William Jones Nicholson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Jones Nicholson
Nicholson as commander of the 11th Cavalry, circa 1916. From 1920's The History and Achievements of the Fort Sheridan Officers' Training Camps.
Nickname(s)	Slicker Bill Nick
Born	(1856-01-16)January 16, 1856 Washington, D.C.
Died	December 20, 1931(1931-12-20) (aged 75) Washington, D.C.
Place of burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1876–1920
Rank	Brigadier General
Unit	United States Army Cavalry Branch
Commands held	Troop C, 7th Cavalry Regiment 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment 2nd Cavalry Regiment Citizens' Military Training Camp, Fort Sheridan, Illinois 5th Cavalry Regiment 11th Cavalry Regiment Officer Candidate School, Fort Sheridan, Illinois 157th Infantry Brigade 79th Division 152nd Depot Brigade
Battles/wars	American Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War Pancho Villa Expedition World War I
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Honor (Officer) (France) Croix de Guerre (France)
Spouse(s)	Harriet Fenlon (m. 1883–1931, his death)
Children	2
Relations	Reginald F. Nicholson (brother)
Other work	President, Army and Navy Club of America

William Jones Nicholson (January 16, 1856 – December 20, 1931) was a dedicated officer in the United States Army. He became a brigadier general during World War I. He commanded the 157th Infantry Brigade, which was part of the 79th Division.

Nicholson was famous for leading his brigade to victory in the September 1918 Battle of Montfaucon. This battle was a key part of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. For his bravery and leadership, he received the Distinguished Service Cross.

Born in Washington, D.C., Nicholson was the son of a United States Navy officer. He joined the Army in 1876 as a second lieutenant. He served mainly with the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Over time, he rose through the ranks to lead different cavalry units. These included the 1st Squadron of the 7th Cavalry, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the 5th Cavalry Regiment, and the 11th Cavalry Regiment.

Nicholson fought in several important conflicts. These included the American Indian Wars, the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, and the Pancho Villa Expedition. After World War I, he helped manage the return of soldiers home. He retired as a colonel in 1920. In 1927, he was given the rank of brigadier general again on the Army's retired list. He passed away in Washington, D.C., and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Early Life and Military Start

Growing Up in Washington, D.C.

William Jones Nicholson was born in Washington, D.C. on January 16, 1856. His father, Somerville Jones Nicholson, was a Navy officer. His mother was Hannah Maria (Jones) Nicholson. William had a brother, Reginald F. Nicholson, who also became a high-ranking Navy officer.

William went to school in Washington and at Georgetown Preparatory School. In 1876, the 7th Cavalry Regiment needed new officers after the Battle of the Little Bighorn. William applied and became a second lieutenant that same year. Important people supported his application.

First Steps as a Cavalry Officer

Nicholson joined the 7th Cavalry directly from civilian life. He went to a training base near St. Louis, Missouri. There, he got his first training and took charge of new soldiers. He was first assigned to Troop B of the 7th Cavalry.

Early Career and Frontier Duty

Serving in the American Indian Wars

Nicholson's first assignments were on the frontier with the 7th Cavalry. He served at places like Fort Meade and Fort Abraham Lincoln. He took part in the last parts of the Little Bighorn Campaign. This included the Battle of Canyon Creek against the Nez Perce people in September 1877.

During this battle, Nicholson showed great courage. He led mounted charges, and his actions were praised in official reports.

Life as a Cavalryman

Nicholson was known as an excellent horseman. He often took part in horse races, polo games, and horse shows. In 1883, he finished his studies at the Infantry and Cavalry School. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1884. From 1884 to 1887, he taught military science at Kansas State University.

In 1890, Nicholson was part of the military actions against the Lakota people. This led to the Wounded Knee Massacre. He later testified that soldiers tried to protect women and children during the fighting. In 1896, he became a captain and commanded Troop C.

Spanish-American War and Beyond

Service in the Spanish-American War

During the Spanish–American War, Nicholson first commanded Troop C, 7th Cavalry. In June 1898, he helped enroll volunteers for the army from Maryland and Virginia. He was promoted to temporary major in July 1898. He then worked on the staff of the 2nd Division, First Army Corps.

In early 1899, Nicholson served in Cuba with Troop C. He then became a US Indian Agent at the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. He worked to stop people from illegally grazing their animals on Native American land.

Continuing His Military Path

In 1901, Nicholson moved to the 12th Cavalry Regiment. He served in the Philippine–American War. He was promoted to permanent major in 1904. He later returned to the 7th Cavalry. From 1906 to 1907, he worked on the staff of the Philippine Division. He commanded the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry, from 1907 to 1911.

Nicholson became a lieutenant colonel in 1911 and a colonel in 1912. He commanded the 2nd Cavalry Regiment from 1913 to 1915. He also helped organize training for civilians interested in the military. In 1916 and 1917, he commanded the 5th Cavalry Regiment and the 11th Cavalry Regiment during the Pancho Villa Expedition.

World War I Service

Nicholson with his 157th Brigade staff in France, October 1918.

Leading the 157th Infantry Brigade

On August 5, 1917, after the American entry into World War I, Nicholson was promoted to brigadier general. He was given command of the 157th Brigade. This unit was part of the 79th Division. The brigade trained in Maryland before going to France in July 1918.

The Battle of Montfaucon

In September 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Nicholson's unit had to capture Montfaucon. During the battle, Nicholson's team lost contact with their division headquarters. But Nicholson kept pushing the attack forward on his own.

When he also lost contact with one of his regiments, he decided to continue the fight with the other. Nicholson personally rode to the division headquarters to get artillery support. As he returned, his command post came under enemy fire. He bravely rode forward, gave orders to continue the attack, and led his troops to finally capture Montfaucon. For his heroic leadership, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross.

After Montfaucon, Nicholson's brigade moved to another area. They continued fighting until November 11, 1918, when the armistice ended the war. At 62 years old, Nicholson was the oldest American soldier known to have fought in combat during World War I.

Retirement and Legacy

Returning Home and Retirement

After the war, Nicholson returned to the United States. He commanded the 152nd Depot Brigade in New York. Here, he helped manage the process of sending soldiers home after their service in France. In January 1920, he reached the mandatory retirement age of 64. He retired at his permanent rank of colonel. At that time, he had served in the Army for 43 years and six months, making him the longest-serving officer.

Later Years and Passing

In retirement, Nicholson lived in Washington, D.C. In 1920, he became president of the Army and Navy Club of America. In February 1927, a special act of Congress restored his rank of brigadier general on the retired list.

William Jones Nicholson passed away in Washington, D.C., on December 20, 1931. His funeral was held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards and Family Life

Recognitions and Honors

In 1919, Georgetown University honored Nicholson with a special degree, a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.).

Besides the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery at Montfaucon, Nicholson also received the Distinguished Service Medal. This award recognized his excellent service during World War I. He also received the Citation Star for his wartime heroism, which later became the Silver Star. From France, he was awarded the Legion of Honor (Officer) and the Croix de Guerre.

Nicholson's Family

In 1883, William Nicholson married Harriet Fenlon from Wichita, Kansas. They had two children: William Corcoran Fenlon Nicholson (1883–1962) and Helen Lispenard Nicholson Crean (1893–1986).