Nichols, Lester; Civil War Soldier; Greenwood, Eaton Twp., Clark Co., Wisconsin

"Milo" Lester was born in NY about 1825, the youngest of 9 children of William & Mary “Polly” Nichols. In 1850 his parents were living with him, his wife Cornelia, and sons Philander and Philetus in Summerhill, Crawford Co., PA. By the 1860 Census, this family had fallen apart. Philetus, 11, and Milo Nichols, 6, were living in the poor house in Woodcock, PA. Polly was residing with the family of her daughter Mahala Dodge. Milo seems to have escaped that census, but 1 Sep 1861while living in Berlin, WI, he enlisted as a Pvt. in the 3rd Wis. Lt. Arty. Bat., under the command of Capt. Lucius H. Drury. His age given as 44 and he signed with his “X”. Just 2 mo. later, he deserted his unit at Racine, WI. Like other deserters, he must have had second thoughts about abandoning his duties, because he crossed the WI border to rejoin at Buckeye, IL, using the alias Lester "Nichles" and falsely state his age as 28 yrs. He was accepted as a Pvt. in Co. G, 93rd Ill. Inf. and mustered in at Chicago 13 Oct 1862. He was described as married, 6’ tall, with brown hair, fair complexion, and grey eyes. When filing for an invalid pension, he told of being struck upon the back by a large tree limb while going down Yazoo Pass near Vicksburg, MS in the spring of 1863. He was detailed for special service in the Subsistence Dept. as a butcher 30 Jun 1863, by Gen. Smith. From Nov ’63 through Jun ’64 he was listed as “sent sick to Nashville Tenn. 13 Nov 1863.” A medical record from Jefferson Gen. Hos., Jeffersonville, IN, from 26 Feb ’64, recorded his admittance from Taylor Genl. Hos. (Louisville KY), age 30, single, residence Stephenson Co., IL, nearest relative in Cadis, Green Co., WI (this was the home of his sister, Mary Meacham), with the diagnosis of rheumatism. The Madison Gen. Hos, Madison, IN, for the period 8 Apr-25 Jul ’64 declares him cured of “enzsipelas”, with the comment: “He is in good condition, but a malingerer of the first magnitude.” He is “Present” on Co. rolls for several months before being “sent sick” to Chattanooga 1 Nov ’64, where he remained until he was mustered out 22 June 1865 at De Camp Gen Hosp, Davids Island, NY under a telegraphic order, sent 4 May 1865 from the War Dept.

In Decatur, WI, Milo married Tamma Jane, daughter of Elihu and Betsy Fuller, 12 May 1866. She the widow of Milo's nephew, William R. Meacham, who died at Ft. Jackson, LA, 1 Jul 1864., while serving with Co. D, 1st Wis., H. A. William had joined the war effort at Monroe, WI, 28 Sep 1863. William’s mother, Mary (Nichols) Meacham, was a sister of Milo. Their brother Daniel also came to WI with his family to settle in Monroe Co. and his son, Edward Nichols, served with Co. C, 36th Wis. Inf., dying 27 Nov 1864 at Salisbury, NC.

By 1870, Milo was a resident of Pine Valley, Twp., WI and he and Tamma were the parents of 2 sons, William (1867) and Lester (1869). Milo was issued a 160 acre homestead claim 1 Oct 1874 at the Eau Claire, WI Land Office for sec 24, the woodland of Weston Twp., West (now Seif). It was nearly 2 yrs. before they had any close neighbors and that spot was filled by Andrew J. Bullard who was also a veteran of the Civil War. By 1880 the Nichols had 4 more children: Jennie (1871), Myron (1873), Fannie (1874) and Frank George (1877).

Milo’s behavior became increasingly erratic and Tamma divorced him 17 Mar 1882 at Neillsville. He was admitted to an asylum, probably because he tried to burn down his family home in Aug 1883. When he escaped Sept 1885, he again threatened his family and his stepson (and grand-nephew), George Meacham, took a bullet while attempting to subdue him. Milo was living in Melrose, Jackson Co., WI at the time of the 1890 Veterans Census. July 19th of that same year, he was awarded a pension of $12 per mo., for “Injury of right shoulder, rheumatism and disease of heart”. At 70 yrs of age, he looked at least 10 yrs. older. He still had a large frame but had lost an inch in his height, weighed 175 lbs. and had a perfectly white full beard and snow white hair. The physician doing the exam looked for proof of Milo’s claim that he “rec’d a shot to right shoulder from rifle ball which was never taken out” which crippled his right arm. A scar and a hard, tender enlargement on the right side of the neck seemed to be a possible lodging place of the ball, and the was evidence the muscles in the shoulder, arm and hand had wasted. There was atrophy of muscles of the back, left hip and thigh. It was the doctor's opinion that Milo was entitled to a 12/18 rating for the disability caused by a gunshot wound to the right shoulder and 3rd Grade Rheumatism accompanied with disease of the heart, and 8/18 for the ravages of old age.

The 1895 WI Census shows a household of 1 male and 1 female in Burr Oak, La Crosse Co., WI. A family diary dated 23 Jan 1896, notes; "Milo Nichols & wife here" and on 25 Jan 1896, “Milos went away”. There is a marriage record dated 9 May 1892 in La Crosse, WI for a “Leister Nichols” and Lillie A. Thorp. She may have been Milo’s 3rd wife. A request for increase in pension dated 16 Dec 1896 states “being a poor man, unable to afford the luxury of a nurse, his wife acts in that capacity” and described muscle atrophy, palsy of the extremities, and frequent attacks of syncope due to his heart condition. Milo died 9 Mar 1897 at Cataract, WI and was buried in the Greenwood, WI City Cemetery with a simple government marker.

1870 Census-Milo was recorded as a resident of Pine Valley, Clark Co., WI.

1 Oct 1874, at the age of 53, he claimed a homestead at the land office in Eau Claire, WI in sec 24 of the West half of Weston Twp. (now Seif). A little less than 2 yrs. later, another Civil War Soldier, Andrew J. Bullard, became his closest neighbor.

1880 Census-Milo was recorded as a resident of Weston Twp. (Now Seif), WI.

21 Aug 1883, the Neillsville Times reported:

On Monday morning, Aug. 13, Mrs. M. L. Nichols and family, who reside on the west side of the river in the town of Weston, were aroused about 2 o’clock by the presence of fire in the house. It was discovered that the fire was burning between the siding and wall. By chopping away a portion of the inside wall the fire was extinguished by the liberal use of water, which fortunately was handy by. It was found that a hole had been cut in the siding, probably with a clasp knife, and the fragments used in kindling the fire. The fire was extinguished before any considerable damage was done, but was sufficient to give all parties a bad scare.

On the next morning, Tuesday, about 1 o’clock, the hay barn was discovered to be on fire. The fire, when discovered, had gained such headway as to make it impossible for the family to extinguish it. The barn contained about twenty-five tons of hay which, as a matter of course, was consumed. There were some other property in the barn, but the hay was the main loss.

Some time since Mrs. Nicholas obtained a divorce from her husband and owing to threats made by him had for some time, until lately, been in such terror of him that she was afraid to live on her farm in the town of Weston. When the fire in the house was discovered, it was thought that he was the incendiary. On that morning, very early, he was seen to leave a hay stack near where the barn stood, he having undoubtedly slept in it during the night. When discovered, he was retreating rapidly across the field toward the woods. There is probably scarcely a doubt but that the man is insane, he having once been brought before the county judge under that charge.

22 Sep, 1885: Milo Nichols...was captured by Geo. Meacham, at the farm in West Weston last week Thursday, after a struggle in which Mr. Meacham received a rifle shot in the left leg just above the knee. Nichols appeared at the house about eleven o’clock on that day, and sent a little girl out into the field to tell Meacham that he (Nichols) wanted to see him. Meacham went to the house when Nichols told him he was going to “fix him” and leveled a Winchester rifle at him. Meacham grabbed the muzzle of the gun in time to save his life, but received the charge in the leg as above stated. He grasped Nichols by the throat and succeeded in choking him till he became helpless, when he bound the old man and brought him to town. Neillsville Times

14 Sep 1889: The Loyal Tribune and its rival, the Chronicle, are having a most violent time of late, the Chronicle man accusing the Tribune man, who is postmaster, with tampering with its mail, which the Tribune man say is, "Rot." This frightful language will no doubt still further anger the Chronicle man, who is the same party who used to go gunning for Milo somebody up in West Weston years ago... Republican & Press

1890 Census-Milo was recorded as a resident of Melrose, Jackson, WI.

1895 WI State Census-Milo was a resident of Burr Oak, LaCrosse Co., WI

16 Dec 1896-Milo was a resident of Cataract, WI and hospitalized for rheumatism, his old shoulder injury, heart problems and an inability to care for himself.

9 Mar 1897-Milo died at Cataract, WI and was then buried in the Greenwood, WI City Cemetery. [Death Certificate]

Hills, William (22 MAR 1831 - 21 APR 1920) “...When 27 years old he married Phoebe Sitts, daughter of George Sitts of Iron Ridge, Dodge Co... After about a year on the farm Mr. Hill lost his wife. He subsequently married Delany Fuller, of Monroe, Green Co., but then living in Clark Co., Wis. She died about 1884 and he later married for his third wife Tammie J. Nichols... The children by Mr. Hill's third wife, by her husband, Lester Nichols, were William, Lester, Myron, Frank, Jennie, and Fannie. By her husband, William Meachem, there were two children.” 1918 History of Clark Co., Wisconsin excerpt

Military Records

Hospital Records [1] [2] [3] [4] Pension Records [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Married: (2) 12 May 1866, Decatur, Green, WI; Divorced: 17 Mar 1882, Neillsville, Clark, WI

1^st marriage: (1858) William R. Meacham (died in war, 1 Jul 1864), nephew of Milo Lester Nichols

3^rd marriage: (1886) William Hill, Sr. (her widowed brother-in-law, husband of Delana Fuller)

? Married: (3) ? 09 May 1892, La Crosse Co., WI (1895 Census; family diary entry Jan 1896; pension doc. Dec 1896)

1861 Sep 1 – enlisted at Berlin in Wisc Lt Artillery, 3^rd Indpt Batt’y – age “44 years”

1862 Oct 13 – mustered in at Chicago, Co. G, 93^rd Regt. Illinois Infantry (age “28”)

1874 Oct 1 – homestead claimed at Eau Claire for 160 acres in sec 24 Weston Twp

1890 July 19 – pension claim filed by attorney for Lester Nichols, Sparta P.O., Monroe Co., WI

1895 Enumeration of Soldiers – Burr Oak, La Crosse, WI (Lester Nichols, G 93 IL)

NOTE: Sparta, Cataract, Burr Oak and Melrose are all fairly close together – the last 3 being near the intersection of La Crosse, Jackson and Monroe Counties.

Name: Lester Nichles RESIDENCE: Buckeye, Illinois (Stephenson Co., near Freeport)

Service Record: Enlisted in the Wisconsin 3rd Light Artillery Battery on 01 Sep 1861.

Service Record: Enlisted in Company G, Illinois 93rd Infantry Regiment on 13 Oct 1862.

MISSING: Milo Lester Nichols in 1860 Census (also missing Cornelia and Philander)

Name: Polly Nichols Age in 1860: 79 Birth Year: abt 1781 Birthplace: Connecticut

Name: Milo L Nichols Est. Birth Year: abt 1821 Age in 1870: 49 Birthplace: New York

m. (1) Pamelia Gould (1807 NY-05 Dec 1847 WI) m. (1) Pamelia Gould (1807 NY - 05 Dec 1847 WI) daughter of Jonathan Gould of Hebron, NY

m. (2) 27 May 1849, Catharine (Gark) Smith (1819-1909) parents: James & Nancy (Ritter) Gark

Volney W. Smith (1842 Can–1922 MN) m. 1870 Lodema Fuller (b. 26 Mar 1846 – 1916 MT)

Elijah Smith (1843) – Civil War: Co. B 16^th Regt Inf., residence Concord, enl. 10 Dec 1861

Name: Abel Fuller Est. Birth Year: abt 1830 Age in 1870: 40 Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Name: Delana E Hill Est. Birth Year: abt 1841 Age in 1870: 29 Birthplace: Illinois

Name: Myron Nichols Age in 1910: 37 Est. Birth Year: abt 1873 Birthplace: Wisconsin

Last Name: Fuller First Name: Fannie(Tammie?) Day: 26 Month: February Year: 1886

On the next morning, Tuesday, about 1 o’clock, the hay barn was discovered to be on fire. The fire, when discovered, had gained such headway as to make it impossible for the family to extinguish it. The barn contained about twenty-five tons of hay which, as a matter of course, was consumed. There were some other property in the barn, but the hay was the main loss.

Some time since Mrs. Nicholas obtained a divorce from her husband and owing to threats made by him had for some time, until lately, been in such terror of him that she was afraid to live on her farm in the town of Weston. When the fire in the house was discovered, it was thought that he was the incendiary. On that morning, very early, he was seen to leave a hay stack near where the barn stood, he having undoubtedly slept in it during the night. When discovered, he was retreating rapidly across the field toward the woods. There is probably scarcely a doubt but that the man is insane, he having once been brought before the county judge under that charge.

Milo Nichols, who was declared insane by a jury about two years ago and sent to the asylum, and who escaped last spring and has been hiding around his old home, threatening destruction to his family, was captured by Geo. Meacham, at the farm in West Weston last week Thursday, after a struggle in which Mr. Meacham received a rifle shot in the left leg just above the knee. Nichols appeared at the house about eleven o’clock on that day, and sent a little girl out into the field to tell Meacham that he (Nichols) wanted to see him. Meacham went to the house when Nichols told him he was going to “fix him” and leveled a Winchester rifle at him. Meacham grabbed the muzzle of the gun in time to save his life, but received the charge in the leg as above stated. He grasped Nichols by the throat and succeeded in choking him till he became helpless, when he bound the old man and brought him to town. He will be returned to the asylum.

Groom / Groom’s parents – William Sherman Nichols / Lester Milo Nichols & Anna Jane Fuller

OLIVER J. SMITH, a successful agriculturist of section 11, Loyal Township, in which locality he has resided nearly all his life, was born in Dodge County, Wis., July 30, 1862. His father was Abram J. Smith and his mother's maiden name was Roxie Jane Hills. A. J. Smith was born in New York state and was there educated, later being employed in the sawmill industry there. When 19 years old he came to Wisconsin with a neighbor's family, journeying with an ox team most of the way, and settling at Iron Ridge. There he worked on farms and subsequently was employed in a lumber mill. In the early fifties he was married to Roxie Jane Hills, at Oconomowoc, Wis., and they resided and kept house at Iron Ridge for about eight years. There two of their children were born, Cornelia and Oliver, the subject of this sketch.

In 1864 the family came to Clark County, making the trip by rail to Sparta, and from there with an ox team to Loyal, where the father took up 160 acres in section 11, it being then all wild land, and the country destitute of roads. They had to go to Neillsville for supplies, a distance of about 18 miles, but used oxen for transporting their provisions. Mr. Smith had to clear a place on which to build a log house and barn. He worked out a little but spent most of his time in clearing up his own place. Three more children were born there-Anna, Clara and Charlie. By the time the father died, May 1, 1911, he had cleared most of his land and had a good farm.

Oliver J. Smith was educated in the old log schoolhouse at Dodgeville. When 15 years old he began working in the woods for Elias Weaver, and was thus employed fourteen winters, working on the home farm in the summer. At the age of 29 he married Jennie Nichols, Nov. 9, 1891. She was a daughter of Milo Lester and Tamma Jane (Fuller) Nichols, of Weston Township, Clark County, where she was born, May 5, 1871, and acquired her education. Her father was a veteran of the Civil War. After his marriage Mr. Smith settled on the homestead, operating the farm, and this place has remained his home up to the present time. He has made some notable improvements on it, having erected a seven-room brick house; a basement barn, 36 by 50 feet; a granary, 1-6 by 24 feet, and a hog house, 16 by 30 feet in size. It is interesting to note that I his father, A. J. Smith, in 1873, built the first frame barn in this section, a structure 36 by 46 feet, set on blocks, which is still standing, and which was lately remodeled to a basement barn by the subject of this. sketch. Mr. Smith raises Holstein cattle and Poland-China hogs. He was at one time the owner of the Dodgeville Cheese Factory, but sold it. Aside from his farming interests he owns stock in the Citizens State Bank of Loyal, in the Wausau Packing Company and in the Farmers' Independent Harvester Company. He has also taken a more or less active part in local government, having served three terms on the township side board and thirteen years as school director.

Mrs. Jennie (Nichols) Smith died Dec. 26, 1893. She left two children, Dimple, who married Clair Lyons, of Beaver Township, and has one child, Alice; and Archie, who married Carrie E. Vanderhoof, daughter of Chas. Vanderhoof, and who, with her husband, resides in Sherman Township, on an eighty-acre farm. Mr. Smith contracted a second marriage, May 6, 1896, to Fannie Nichols, sister of his first wife. Of this union five children have been born: Lottie, Owen, Lee, Floyd and Vera, all living at home except Lottie, who married Oswald Hemeinger, a farmer of Freemont Township.

Wm. Hills died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. Clementson, on Wednesday, April 21, 1920, at the age of 89 years. He was born in Hebron Township, Washington Co., N.Y., March 22, 1831, and came with his parents to Jefferson Co., Wis., in 1845. When 27 years old he married Phoebe Sitts of Iron Ridge. After his marriage he, with his bride, returned east for two years, then coming back to Iron Ridge, dodge County, where he conducted a hotel and grocery store for his father-in-law.

In the spring of 1864 in company with three others, William Welch and two brothers-in-law, Abraham Smith and Henry Sitts, he came to Clark County, Wis., walking from Tomah to Black River Falls, from there to Neillsville and then to Loyal township. Each man selected a quarter section, cornering together on Sec. 10 and 11. That fall they went to Dodge County and brought their wives back.

With an axe as his only tool, Mr. Hill built a log house. In his spare time he spent making shingles, which he sold at Neillsville for $2 a thousand. After about a year on the farm, Mr. Hill lost his wife. He later married Delany Fuller, who died in 1884. Later he married Tammie Nichols, who died a number of years ago.

Mr. Hill lived on his farm about 30 years and during that time he held offices of constable, assessor, justice of the peace, and school clerk. He was a kind neighbor and friend. During the past few years he has been a great sufferer, but was always patient.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Francis Clementson of Loyal, two sons, George Hill of Michigan, Ray Hill of Elmhurst, one sister, Mrs. Annie Mingle of Wibeaux, Mont., seventeen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church at 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, and was largely attended by friends and neighbors. Rev. Chatterson officiated.

The remains were interred in the Dodgeville Cemetery. aka Pine Grove, Loyal Twp

Saturday evening, Jan. 29, 1916, at 11:40 o'clock, Wm. Hills died at his home in our village. He reached the age of forty-five years, six months and twenty-six days. The cause of his death was pneumonia.

Deceased was born on a farm in the town of Loyal, Clark County, Wis., July 3, 1870. On Jan. 1, 1895 he was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Lenling of Loyal. Seven children were born to this union, who with their mother mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. The children are Paul, Calvin, Harold, Walter, Alfred, Charles and Delana. His father, Wm. Hills Sr., also survives him, besides many other relatives and friends.

The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from the M. E. Church, under the auspices of the M. W. A., of which he was a member for many years. Rev. Powell officiated.

Milo Lester Nichols, b. abt 1821, NY; d. 9 Mar 1897. WI; son of Wm & Mary “Polly” Nichols

(2) Tamma Jane (Fuller) Meacham 12 May 1866, WI (3) Lillie A. Thorp 09 May 1892, WI

n Hills, Fannie (Tammie?) 7-Sep-1832 24-May-1906 D. rcd 4-16-73 William Hills Sr.

Tamma Jane Alihn & Elizabeth Fuller parents: Elihu & Elizabeth “Betsy” Fuller

m. (1) 1858: William Meacham (2) 1866: Milo Lester Nichols (3) 1886: William Hills Sr.

t Hills, William Sr. 22-Mar-1831 21-Apr-1920 son of Jesse & Pamelia (Gould) Hills

these are the dates given for “Fannie (Tammie?) Hills” in this cemetery –

to Hills, Catherine 22-Sep 1819 21-Aug 1909 William Smith 1840 / Jesse Hills 1852

Meecham, William R. Monroe Sept 28, ’63 Died (of disease) July 1 ’64, Ft. Jackson, La.

Edward Nichols, residence Sparta WI, Co. C 36^th Regt Infantry, enlisted 29 Feb 1864

Robert M. Meacham Neillsville Oct. 25, ’61 Pris. Corinth; disch Apr 9 ’63, Disab

Cemetery Address: 1202 Virginia Street Mobile, AL 36604 Buried At: Section 2 Site 353

Veteran's Name: Jesse Hille Relative's Name: Catharine Hille Relationship: Widow

Rank: Private Company: B Regiment: 16 Wis Inf Length of service: 0 yr 5 mo 12 days

Name: William Hills Jr. Age in 1910: 38 Est. Birth Yr: abt 1872 Birthplace: Wisconsin

Name: Delia A Burington Est. Birth Year: abt 1834 Age in 1870: 36 Birthplace: New York

From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901 - page 717-718

DAVID BURRINGTON, who owns a fine farm of forty acres in the village of Browntown, Green county, is a descendant of a family who came to America shortly after the arrival of the "Mayflower," and whose progeny are scattered all over the United States. Ami BURRINGTON, the great-grandfather of David, a native of Connecticut, was the father of four children that grew to maturity, namely: Edward, Hulda, Rensselaer and Lucinda.

Edward BURRINGTON, son of Ami, married Lydia Merritt, of Vermont, and reared a family of five children: Reuben; Wilber, of Minnesota; Amanda, who wedded Lucius GRISWOLD; Lewis, deceased; and Perry, of Wisconsin.

Reuben BURRINGTON, son of Edward, was born May 5, 1829, in Orleans county, Vt., and at the age of seven years was taken by his parents to Pennsylvania, where they remained some years, and then moved to Ohio. On Jan. 1, 1857, he married Miss Cordelia Meacham, daughter of Hosea and Mary (Nichols) Meacham, who originally came from New York State, and were of Scottish origin. Mr. and Mrs. MEACHAM had a family of six children: L. R., of Clark county, Wis.; Cordelia, Mrs. BURRINGTON, born in 1834; William R., killed at Fort Jackson, La., in the Civil war; Fannie B., wife of Jacob Dietz, of Monroe, Wis.; John, a farmer of Cadiz township; and Horace, a farmer in Clark county, Wis. Walter W., an adopted son, resides in Brodhead, Wis. Hosea Meacham was a son of Lyman Meacham, who was born in New York, and was the father of the following children: Hosea, Bettie, Lydia, Nancy, Lucina, Sallie, Ann, Milo, Daniel, Jeremiah, Jeannette, Lucy, Noah, Lucinda. To Reuben BURRINGTON and his wife were born nine children, of whom seven survive, those beside our subject being: Eva, wife of Boyd NILES, of Green county; Hosea, who married Ellen BOUFFMAN; Daniel, who married Minnie MOHOW, of Chicago; William, who wedded Hattie Murr, of Naperville, Ill.; Fannie, wife of James Flannery, of Jordan township; and Mabel, wife of Charles McCoy, of Argyle, Wis. Reuben BURRINGTON served in the Civil war as a member of Battery D, 1st Wisconsin Volunteer Heavy Artillery.

David BURRINGTON, son of Reuben, was born July 4, 1862, and was reared to manhood on the farm in Green county, receiving such literary training as could be obtained in the neighborhood schools. At the age of twenty he went to Colorado, remained one year, and then, returning to Wisconsin, found employment on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road as section foreman, with headquarters at Gratiot, Wis. He efficiently discharged the duties of this position until 1899, when he resigned, removing to Browntown, where he had purchased land. He is now engaged in the dairy business in connection with farming, and is meeting with no little success.

On April 5, 1888, Mr. BURRINGTON was married to Miss Minnie Huebner, daughter of C. F. and Mary Huebner, and by her had four children, three of whom are now living: Charles, Ervin and Florence. Mrs. BURRINGTON died Dec. 19, 1894, and on May 23, 1896, Mr. BURRINGTON married Miss Marguerite LONG, daughter of Casper and Elmira (LONG) LONG, residents of Browntown, Wis. of German descent. Two children have been born of this second union, one that died in infancy, and Hazel. Mr. BURRINGTON has taken an active interest in public affairs, and during his residence at Gratiot was a member of the village board. Politically he always votes the Republican ticket. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church he takes a part in all church work. Socially he belongs to Gratiot Lodge, No. 118, of the Masonic fraternity, of which he has served as secretary for a number of years, and at Browntown is a member of the M.W.A., Pearl Camp, No. 1141.

Family members have written, “Milo married May 12, 1866 at Decatur, Green Co., WI to Tamma Jane Fuller. Tamma was the widow of William R. Meacham who served with Co D, 1st Wis. H.A., from September 28, 1863 until his death at Ft. Jackson, LA, 1 Jul 1864. Meacham joined at Monroe, Green Co., WI. It should be noted that the mother of William R. Meacham was Mary Nichols, who was the sister of Milo Lester Nichols. We are quite certain that he was brother to Daniel Nichols who was the father of a family that lived primarily in Monroe Co., WI after 1854. A number of the next generation moved to Clark Co. c. 1870 with many remaining and some who then returned to Monroe Co. c. 1877. We also know that he and Tamma were divorced on March 17, 1882 at Clark Co., WI and that he has become a difficult person to find since. There is a pair of notes in a family diary dated January 23, 1896, "Milo Nichols & wife here" and on January 25, 1896, "Milos went away" that may at least give credence to the fact that he may still have been alive at this time..”

Mr. Adler,

I am responding to a note that has been passed my way concerning Milo Lester Nichols. We are quite certain that he was brother to Daniel Nichols who was the father of a family that lived primarily in Monroe Co., WI after 1854. A number of the next generation moved to Clark Co. c. 1870 with many remaining and some who then returned to Monroe Co. c. 1877.

We are also convinced that Milo served in the 3rd Battery Wisconsin Light Artillery from September 1, 1861 until November 1861 when he was listed as a deserter. He married May 12, 1866 at Decatur, Green Co., WI to Tamma Jane Fuller. Tamma was the widow of William R. Meacham who served with the 1st R Wis Heavy Artillery, Co. D from September 28, 1863 until his death at Ft. Jackson, LA on July 1, 1864. Meacham joined at Monroe, Green Co., WI. It should be noted that the mother of William R. Meacham was Mary Nichols, who was the sister of Milo Lester Nichols.

I do not know of any service from IL but the dates still make this possible and the fact that he was near the WI/IL border after the War makes it certainly possible that he served from there. We also know that he and Tamma were divorced on March 17, 1882 at Clark Co., WI and that he has become a difficult person to find since. There is a pair of notes in a family diary dated January 23, 1896, "Milo Nichols & wife here" and on January 25, 1896, "Milos went away" that may at least give credence to the fact that he may still have been alive at this time.

I am most interested in finding out more about this man and anything that you might uncover with your inquiry. If you think that I might be able to answer any other questions, please drop me a line. My name is Ronald Nichols and I am descended directly from the Daniel Nichols mentioned above. I can be reached at nichols@itis.com.

Thanks, Ron

••••••••••••

My late husband was descended from Philetus Nichols, the second son of Milo Nichols. According to family legend, after the death of his wife Cornelia, Milo took the three boys into town in a wagon and abandoned them there.
This doesn't further your research of Milo, but it speaks to his character.

Regards, Ann Lefevre

Contributors

Paul Forster, Carolynn Glidden, Marsha Hosfeld, Ron Nichols (family member), Janet Schwarze & Crystal Wendt

Sources

VGR: L. A. Allen, of Neillsville, had charge of the veteran's graves registration when that work was a project, and followed up the work himself, after the government called off the project before its completion, as has been done with many another good projects. Among many others, Mr. Allen searched vigilantly for data on Capt. Joseph H. Finley, of the war of 1812. News: Humbird – Locals (29 Jan. 1938); Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 21 Aug. 1883; Clark County, WI Courthouse Records; Civil War Rosters.

Milo Lester Nichols is also featured in the book, "Civil War Soldiers in the heart of Clark Co., Wisconsin."