George S. Nichols facts for kids

George Sylvester Nichols (born January 12, 1820 – died May 29, 1916) was an American politician and a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was from New York and had a long career serving his state and country.

Early Life and Education

George Sylvester Nichols was born on January 12, 1820, in Athens, New York. His father, Sylvester Nichols, was a judge and also served in the state assembly. His mother was Lucy Hamilton.

George went to several schools as a young person. In 1832, he started at Lenox Academy. Two years later, in 1834, he attended Fairfield Academy. By 1837, he was studying at Kinderhook Academy, a school that his own grandfather had started.

Starting His Career

From 1838 to 1846, George Nichols worked as a captain on his father's boat, a sloop named Science. This boat carried goods between Athens and New York City.

He also joined the New York State Militia, which was like a local defense force. In 1843, he became a brigade quartermaster for the Thirty-Seventh Brigade. This role meant he was in charge of supplies. By 1845, he was promoted to brigadier-general of the Brigade.

After his time on the boat, from 1847 to 1848, he worked as a superintendent for docks in Troy. In 1849, he traveled to California and worked in packing and training at Sutter's Mill. He returned to Athens in 1851.

Back in Athens, he became involved in local government. In 1851, he was elected as the town supervisor of Athens. Later, in 1855, he was elected to the New York State Senate as a member of the American Party. He represented the 10th District and served in the State Senate in 1856 and 1857. In 1860, he was appointed to a board that managed alcohol sales in Greene County.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began in November 1861, George Nichols joined the Union Army. He started as a major in the 9th New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment.

He quickly moved up the ranks. In May 1863, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. After Colonel William H. Sackett sadly died in June 1864, George Nichols was promoted to colonel and took command of the entire regiment. He stayed in command until July 1865, when the war ended and his regiment was released from service.

Colonel Nichols was a very active officer, taking part in more than 60 battles and skirmishes. Some of the major battles he fought in included the Siege of Yorktown, the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Culpeper Court House, the Battle of the Wilderness, and the Battle of Trevilian Station. At the end of the war, he received an honorary promotion to brevet brigadier general for his brave service.

After the War: Public Service

After the Civil War, George Nichols continued to serve the public. In 1867, he was appointed as an Inspector of Customs for the New York Custom House. This meant he helped check goods coming into the country.

In 1875, he was promoted to Deputy Collector of Customs. In 1878, he ran for the United States House of Representatives as a Republican candidate for New York's 15th congressional district, but he did not win the election.

Later, in 1882, he was appointed as a Special Examiner in the Pension Office. He worked in this role for three years, helping with military pensions. In 1885, he was elected as the County Clerk of Greene County.

Family and Later Life

In 1845, George Nichols married Ann Netterville Foster. They had four children together: Mary, Foster, Charles E., and Arthur. He was also a member of the Freemasons and followed the Episcopalian faith.

George Sylvester Nichols passed away at his home on May 29, 1916. At the time of his death, he was the oldest surviving commanding officer from the Civil War. He was buried in Athens Rural Cemetery.