Outagamie County, WI - Thomas and Catherine (Rose) Nickel of Maple Creek *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives SUBJECT: Thomas and Catherine (Rose) Nickel of Maple Creek, Outagamie Co. WI SUBMITTER: Lynda K. McGinnis EMAIL: lmcginnis@hms.harvard.edu DATE SUBMITTED: 17 July 1999 SURNAMES: Nickel SOURCE: compiled by Lynda K. McGinnis, written June 1999 Thomas and Catherine (Rose) Nickel of Maple Creek, Outagamie Co. WI [by Lynda K. McGinnis, M. S., written June 1999] Thomas Nickel was born 17 Jun 1800 in western PA and was probably the son of William and Isabel Nickel of Delaware Twp, Mercer Co, PA. Thomas Nickel married c1820 Catherine Rose, daughter of John and Susannah (Ault) Rose also of Delaware Twp. Thomas and Catherine had at least 10 children, all born in Mercer Co, PA. In 1847, they sold their land in Mercer County to the Methodist Church for $1 and moved their entire family to the town of Utica, Winnebago Co, WI. In February 1852, they moved farther north through the wilderness to Johnson's Trading Post, Waupaca Co. The Nickel's lived in what is now Maple Creek, Outagamie Co, WI. Unfortunately, Thomas Nickel, Sr died only 2 months after the move to Maple Creek. Since the township did not have a cemetery yet, Thomas Nickel was buried in the woods nearby. The Maple Creek Cemetery was later staked-out around the graves of Thomas Nickel and his grandson, "baby" McDonald, Thomas, Catherine and most of their children were buried in Old Maple Creek (Golden Hill) Cemetery near New London. The information about the Nickel's move north is recorded in the History of Outagamie Co, by Ryan Thomas. Some of the Nickel's children were also recorded in the history including, Thomas C., Levi and John Nickel, all living in Maple Creek. George W. Law was said to be the first settler in this area. There were many Indians living there at that time and "it seemed nearly a year before his wife saw (another) white woman". His wife was Isabella Nickel, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Rose) Nickel. First Generation: Children of Thomas and Catherine (Rose) Nickel (all born in Mercer Co- PA), (Based on US Census 1830-1900, marriage and death records, tombstones, residence & information shared from other descendants of this family): 1. John Nickel, b. c 1 823; in Mary ---, d?. ( 1850 census but, no further information.) 2. Isabella (Elizabeth) Nickel, b. 29 May 1825; in. c 1845 George Law (b. 10 Feb 1817 PA; d. 17 Jun 1912), Mercer Co, PA; d. 11 Jan 1892, New London, WI; bur. Maple Creek Cem. 3. William Wilson Nickel, b. 12 Oct 1827; in. 21 Mar 1850 Harriett Holby (b. 22 Aug 1831 PA); res. 1850 with brother John Nickel, next door to their parents in Utica, WI; in 1852 William and Harriet were present at the marriage of Catherine Nickel and William McDonald at Johnson's Trading Post, WI; res. 1860 Delaware Twp, Mercer Co, PA. The story passed down to their descendants says that William and Harriet Nickel went west with some of their family but, they decided to return to PA, They travelled by ship Erom Wisconsin to Ohio. Upon arriving there, they had no money left and were wondering how they would be able to travel the rest of the way to Mercer Co. As they were walking off the ship, they discovered some money lying on the walkway and it was just enough to by their passage home to Pennsylvania. William Nickel d. 21 May 189 1, bur. 'in Greenwood Cemetery, Mercer Co, PA. {This family information is from Russel S. Nickel, a descendant of Wm & Harriet Nickel.} 4. Thomas C. Nickel, b. 18 Oct 1832; ml. Isabella Mills, 25 Apr 1858 at Embarrass, Outagamie Co, WI; m2. Jane Mills (Isabella & Jane were sisters), 19 Sep 1877 at Fond Du Lac, WI; d. 3 Nov 1913 at the Veterans Home in King, WI; Thomas Nickel was a veteran of the Civil War and received a pension for his service. He was enlisted and discharged on the same days and served in the same unit with his brother-in-law William McDonald: Co. L, 3rd WI Vol. Cavalry. 5. Catherine Anne Nickel, b. 13 Apr 1835; in. 10 Mar 1852 (or 1853?) William McDonald (b. 29 Aug 1830 OH; d. 21 Apr 1904. His father, Charles McDonald was from Delaware Twp, Mercer Co, PA to where he returned cl832-39 when William was very young. The McDonald and Nickel families lived very close to each other in Delaware Twp and it is likely that William McDonald moved to Wisconsin with or shortly after the Nickel family even though, he has not been found in the 1850 census records. William McDonald served in Co. L, 3rd Wis. Vol. Calvary during the Civil War and received a pension for his service and long term illness which was caused during the war by scurvey and malnutrition). The marriage of Catherine Nickel and Wm McDonald is recorded in the county history as the first marriage of white settlers at Johnson's Trading Post which, is now New London, WI; Catherine d. 5 May 1917, both are buried in Maple Creek Cemetery. 6. Levi H. Nickel, b. 27 Nov 1838; in. 6 Apr 1866 at Maple Creek, Outagamie Co, WI to Mary Jane Spence (b. 9 Aug 1843 NY, d. 30 Oct 1897);d. 13 Feb 1912. He served as a corporal in Co. 1, 17th Wis Vol. Infantry during the Civil War. His war diary has been copied and deposited at the Wisconsin State Historical Society, Madison, WI. 7. Eliza Nickel, b. 9 May 1840; d. 3 Aug 1865, bur Maple Creek Cem. 8. Matilda b.c 1 839 (in the 1850 census but, no record found after). 9. Allate "Lettie" M. Nickel, b. 11 Sep 1845; m. 26 Nov 1864 August Roloff (b. 28 May 1839 Prussia; d. 29 Sep 1911) in Maple Creek, Outagamie Co; d, 1903 Outagamie Co, WI; bur. Maple Creek Cem. 10. George B. Nickel, b. c I 845; in. 6 Feb 1875 Jane Billings in Liberty, Outagamie Co, WI; d? Second Generation: John R. Nickel (1) & Mary ( --- ): 1.1 Sarah Nickel, b. 1850 WI (1850 census but, no further information). Isabella Nickel (2) & George Law: {information on children pieced together from census records & father's obituary notice) 2.1 Davis Law, b. bef 1850 PA; res. 1912 Maple Creek, WI. 2.2 Ena Law, b. bef 1850 PA; in. Mr. Comellas; res. 1912 New London, WI. 2.3 Mary Law, b. c 1 848 PA; in. bef 18 73 August Finger; res. 1912 Sugar Bush, WI. 2.4 (Neury?) Law, b. c 1 848 PA (only found in 1850 census). 2.5 Rebecca J. Law, b. c 1 849 PA (only found 'in 185 0 census). 2.6 Emma Law, b. cl858 WI; in. Herman Finger cl878; res. 1880 with George & Isabella Law in Hortonia, WI; res. 1912 Port Arthur, Canada. William Wilson Nickel (3) & Harriett Holh (all children born in Mercer Co- PA): 3.1 William Thoms Nickel, b. 10 (or 18) Sep 1853; in. Ennis Lilly. 3.2 Catherine 1. Nickel, b. 19 Mar 1855; d. 1914. 3.3 Susan E. Nickel, b. 24 Apr 1858; d. 3 Jun 1886. 3.4 James W. Nickel, b. 20 Jan 1860; d. 27 Jan 1861. 3.5 Charles H. Nickel, b. 28 Oct 1861; d. I Mar 1883. 3.6 Adelma Nickel, b. 19 Mar 1863; m. Amelia (--- ); d. 1945. 3.7 ((Henry?) Nickel, b. cl864; census record but, no further information; maybe was Anny?) 3.8 Anna L. Nickel, b. 13 Mar 1864. 3.9 Samuel W. Nickel, b. I Jan 1866; d. 4 Oct 1888. 3.10 Clara Nickel, b. 30 Jun 1868. 3.11 Hattie A. Nickel, b. 21 May 1871; d. 3 Feb 1890. 3.12 Frank Nickel, b. 2 Feb 1873; d. 4 May 1894. 3.13 Leda B. Nickel, b. 1 Jan 1874; in. Bessie (--- ); d. 6 Jun 1955. Thomas C. Nickel (4) & Isabella Mills: {information on children given in Thomas Nickel's pension file, 1911.) 4.1 William T. Nickel, b. 26 Feb 186 1; res. 191 1 in Dickinson, Stark Co, ND. 4.2 Harry W. Nickel, b. 8 Nov 1864; res. 1911 in Excelsior, Hennepin Co, MN. Catherine Anne Nickel (5) & William McDonald (all probably born in New London or Maple Creek, WI): (information from census, county and cemetery records & Wm McD's pension file.) 5.1 William D. McDonald, b. 1852; d. 10 Jul 1852 age 3 months; bur. Maple Creek Cem. 5.2 Leander McDonald, b. c I 854; d. 22 Aug 1863 age 9yr 19 days, bur Maple Creek Cem. 5.2 William T. McDonald, b. 1857; d. 10 Aug 1857 age 3 months; bur. Maple Creek Cem. 5.3 Aaron McDonald, b. 17 Apr 1858. 5.4 Bower McDonald, b. 15 Sep 1860; prob. not married; worked at a logging camp in Langlade Co, WI. 5.5 Delila A. McDonald, b. 22 Aug 1864. 5.6 Laura McDonald, b. c 1 864 (1870 census record but, no further information) 5.7 Elnora "Ella" McDonald, b. I I Jul 1866; in. 2 Oct 1885 William Snook at Hortonia, Outagamie Co, WI; d. 1900-1910 Hortonia, WI. 5.8 Bertha McDonald, b. 6 Nov 1870 (or 8 Nov 1871) Maple Creek, WI; ml. 25 Dec 1893 Charles Lyons in the home of her parents at New London, WI; divorced 1903; m2. Frank Smith; d. Apr 1970 Sylvester, Waupaca Co, WI. Levi H. Nickel (6) & Maa Jane Spen@e. {this information on Levi and Mary (Spence) Nickel is from Nora Nickel, their granddaughter- in-law) 6.1 Albert B. Nickel, b. 22 Apr 1867 Maple Creek, WI; in. Mary Thcrm; d. I Aug 1949. 6.2 Anna M. Nickel, b. 9 Mar 1869 Maple Creek, WI; in. Mr. DeRimple. 6.3 Lizzie E. Nickel, b. 7 Nov 1871 Maple Creek, WI; in. Mr Macklin. 6.4 Dalsey F. Nickel, b. 10 Feb 1876 Maple Creek, WI; m. Mr. Hutchinson. 6.5 Della Nickel, b. I I Sep 1878 Maple Creek, WI; in. Mr. Sackett. Allate M. Nickel (9) & August Roloff, {information from census, cemetery & county records, and obituaries) 9.1 Caroline Roloff, b. c 1 866 WI. 9.2 Julius Roloff, b. c I 869 WI; res. 1911 Medford, WI. 9.3 Henry Roloff, b. c 1 870 WI; res. 191 1 Maple Creek, WI. 9.4 Frederick Roloff, b. c 1 8 72 WI -, res. 191 1 Manitowoc, WI. 9.5 Mary Roloff, b. c I874. 9.6 August Roloff, b. c I 876 WI; res. 1911 Maple Creek, WI. 9.7 Edward Roloff, b. cl878 Maple Creek, Outagamie Co, WI; m. Dec 1902 Mary Adelaide Batcheller at Deer Creek, Outagamie Co, WI; occupation cheese maker; res. 1911 Dorchester, WI. 9.8 Alma Roloff, b. probably after 1880 @named in father's obituary but, no other info on her. {note: in August Roloff s obituary (1911), 3 daughters are named: Mrs Buelow of Sugar Bush, Mrs. Roeder of Maple Creek and Miss Alma Roloff of Texas. note: obituary notices give us the following: {21 Jun 1912 New London News Obit.: George W. Law died. He was b 1817 in PA and there married Elizabeth Nickel in 1845. They moved west shortly thereafter and settled in New London c1850. He was a partner in a sawmill, tannery and steamboat businesses and a farmer. They have 3 dau & 1 son who survive him: Ena Cornelius of New London, Emma Finger of Port Arthur, Canada and Mary Finger of Sugar Bush, Davis Law of Maple Creek.) note: no newspaper available for wife's obit. {10 Apr 1903 New London News Obit.: Mrs Allate M. Roloff died. She was b in PA, 11 Sep 1845, and came west with her parents Mr & Mrs Thomas Nichol [sic] when she was but six years old..." She married August Roloff 26 Nov 1864. They had 11 children, 10 survived. {29 Sep 1910 New London News Obit.: August Roloff died. His first wife died about 6 years previously and he was survived by his 2nd wife. His children who survived him: Fred Roloff of Manitowoc, Julius of Medford, Ed of Dorchester, Henry, August and Herman of Maple Creek, Mrs Buelow of Sugar Bush, Mrs Roeder of Maple Creek, and Miss Alma of Texas.} Catherine Anne Nickel was born in Mercer Co, PA, 13 Apr 1835 and married William McDonald on 10 Mar 1853. They were the parents of 6 children, all born in Maple Creek (New London), Outagamie Co, WI: 1) Aaron, b. 17 Apr 1858; 2) Bower, b. 15 Sep 1860; 3) Delila A., b. 22 Aug 1864; 4) Elnora, b. 11 Jul 1866, m. William Snook c 1886, lived Hortonia, Outagamie Co, WI, d. 1900- 10; 5) Bertha, b. 6 Nov 1870 Maple Creek, Outagamie Co, WI, m. 25 Dec 1893 Charles Lyons, d. cl930's; 6) Laura b. cl864 (this maybe the same person as #3). {refs Wm McDonald's civil war pension file, US Census 1850-1920, marriage and death records.} (Obituary of Levi F. Nickel, New London Press, WI, 16 Feb 1912) "Another Reveille Sounded" "The ranks of the G. A. R. were diminished by one Monday night when the reveille sounded for Levi H Nickel. He came to " county when but a boy with his father and settled on a farm in Maple Creek. In 1861 when the call came to arms, he enlisted for the preservation of the Union and served till the close of the war in Company I of the 17th Wisconsin volunteers. He came back after the war and was married to Miss Mary Spence in 1865 or 1866. To them were born 5 children: Mesdames William Darymple, Sackett, William Hutchinson, and Miss Lizzie Nickel and the son Albert who lives on the old farm in Maple Creek. For sixty of his seventy-seven years Levi Nickel has been an honest, faithful citizen doing his share to develop this part of the county and now he passes beyond respected and esteemed by all who knew him. The funeral held from the house this afternoon in charge of the G.A.R. and Rev. A.N. Henne. All the children were present. 'He has fought a good fight, he has finished the course.'" NEW LONDON NEWS 13 Mar 1903: "Mr. and Mrs, Wm. McDonald Celebrated their Golden Wedding - First couple ever married in the territory now including new london - Ceremony took place in first house built here - Resided in vicinity ever since. "The old couple still hale and hearty. "It was fifty years ago Tuesday, March 10, that the first marriage ceremony was performed in the city of New London, or what was know in that early day a Johnson's Trading Post, and more commonly called by the settlers farther down the river as "the mouth of the Embarrass." This section of the country was virtually a vast wilderness then, there being but few white settlers and many Indians, and the "Trading Post" consisted of but three buildings, a log cabin standing near the bank of the Wold river at the foot of what is now State street, built for and used as a trading post, and two frame buildings occupied by Ira Millard, Sr. and Ira Brown, with their respective families. "It was in the Millard building which stood near the present site of the Hotel Elwood, that the wedding ceremony was performed by Ransom Nickle of Mukwa, who was a justice of peace, while the bashful young man and fair maid who faced the justice on that occasion in the presence of Ira Millard, Sr. and Family, Thomas Nickle, Lucius Taft, Wilson Nickel, Mrs. Jane Turney and Harriet Nickel, was William McDonald and Catherine A. Nickle, whose homes were about three miles from the "trading post," and who for fifty years since have lived in the vicinity of, or in New London, and Tuesday they celebrated the golden, or fiftieth anniversary of that wedding day, at their home in the fifth ward, surrounded by their children, grandchildren, friends and relatives. "The children, two sons, Aaron and Bower McDonald of Antigo, and three daughters, Mrs. P. Boswine of Oshkosh, Mrs. Wm. Snook of Hortonia, and Miss Bertha McDonald, were all present at the festivities except Aaron whose children, two little girls, Gertrude and Genevive, were too ill to come and he could not leave without them. The grandchildren who were present were Vernon Snook, Ada Bosw'me and Carl and Irene Lyon. "The day was spent in seasonable enjoyment and from about noon until late in the evening there was a constant throng of people going to and from the home of the aged couple, all to extend congratulations and perchance partake of the savory refreshments of which there were two well laden tables, and many of the friends leaving tokens of remembrance of the day, there being several very valuable presents given. "One very noticeable fact was the presence of Ira Millard, Jr., Levi Nickle and Thomas Nickle, who were the only guests who were at the wedding fifty years ago. "William McDonald was born in the state of Ohio in 1830 and came to Wisconsin and settled near Omro in 1850, and moved to this vicinity two years later, and has been a resident ever since, following farming as a vocation nearly all his life. When the war of 1860-5 broke out he nobly responded to the call for volunteers, and served his country faithfully in C. L. 3rd Wis. Cavalry, and has some interesting tales to tell of his service 'in the army and of the early history of this country. "Catherine Nickle-McDonald was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, near Mercer City, in 1835, and she also came to Wisconsin in the early 50's with her parents and located near Omro, moving to this locality in 1851, and during her husbands absence at the time of the war she remained at her home caring for the farm and household. Though the couple are 76 and 68 years of age, they still appear hale and hearty, and enjoy life to its fullest extent, and people seeing them hardly realize that they have braved the storms of life for fifty years together. " William McDonald died 21 Apr 1904. His obituary was printed 22 Apr 1904 in the NEW LONDON NEWS, "Wm. McDonald, One of Our First Residents, Dead. Wm. McDonald, for 52 years a resident of this city, died at the ripe age of 77 years yesterday, after a illness of several months. Mr. McDonald was born in the state of Ohio and came to Wisconsin in 1850, settling near Omro where he resided two years before coming to this place. He followed farming until a few years ago when he moved to the fifth ward in this city and retired from active life. (photo of Wm McDonald). "On March 10th, 1853, he was united in matrimony with Catherine Nickel, being the first marriage performed in the city, which was then know as Johnson's Trading Post. This place then consisted of but three buildings, a log cabin situated near Wolf river, at the foot of what is now known as State street, built for and used as a trading post and two franie buildings occupied by Ira Millerd, Sr., and Ira Brown, with their respective families. "It was in the Millerd building, which stood near the present site of the Elwood hotel that the wedding ceremony was performed by Justice Ransom Nickel of Mukwa. On March 10, 1903, the aged couple celebrated their golden wedding at which all their children were present and three of the guests who were at the wedding 50 years before - Ira Millerd, Jr., Levi and Thos. Nickel. "Wm. McDonald nobly responded to the call to arms in the defense of his country when the civil war broke out and volunteered serving in Co. L, 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry. Besides the aged wife, two sons, Aaron and Bower McDonald of Antigo and three daughters, Mrs. P. Boswine of Oshkosh, Mrs. Theo. Snook of Hortonia, and Miss Bertha McDonald of this city, mourned his departure. The funeral will be held from the residence in the Fifth ward tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. F. L. Moore Officiating. " Catherine d. 5 May 1917. Her obituary was also printed in the NEW LONDON NEWS: "Old resident gone. Came to Wisconsin long before the civil war days. "Catherine A. Nichol (sic) was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1835, and died in New London, May 5, 1917, at the age of 83 years and 22 days. Deceased came to Wisconsin with her parents when but a small girl and resided here all her life. March 15, 1853, she was married to William McDonald and it is said that this was the first marriage performed in Waupaca county and surely in the locality where New London was later built. At that time the country was little better than a wilderness. Seven children were born to the union, four of whom are now living, two sons and two daughters. Her husband died about thirteen years ago. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. R. Lyon, 113 West Quincy street. Funeral service was conducted Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist church Rev. Justema officiating. Burial was made in Floral Hill cemetery." {note: I have not yet determined who was Ransom Nickel. "Wilson" and Harriet Nickel were probably William Wilson Nickel, a brother of Catherine and his wife Harriet (Holby). William W. & Harriet Nickel returned to Mercer Co, PA to live; Thomas & Levi Nickel were also brothers of Catherine.}