The Portland daily press., 1880-12-08
[Natick CitiZen.l
Andrew j. Nichols.


Mr.. Nichols died most unexpectedly and
suddenly at his residence in Natick, on Tues
morning, Nov 80, 1880. Only a few hours be-
fore, he had parted with the family in the gay
est and happiest mood, and apparently in per-
feet health, to spend the day in Boston, re.
turning on the ten o'clock train. All his COM
panions who met him in this interval testify
that he was in his usual vigorous spirits, en-
tertaining every one who spoke with him.
But at LIS a. M, he was dead-epileptic con-
vulsions, passing into paralysis of the heart
"Media in Uita IN naorte sunaus" Mr. Nichols
had large experience with men and the
world, as the following brief record shows
Born in Augusta, Maine, December 80, 1887,
he went to California at the age of seventeen
where he lived nine years. Somewhat earlier,
however, he sailed for home in the unfortu-
nate "Golden Gate" burned at sea and showed
signally his bravery and endurance by helping
many to escape to a barren coast and then by
swimming to hail passing vessel when they
were nearly dead with starvation. He lived,
and first told the news of the disaster in San
Francisco. By the advice of his physician and
to regain his health, he took office as a Pur-
ser in the steamer Constitution running be-
tween San Francisco and Panama, and made
about forty trips AT length he arrived home
in October, 1868, and assisted in raising compa-
nies for the I'd Maine Cavalry, with whom he
served year in the Quartermaster's Depart
ment at New Orleans, as the command was
scattered on various duties, though Gen. Burn
side plead to have them at the front.
A fter the war he engaged in business in Sa-
vannah, which was soon disposed OF that he
might go to dying sister in Gibraltar Re-
turning to the United States, he next went to
Liverpool, England, where he nearly died of
cholera, whose germs were contracted in
SPAIN That was in 1866. In 1867 he married
in Natick, soon went again to California with
his wife and stayed three years. During this
period he was assistant Secretary of State.
Once more coming to NaGick in the fall of
1870, he was for time associated with the late
Edward Walcott in the shoe business, and was
member of the Union Lumber Company in
which capacity he is so well remembered. In
the winter of 1876 he travelled for his health,
whiting California, Norfolk, Va, etc. In 1877
he spent the summer at the Ocean House,
Cape Elizabeth. and finding sea air SO benef-
cial, he purchased the property, and has most
successfully managed this popular summer re-
sort ever since. Then came his death.
Everybody knew him, what generous,
.Open-hearted, companionable man he was,
drawing to himself hosts of friends that had no
particular claim upon him, and attaching with
the bonds of love, all those who had such
claims. He was loyal to all, dear good fellow
10 all, ana an lrreparaDle loss TO MS relaIlVeS.
He believed in "God Almighty. in Jesus
Christ and in good conscience, and it is
comfort to know that his true example and no.
bleheartedness will receive their just reward,
and be long remembered by a multitude of
mourners.
His funeral was attended on Thursday after
noon, the services being performed by Rev. F.
n. Peloubet, and Rev. f. FL. Bigelow of the
Episcopal church. The deceased being men,
Der of the Portland Commandery of knights
Templar, the following Sir Knights of the Ma
tick Commandery acted as bearers: c. A.
Davis, f. l.. Ferrin, E. f. Perry, o. A. Felch,
Francis Bigelow, Edward A. Hayes The re-
mains were deposited in Dell Park Cemetery.
This very sad event has cast deep gloom
over the whole community where the deceased
was well known, and the afflicted widow and
other relatives will receive the warmest sym
pathy of all their friends.