Beckham County, OK - Obits: Orson Nichols, 1929
Tuesday, 09 Sep 2008
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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NICHOLS, ORSON
(10 Jan 1929, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK):
Orson Nichols died at the home of his son Earl Nichols, January 1, 1929,
at the age of 91 years, five months and seven days.
The body was prepared for shipment to Weatherford, Oklahoma, by Geo. R.
Grubitz & Son funeral directors.  Interment was made in the Weatherford
cemetery (Custer County) under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge.
Obituary.
Mr. Nichols was born in Otsego county of New York state on July 24th,
1837, giving him the very remarkable age of 91 years, 5 months and 6 days
(sic) as the span of his earthly life.  Like so many rugged Americans, Mr.
Nichols got his early training on the farm; from the farm he graduated
into business in 1864, and promoted  his merchandising operations in the
following places for almost a half century; in Tama and Poweshiek counties
of Iowa; and at McConnell and Stevens counties, Illinois.
He came to Oklahoma in 1901, settling at Weatherford where he resided for
ten years.  In 1911 he moved to Elk City, which town remained his home for
the balance of his life.  The death of his wife in December, 1914, broke
up his own home, but left him with the memory of a tender ministry of
nursing and care for her in the long period of her sickness which he
insisted on giving and loved to bestow.  From that time forward he lived
alternately, as the desire took him, in the homes of the son, Frank O.
Nichols, of Oklahoma City, and Earl O. Nichols of Elk City.
It was while on a visit in the home of his son Earl that the final illness
seized him and made a peaceful, quiet conclusion of his life, despite the
full and loving and expert care given by the doctors, by Mrs. Earl
Nichols, particularly, and many friends who showered the family with
offers of help.
In addition to his business activities Mr. Nichols found time and regard
for such fraternal orders as the Masons and Knights Templar.
The funeral services were private, held from the home of the son, Earl O.
Nichols on West Second street.  Rev. John A. Tracy of the Presbyterian
church presided, assisted by Rev. Carl V. Covey  of the First Christian
church.  The music was supervised by Mrs. Virgil Hill as an offering of
affection and the participants in addition to Mrs. Hill were Miss Iola
Harrison, the violinist, Mrs. Jack Cummings, Mrs. John I. Taylor, Mr.
Robert Cooper and Mrs. John Black.  The floral pieces were profuse and of
great beauty, representing the love and respect of a host of friends;
these were taken to the place of burial.
An honorary escort of the Masons walked with the pall bearers, G. H.
Crumley, W. H. Winn, J. Custer, W. C. Jones, Chas. Johnson, and R. O.
Ward.  When the funeral cortege took its way to the Rock Island railway
from which the body was transported to Weatherford for interment, beside
his wife. (Custer County).
Many relatives of Mr. Nichols were prostrate with prevailing flu epidemic
and so, unable to attend the funeral or even serve during the last days of
life.  Among those who could be present were Frank O. Nichols of Oklahoma
City; Mr. and Mrs. Earl O. Nichols and son Earl., Jr., of Elk City; Mr.
and Mrs. Faye Nichols of Elk City.  These went by auto to Weatherford
where they were met by Dr. Roland and Mrs. Frank O. Nichols of Oklahoma
City; Mr. Charles Hocker of Norman; Mrs. Jim Jones with her son, Murel,
and daughter Mrs. J. H. Brown of Anthony, Kansas, and Mr. and Mrs. Horace
Allen of Duncan.

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