Birmingham age-herald., 1895-08-12
A CHECKERED CAREER.
THE STORY OF ALEXIS MlCHELSON
Of AriStocratic Lineage by the Left Hand, He Cut Wide SWath for
 Awhile.

Jacksonville, Fla, Aug. 1.-The flight of Attorney Alexis M. Nicholson to avoid prosecution for forgery has revealed an interesting story in regard to his career. Nicholson is a Russian by birth and the illegitimate son of an eX-mayor of st. Peterburg His mother was a famous actress who, it is said, even found favor with the grandfather of the present czar. In the early part of the '70's Mich olson, then about IS years old, became in- volved in plot against the czar, and to save him from Liberia he was sent to this country by his noble father Nicholson sailed from St. Petersburg on ship bound for Charleston, S. C., commanded by Capt. J. T. Hubbard. He had money and letters of introduction to prominent people in Charleston. Among the letters was one to Col. w. l.. Trenholm, late comptroller of the currency.
 Armed with these letters and being bright and handsome the young Russian exile was soon cutting a wide swath in Charleston. He studied law in the office of a prominent Charleston firm, was ad- mitted to the bar and then taken into partnership by his patrons.
 Meanwhile remittances from Russia ceased and Nicholson found himself in need of money to continue his swell ca reer. Then he began to forge the name of the law firm, securing large sums. Ac- cused of forgery he confessed and was forgiven. He was soon robbing the firm again, however, and was finally arrested on complaint of the German bank of Charleston. A trial followed and Mich olson was sent to the Columbia peniten- tiary. While in the penitentiary> Michel con learned of a plot of desperate con- victs to escape, which he betrayed to the officials, thereby saving the lives of the warden and several guards. For this he was pardoned. There were rumors that Nicholson instigated the conspiracy solely to secure a pardon.
 Leaving the penitentiary, Nicholson settled in Mount Pleasant, S. C., across the river from Charleston, and went to teaching school Then he joined the Campbellite church and became preach CT. While preaching, Nicholson married Miss Russell, daughter of wealthy planter. His wife was a large woman and very determined. About year af- ter her marriage she learned that Michel son was untrue to her, and the story goes that she took her husband across her knee and used a shingle on him. This treatment so hacked Nicholson that he emigrated to Madison, Fla, bringing with him beautifufgirl whom he repre- sented as his wife, although there is no record that he was ever divorced from his South Carolina wife.
 AtAMadison Nicholson began to prac- tlce law, and Tn year was so popular that he was chosen to the Florida legis- lature. He made brilliant record in the legislature and returned to Madison with a bright future. Then he became in- volved in a Jason with mans wife and fled to Quitman, Ga. In Quitman he com mitted forgery and flew back to Madison, where he was arrested, but escaped by donnng the garb of a woman and slip ping down the pillar of porch. In some way the charges against him were hushed up, and two years ago Nicholson came to Jacksonville announcing his in- tentions to reform. He soon built up good practice, and about year ago mar ried woman here. announcing that he had been divorced from his other two wives. But Nicholson could not keep straight and last week forged the name of Attorney Pope to note for a large amount, and, when discovery was immi- nent, fled. It now develops that he has never been divorced from his three wives. It is thought the eX-convict eX-legislator, ex-teacher, preacher, bigamist and son of Russian nobleman has gone to Mont gomery, Ala, and efforts will be made to bring him back. He is a handsome fel- low, of small statue, with raven black hair and mellow brown eyes.