William Scott Nichol of Texas County, Missouri

William Scott Nichol, a leading merchant, tobacco manufacturer, saw-miller and farmer, was born in Hickman County, Ky., April 16, 1849, the son of David and Martha (Mitchell) Nichol, both of whom were born in Virginia, he in 1798 and she in 1808. When young both immigrated to Tennessee, where they married, and afterward removed to Kentucky. In that State the father died in 1850. He was a practical tanner, and carried on a large tan-yard business, but in connection ran a large farm. He was a Whig in politics, and both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In their family were eight children, six sons and two daughters. In 1856 the mother and children came to Texas County, Mo., and located one-half mile from Licking, though there was only a log store to mark the place. The mother died here in her eighty-second year. William S. Nichol was the youngest but two of this family. In youth he aided in tilling the soil, and attended the common schools, in which he received a limited education, on account of the war breaking in on his studies. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Col. Coleman’s regiment, Confederate service, and remained about a year, when he was then made hospital steward. In 1864 he was taken prisoner, and held at Rolla. Judge C. C. Bland finding him there, secured his parole and took him into his store, and some time afterward Mr. Nichol had the pleasure of recompensing him by casting the tie vote for Mr. Bland as judge. After the termination of hostilities Mr. Nichol began the manufacture of tobacco, which he has followed ever since, turning out a product now of about 10,000 pounds per year. In connection he runs a large farm, owning some 400 acres. In 1880 he opened a store in Licking, and has one of the largest stocks of goods in town. He is also interested in a saw-mill. September 9, 1869, he married Miss Mary Weller, a native of Washington, Ohio. They have no children of their own, but have reared an orphan boy, Frank Mautz, who is now associated with Mr. Nichol in his business enterprises. Mr. Nichol is a very successful business man, having made all he has by his own efforts. He is a Democrat politically, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.