Biography of Lydia R. Hazard

LYDIA R. HAZARD a native of Yorkshire Corners, New York was wife of WILLIAM C NICHOLS, who was born in Londonderry, New Hampshire. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native town and in Lowell, Mass. and for a time studied in Boston. With his father's family he removed to Cattaraugus county, N. Y. where they engaged in farming.

At a later period the family was established in Ogle Co, Illinois, and a part of that trip was made by wagon. The spirit of the pioneer enterprise actuated the family and prompted their various westward removals.

In 1854 Mr Nichols again turned his face toward the setting sun and with ox teams traveled westward to Albion township, Howard county, Iowa, securing a preemption claim of 160 acres near Granger. Iowa. For this he paid the usual government price and came into possession of a tract of wild prairie land on which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. He at once built a log house there to shelter his family and in course of years this primitive frontier home was replaced by a frame dwelling. He continued to farm until his death in 1873 and his wife Lydia passed away in 1883.

A son, Charles D Nichols is owner and manager of Nichols Clothing store of Creso. The family were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Nichols held several township offices.

History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties,
By Robert Herd Fairbairn (Published 1919 - Volume II)
S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois
Transcribed by Leonard Granger