
Notes for WILLIAM J. NICHOLS:
WILLIAM J. NICHOLS1822 - February 17, 1854
William J. Nichols, believed to be the second child and oldest son of John Nichols and Nancy Barton, was born in Wilkes County, Georgia. The exact date of his birth is unknown but it was in the year of 1822.
William married Mary Ann (Minnie) Crook November 02, 1843, in Wilkes County, Georgia. She was the daughter of Lewis Crook and Susannah, last name unknown. Mary was born about 1822 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
Margaret Peggy Crook, a sister of Mary, married Elias Wellmaker. A daughter of theirs, Susannah Elizabeth Wellmaker, married Joel Lafayette Nichols, a brother of William J. Nichols.
In the 1850 Wilkes County, Georgia Census, Division 94, William is listed as W. J., age 28. Mary is listed as Mary A., age 21. Two children are listed in this Census. One child listed is Serena Nichols. She is listed as Rena, age 3. The other child listed is Mary Minnie Nichols. She is listed as Minea, age 1. This age is incorrect. Minnie was born April 15, 1850. Also listed in the home is Benjamin Franklin Nichols, Williams' youngest brother. He is listed as Benjamin, age 15.
Of other family interest, also living in this area were; Williams' father John with his second wife Dorcus; Lewis and Susannah Crook, Williams' in-laws; Joel Lafayette Nichols, living in the house of Camellia Sirus; and Elias Wellmaker with wife Margaret Peggy Crook and their children, including Susannah who married Joel Nichols.
William died February 17, 1854 in Wilkes County.
Mary is listed in the 1860 Wilkes County Census as living with her father Lewis, age 77. Mary is 38. Also listed are Serena, listed as Rainey, age 16; Minnie, listed as Manney, age 12; Simeon, age 10; and Newton A., listed as Newton H., age 6. In the 1870 Wilkes County Census, Militia District 177, Mary is listed as being born in 1830. This is in error. Mary was born about 1820 or 1822. Also listed are; Minnie, listed as Mimi, born 1849; Newton A., listed as Newton W. H., born 1854; and Simeon, born 1852. Living next door is Elias Wellmaker. The last Census that listed Mary is the 1880 Lincoln County, Georgia Census. She is listed at age 58 living with her son Newton.
Mary died after 1880. She never remarried. Where she and William are buried is unknown. Many of William's relatives are buried in the "Hephzibah Church Cemetery" in Lincoln County, Georgia. It's possible that William and Mary may be buried there
More About WILLIAM NICHOLS and MARY CROOK:
Marriage: November 02, 1843, Wilkes County, Georgia
Children of WILLIAM NICHOLS and MARY CROOK are:
38. | i. | SERENA "RENA"5 NICHOLS, b. Abt. 1844, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. Aft. 1880, Possible Wilkes County, Georgia. | |
39. | ii. | MARY MINNIE "PUSS" NICHOLS, b. April 15, 1850, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. September 29, 1929, Lincoln County, Georgia. | |
40. | iii. | SIMEON NICHOLS, b. October 22, 1851, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. February 22, 1913, Wilkes County, Georgia. | |
41. | iv. | NEWTON A. NICHOLS, b. Abt. 1854, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. Unknown, Unknown. |
11.JOEL LAFAYETTE4 NICHOLS (JOHN3, CHARLES CONRAD "GUNROD"2, JOHN1)39 was born September 30, 1831 in Wilkes County, Georgia, and died June 30, 1901 in Mount Ida Community, Crenshaw County, Alabama.He married SUSAN ELIZABETH WELLMAKER January 22, 1851 in Lincoln County, Georgia, daughter of ELIAS WELLMAKER and MARGARET CROOK.She was born August 25, 1834 in Lincoln County, Georgia, and died April 25, 1897 in Mt. Ida Community, Crenshaw County, Alabama.
Notes for JOEL LAFAYETTE NICHOLS:
JOEL LAFAYETTE NICHOLSSeptember 30, 1831 - June 30, 1901
Joel was born on the west banks of the Savannah River in Wilkes County, Georgia, September 30, 1831. He was the fourth child of John Nichols and Nancy Barton.
When the 1850 Wilkes County, Georgia Census was taken Joel was living in the household of Camilla Sims, a widower. Also in this home was her daughter, Jacintha, age 5; and George W. Sims, age 28. The relation of George to Camilla is unknown. Joel was in the 94th district, living near his father and his step-mother Dorcus.
Joel married January 22, 1851, in Lincoln County, Georgia, to Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker, the daughter of Elias Wellmaker and Margaret Crook. She was born in Wilkes County, Georgia, August 25, 1834.
According to family lore Joel and Elias Wellmaker, Susan's father, relationship developed into one of less than tolerable conditions. For whatever reasons, Joel's harsh treatment by his father-in-law became more than Susan could bear. She became very frustrated with her father and decided that they should leave so they packed their belongings and their children into the back of a covered wagon, tied their only cow to the rear, and headed for Mississippi.
Why they chose Mississippi is unknown but there may have been relatives there who were descendants of his Uncle William E. Nichols.
Elias, Joel Jr., and William, sons of Joel and Susan, were born in Wilkes County, Georgia. Job, a fourth son, was born in Alabama July 17, 1858. William was born April 02, 1856. The move from Georgia was made between these dates. It is very likely that Benjamin Franklin Nichols, Joel's brother, also accompanied them.
Making their way through Alabama in parts of a trail know "Three Notch", Joel and Susan made a stop in Luverne, Alabama. Luverne, at that time, was located in Pike County. This would later become Crenshaw County.
Joel learned of some land available nearby on the east side of the Patsalagia River in an area known by the locals as the "Lime Sink."Joel acquired this land in 1857 and soon settled there.Due to the swampy conditions of the land along the river, Joel moved his building site several hundred yards back from the river and began building his home. He constructed his home from the bounty of pines that were on his land, hewing each log by hand until it was built.
Joel and his family are listed in the 1860 Pike County, Alabama, Western Division as follows: Joel, 28; Suannah P., 24; Elias T., 8; Joel L., 6; William M., 4; and Job F., 2. Also listed in the home is Ben F. Nichols, Joel's brother, 24.
After the outbreak of the War Between the States, it is believed that Joel enlisted in the Confederate Army. The date of his enlistment is unknown but he was assigned to Company G, 56th Alabama Calvary, commonly known in history as "The Partisan Rangers." Comprised of two Battalions, the 56th was made up from the 13th, Commanded by William A. Hewlett, and the 15th, commanded by Major William Boyles.
Though Joel's participation in the 56th is unknown, this unit saw extensive action from the Mississippi to the "Battle of Atlanta." While at Atlanta, they participated at Kennesaw Mountain under the leadership of General Hood.Joel returned home in 1864. Why he was released early is unknown.
Joel became a prosperous farmer and businessman after the war. He owned many acres of land, some under cultivation and the rest covered in prime timber. He also owned and operated a cotton gin and syrup mill. During this time he supplied many of the locals with work as well as serving his community. He, along with a Mr. Underwood, founded the "Cameron's Chapel Methodist Church" in Crenshaw County which still stands today.
In the 1870 Crenshaw County Census Joel is listed living in Township 11, Mt. Ida. He is a farmer, age 38. Susan is 35; Elias is 19; Joel Jr., listed as LaFayette, is 16; William is 14; and Job is 12. The other children listed are George, 9; Celestia, 4; and Alvin 2. Joel's family is last listed with Susan in the 1880 Crenshaw County Census still living in Mt. Ida. The surname is listed as "Nickols," not Nichols. Joel is listed at age 48; Susan, S. E., age 44; Job Francis, J. F., age 21; George Marion, G. M., age 19; Margaret Celestia, M. C., age 14; Alvin Cyrenous, A. C., age 12;Susan Elizabeth, S. E., age 9; and Lula, age 7.
Susan died on April 25, 1897. In the 1900 Census for Crenshaw County Joel is listed at age 68. The children still living at home are: Alvin, age 32; and Susan, age 24. Also in the house is William Richburg, a boarder and a servant. The name in the Census is difficult to make out) Joel passed away June 30, 1901 in the Mt. Ida Community near Brantley, Alabama. He and Susan are both buried at the Mount Ida Church Cemetery in Crenshaw County, Alabama, off a County Road 49 between Brantley and Luverne.
Joel's passing was without a Will. On August 20, 1901, Alvin C. Nichols, Joel's' youngest son, filed a petition with the Crenshaw County Probate Court to force the sale of all the real estate and personal property belonging to his father. According to the petition, the estate could not be divided properly among his children. Liquidation was needed to adequately resolve this matter.
Joel's real estate consisted of 390 acres of land. His personal property is listed as the following: one lot of mechanic tools; one cow and calf; one steam engine; one steam boiler and fixtures; two cotton gins and belting; two grist mill rocks and fixture; one wash pot; two pairs of weighing scales; one sewing machine; one cooking stove; one bedstead; two tables; one kitchen safe; one lot of chairs; one clock; and one cloths press.
The property of Joel Nichols was auctioned to the following: 200 acres to Alvin Cyrenous Nichols for $250.00; 90 acres to William J. Nichols for $900.00; 80 acres to Job Francis Nichols for $200.00; and 20 acres to Joel Evan Nichols for $80.00. Joel's personal property was sold for $678.70.Total value was $2, 108.70. Admin charges and other expenses totaled $124.51, leaving a net total of $1,984.46. This was divided among his surviving eight children at $220.46 each. The four children of his son Elias received $55.11 each. Elias had passed away before Joel.Many acres of his land remained with the family. Tharon Nichols, who died in 1997, lived with his wife, Mary Ticer, on part of that land. Some personal items also remained. A clock that came with Joel from Georgia was owned by Tharon and was handed down to Howard Compton. This is the clock mentioned above in Joel's personal property. Joel's Bible, as well as the Bible of his son George, is owned by Kendrick Shackleford.
Note:The first contact made with the Wellmaker Family after Joel and Susan left Georgia, came in 1873 when their eight year old daughter, Margaret Celestia Nichols, wrote a letter to her grandmother Wellmaker in Georgia.
A Letter from Joel L. Nichols to his cousin John Asberry Nichols;
Mount Ida April the 7th, 1895
Mr. J. A. NicholsCrenshaw County, Ala
Dear cousin it is with pleasure that I endeaver to answer your kind letter that I received sometime ago. We are all tolerably well at this time. Hoping it will find you all well. We are done planting corn. We havent planted any cotton yet, but I think will plant some next week. It has been the hardest winter I think that I ever saw here. We made a good crop last year made plenty of corn 36 bales of cotton you must excuse me for not writing sooner. I have been in bad health untill recently. Let me know how you got along with your saw mill in the future I will answer your letters as soon as I get them write and tell how all your children are getting along. Tell them to write to me you must be sure to write for I am glad to hear from you all at any time it would ples me the best in the world to see all you said something about comeing in the summer I would be more than glad to see you all any time.
I will close for this time Write soon and all the news'
Your loving cousin
Joel Nichols
Note: Joel Nichols was the first cousin to John Asberry Nichols.
Obituary of Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker-Nichols from The Luverne Journal, June 17, 1897.
NICHOLS - In memory of Susan E. Nichols who was born in Georgia Aug 25, 1834 married to Brother Joel Nichols Jan 27, 1851. She departed this life April 23, 1897. On the evening of the 26th of April in Mt. Ida Cemetery. Surrounded by a host of friends and relatives, her remains were laid to rest to await the coming of our Lord when she will together with all the saints of the earth receive a glorious resurrection of the body.
Notes for SUSAN ELIZABETH WELLMAKER:
Obituary of Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker-Nichols from The Luverne Journal, June 17, 1897.
NICHOLS- In memory of Susan E. Nichols who was born in Georgia Aug 25, 1834 married to Brother Joel Nichols Jan 27, 1851. She departed this life April 23, 1897. On the evening of the 26th of April in Mt. Ida Cemetery. Surrounded by a host of friends and relatives, her remains were laid to rest to await the coming of our Lord when she will together with all the saints of the earth receive a glorious resurrection of the body.
More About JOEL NICHOLS and SUSAN WELLMAKER:
Marriage: January 22, 1851, Lincoln County, Georgia
Children of JOEL NICHOLS and SUSAN WELLMAKER are:
42. | i. | ELIAS "ELI" S.5 NICHOLS, b. December 24, 1851, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. March 13, 1896, Mt. Ida Community, Crenshaw County, Alabama. | |
43. | ii. | JOEL LAFAYETTE "FATE" NICHOLS, JR., b. December 06, 1853, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. March 18, 1912, Crenshaw County, Alabama. | |
44. | iii. | WILLIAM MARSHELL NICHOLS, b. April 02, 1856, Wilkes County, Georgia; d. July 17, 1921, Crenshaw County, Alabama. | |
45. | iv. | JOB FRANCIS NICHOLS, b. July 17, 1858, Pike County, Alabama; d. March 28, 1915, Beat 9, Crenshaw County, Alabama. | |
46. | v. | GEORGE MARION NICHOLS, b. May 12, 1861, Pike County, Alabama; d. August 29, 1915, Crenshaw County, Alabama. | |
47. | vi. | MARGARET CELESTIA "TULLIE" NICHOLS, b. July 25, 1865, Pike County, Alabama; d. February 07, 1928, Crenshaw County, Alabama. | |
48. | vii. | ALVIN CYRENOUS "AB" NICHOLS, b. August 19, 1867, Crenshaw County, Alabama; d. February 12, 1934, Crenshaw County, Alabama. | |
viii. | SUSAN "SUDIE" ELIZABETH NICHOLS40, b. July 13, 1870, Crenshaw County, Alabama; d. April 16, 1949, Crenshaw County, Alabama; m. WILLIAM J. "GEORGIA BILL" NICHOLS41, January 18, 1903, Crenshaw County, Alabama; b. May 15, 1873, Wilkes or Lincoln County, Georgia; d. November 30, 1948, Crenshaw County, Alabama. |
Notes for SUSAN "SUDIE" ELIZABETH NICHOLS: SUSAN "SUDIE" ELIZABETH NICHOLS,July 13, 1870 - April 16, 1949 Susan Elizabeth Nichols was the eighth child of Joel Lafayette Nichols, Sr., and Susan Elizabeth Wellmaker. She was born in the Mt. Ida Community in Crenshaw County, Alabama, July 13, 1870. When the 1880 Crenshaw County, Alabama Federal Census was taken Susan, with her parents, were residents of Mount Ida. Susan is listed in the 1880 Census as S. E. W. Nichols, age 9. Still single in the 1900 Crenshaw County Census, Susan is listed at age 24, living in the Mt. Ida Community with her father and brother Alvin. Susan married in Mt. Ida January 18, 1903 to William J. Nichols, known as "Georgia Bill." William was the only son of Newton A. Nichols and his first wife, known only by her maiden name of Smith. (See Number 66., Newton A. Nichols) William was born in Wilkes or Lincoln County, Georgia May 15, 1873. William, Georgia Bill, is found first in the 1880 Lincoln County, Georgia Federal Census. He is living in the home of his grand mother, Mary Ann "Minnie" Crook-Nichols, widow of William J. Nichols. William is listed as W. J., age 6. His siblings are; Minnie, age 5; Maggie, age 2. William's father, Newton Nichols, is in Jail. He is listed at age 27. When the 1900 Lincoln County Census was enumerated William was a resident of Samuel in District 34, living in the home of Alex Tyler. William, listed as W. J., is 27. Susan, known as "Aunt Sudie" and William "Georgia Bill", were related. William "Bill" was a grandson of William J. Nichols and Mary Crook. William was a brother of Joel Lafayette Nichols, Sr., who was the father of Susan Elizabeth Nichols. William met Susan when he was visiting his Alabama relatives. When William and Susan married, Susan's parents had already passed away. William and Susan first appear as a married couple in the 1910 Crenshaw County, Alabama Census living in the Mt. Ida Community in the 68th District. William, listed as William Nickols is 38; Susan, listed as Sudie, is 34. In the 1920 Crenshaw County Census William and Susan were still residents of Mt. Ida, living in the 78th District. William is listed at 48; and Sudie is listed at 49. Her age is incorrect. She was 3 years younger than William. They are last listed in the 1930 Crenshaw County Census living in District 13 which covered both Brantley and Mt. Ida. William is listed at age 58; Susan is listed at age 59. The ages should be reversed. William lived his life as a farmer. He and Susan lived on the land that was owned by her father until their deaths. William died November 30, 1948. Susan died April 16, 1949.No children were born to this union. The Gravesites of Susan Elizabeth Nichols & William J. Nichols are located at the Mount Ida Church Cemetery in Crenshaw County, Alabama. Susan's epitaph reads "At Rest." William's reads, "Gone but not forgotten." |
More About WILLIAM NICHOLS and SUSAN NICHOLS: Marriage: January 18, 1903, Crenshaw County, Alabama |
49. | ix. | LULA NICHOLS, b. September 25, 1872, Crenshaw County, Alabama; d. April 18, 1939, Crenshaw County, Alabama. |