G. M. Nickason

G. M. Nickason, who follows agricultural pursuits on section eleven, Black Wolf township, Ellsworth county, has resided here since 1878. He is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Walden, Orange county, on the 8th of May, 1830. He was only eleven years of age when he started out on his own account, becoming a driver on the Erie canal.

He was thus employed for about seven years, when the New York & Erie railroad was built and he secured work in preparing the road bed. Later he worked on the laying of the track, serving as section boss when he was only eighteen years of age. He had a natural aptitude for mechanics and decided to follow this line of business. Accordingly, in April, 1849, he began learning the carpenter's trade and that of a house joiner. In those days sash, doors and blinds were mostly manufactured by hand, and Mr. Nickason entered the employ of a firm engaged in that business, remaining with them for twenty-five years. He became the main reliance of the house,
and soon after he severed his connection therewith their business had to be abandoned.

In September, 1861, Mr. Nickason responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in the Twentieth New York Infantry, in which he served for fifteen months. He then joined the Fourth New York Heavy Artillery. He was unacquianted with all of its members and joined the regiment as a private, but was steadily promoted until he held the office of quartermaster sergeant of the regiment, also serving on the non-commissioned staff of General Hancock. He participated in many engagements, among which were the battles of Centerville, the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain and Antietam, where General George B. McClellan saved the Union cause. He then
went on south to Ream's station. Much of the time he was in the commissary department and can relate many interesting anecdotes, concerning his experience in foraging. On the 3rd of September, 1864, he was wounded at Petersburg and was taken to Lincoln Hospital on the 8th of October, there remaining until the army was discharged, in July, 1865.

Mr. Nickason then returned to his native state and again resumed work at this trade, carrying on busininess with his brother. They were very successful, owing to the improvements in machinery which our subject was enabled to introduce as the result of his thorough knowledge of mechanics. At length he determined to come to Kansas and disposed of his interests in the east. Making his way to this state in 1878, he purchased a quarter section of land in Black Wolf township, where he now resides, and all the improvements on the place are his work and
stand as monuments to his energy. In 1900 he erected a handsome new residence. In 1890 he built a fine shop in Ellsworth, equipped it with the best machinery and carried on business along tha tline for a few years, but ultimately resumed farming, to which he now devotes his entire attention. Throughout his entire life he has been a hard worker, although for the past thirty-seven years he has suffered with an open wound. His diligence and energy enabled him to triumph over an adverse fate, and he is now one of the substantial citizens of his community.

Mr. Nickason has been twice married. In 1855 he wedded Ellen Mance, and unto them were born two children; Marietta, who is now in an Indian school in Pahuska; and Frederick. Both have been well educated. The mother died in August, 1867, Mr. Nickason was again married, his second union being with Margaret Tice, by whom he has two children, -- Ellwn and Lemont. In his home our subject has a grand roller organ, and is his leisure hours greatly enjoys playing theron. His accomplishment in this direction has also enabled him to afford much pleasure to others. In politics clerk of the township board and as township he is independent, but has served as clerk of the township board ans as township treasurer. His advancement in business affaris has been creditable and gratifying since he came to Ellsworth county and he has never had occasion to regret the fact that he allied his interests with those of the Sunflower state.

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