John C. Nicholls facts for kids
John Calhoun Nicholls (born April 25, 1834 – died December 25, 1893) was an important politician from Georgia. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he helped make laws for the country.
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Early Life and Education
John Calhoun Nicholls was born in Clinton, Georgia, in 1834. He went to private schools when he was young. Later, he attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He graduated from college in 1855.
After college, Nicholls decided to study law. He became a lawyer in 1855. He started his law practice in Clinch and Ware Counties, Georgia. By 1860, he was working as a lawyer in Waynesville, Wayne County, Georgia.
Service in the Civil War
The Civil War was a very difficult time in American history. During this war, John Calhoun Nicholls served in the Confederate States Army. He started as a captain in the Sea Coast Guard. Later, he became a brigadier general in the Georgia Militia. He also served as a captain in the Fourth Regiment, Georgia Cavalry.
Political Career
After the Civil War ended, Nicholls continued his work as a lawyer in Blackshear, Georgia. He also became very involved in politics.
State Politics
In 1865, he was part of the State constitutional convention. This group helped write new rules for Georgia's government. From 1870 to 1875, he served in the Georgia State Senate. This meant he helped make laws for the state of Georgia. He was also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1876.
National Politics
John Calhoun Nicholls was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. Congress, where elected officials represent their states. He served two terms in Congress.
His first term was from March 4, 1879, to March 3, 1881. He tried to be re-elected in 1880 but was not successful. However, he was elected again for a second term. This term was from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1885. After this, he tried to be re-elected one more time in 1884 but did not win.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in Congress, John Calhoun Nicholls went back to practicing law in Blackshear, Georgia. He passed away on December 25, 1893. He was buried in the Blackshear Cemetery.
The city of Nicholls, Georgia, was named after him. This shows how important he was to the history of Georgia.
