James Nickels, Sr. is not my direct line – he is my 6th great grand uncle and brother to my 6th Great Grandfather Jonathan Nichols/Nickles.
I want to mention that all information is provided and researched by Brian Keith Nichols,
Matthias Nickles, Sr (and Elizabeth Allen) Gx4 Grandson, and author of Journey Along the Holston: A History of the Nickels Family. I am posting it so that others researching this family line will have further information to better help them discover their roots. All links, from this page, will take you to another descendant’s (of James Nickels) website where you can learn more about the people listed below. To view the story of James Nickels, Sr., written by Brian himself, please visit his website at this location.
Please take note that I’ve been told that James NickELs is the one who changed the spelling of the Nichols, Nickles, etc. line to Nickels. Note that his brother, Jonathan, changed it to NickLEs. Between those two brothers, alone, this is why we find so many variations of the last name and lineage.
Interesting note: Nickelsville, Virginia received its name as a result of the mercantile store started by William Nickles and Walter Nickels. The store was supported by Allen Nickels who transported goods to the store, and by Mathias Nickels who worked in the store. Walter Nickels was also the postmaster at Nickelsville, Virginia.
Please be sure to read Brian’s post about “The Last Hanging in Scott County, Virginia” as it will certainly intrigue you. You can find that post here.
James Nickels, Sr.:
Born about 1781 in Virginia.
Died August 1869 near Big Moccasin Creek in Scott County, Virginia.
Notes: James was a pump-maker and was instrumental in the development of the water system for Gate City, Virginia. In August of 1821, James was qualified for Justice of the Peace. In September of 1830, James was qualified for Commissioner of Revenue for the south district of Scott County, Virginia.
On January 13, 1803 James’ first marriage was to Jane Matney in Washington County, Virginia.
Jane was born about 1785 in Tazewell County, Virginia.
Jane died before 1855 in Pattonsville, Scott County, Virginia.
On April 10, 1839 Jane filed for divorce in Scott County and the divorce was granted.
According to the court documents, she and James had been separated since October 11, 1837. The divorce was granted and Jane subsequently lived with her oldest child, William Henderson Nickels. She never remarried.
Prior to the divorce James and Jane had 9 children as follows:
- William Henderson Nickels, Sr.:
Born December 18, 1804 in Washington County, Virginia.
Died November 9, 1865 in Pattonsville, Scott County, Virginia.
William operated a general mercantile in Nickelsville, Virginia and later in Pattonsville.
On February 4, 1830 William married his first wife Rebecca Evans in Scott County, Virginia.
On May 7, 1855 William married his second wife Charlotte Lyons Lovel in Scott County, Virginia.
William Henderson Nickels, Jr.
Note: William Henderson Nickels, Jr., son of William Henderson, Sr. and Rebecca (Evans) Nickels, was born March 27, 1832 in Nickelsville, Scott Co., VA. He died March 15, 1916 in Duffield, Scott Co., VA. William was a merchant before and after the war. William enlisted as a Confederate soldier with Co. C of the 64th VA Mounted Infantry on February 19, 1863 in Washington Co., VA. He was promoted to Commissary Sergent before August 31, 1863.
William married first Elizabeth Duff. He married second Sarah Lawson. William and Elizabeth had seven children: Samuel Tipton Nickels, William Barlow Nickels, Martha “Mattie” Nickels, Nancy Elizabeth “Nannie” Nickels Parrish, Margaret Louise Nickels Horsley, Alice Nickels, and Patrick Nickels. William and Sarah had one child: John Thomas Nickels.
- James Nickels, Jr.:
Born September 15, 1807 in Russell County, Virginia.
Died December 19, 1895 near Nickelsville, Virginia.
James’ primary occupation was farmer.
On January 7, 1828 James married Frances “Fannie” Godsey in Scott County, Virginia.
Note: James Godsey “Red Jim” Nickels, son of James, Jr. and Fannie (Godsey) Nickels, was born February 1828 in Nickelsville, Scott Co., VA. He died in 1928 in Grundy, Buchanan Co., VA. Jim was a Justice of the Peace for Buchanan Co., VA. He served with the 34th Battalion VA Cavalry during the Civil War.
Stephen J. Nickels
Note 2: Stephen J. Nickels, son of James, Jr. and Fannie (Godsey) Nickels, was born October 14, 1839 in Nickelsville, Scott Co., VA. He died December 27, 1912 in Wood near Dungannon, Scott Co., VA. He served with the 37th VA Infantry during the Civil War.
Stephen married Lucy Ann Gray in July 1867. Stephen and Lucy had seven children: Flora Elizabeth Nickels Hobbs, Joseph T. Nickels, Laura Emogene Nickels Ramey, William Harvey Nickels, Lulia Nickels, Belle Nickels, and Earl Bays Nickels.
3. Cinderella “Cindy” Nickels:
Born about 1809 in Russell County, Virginia.
Died in 1877 in Wise County, Virginia.
on September 2, 1830 Cinderella married James Hiram Kilgore in Scott County, Virginia.
4. Walter H. Nickels:
Born September 27, 1811 in Russell County, Virginia.
Died September 10, 1867 near Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee.
Walter was postmaster at Nickelsville, Virginia.
Walter was a partner in the mercantile business with his brother, William.
On January 23, 1836 Walter married Jane Kilgore in Scott County, Virginia.
Note: William Washington “Barlow” Nickels, son of Walter H. and Jane (Kilgore) Nickels, was born January 28, 1838 in Nickelsville, Scott Co., VA. He died September 12, 1909 in Gate City, Scott Co., VA. He was a merchant by trade. He served with the 25th VA Infantry during the Civil War.
Barlow married Sarah Elizabeth Richmond on October 23, 1860 in Scott Co., VA. Barlow and Sarah had four children: Robert Henderson Nickels, Patrick Henry Nickels, George Emmett Nickels, and Isaac Benton Nickels.
Note 2: Isaac Alderson Nickels, son of Walter H. and Jane (Kilgore) Nickels was born about 1836 in Nickelsville, Scott Co., VA. He died in 1893 in Bristol, Sullivan Co., TN. He served with the 37th VA Infantry during the Civil War. Isaac purchased the Exchange Hotel in Bristol, TN on February 12, 1864 for $20,000 in Confederate notes. He later renamed it the Nickels House.
Isaac married Elizabeth E. Wood on February 21, 1865. Isaac and Elizabeth had two children: Blanche Nickels Fauqua and Myrtle Nickels Gordon.
5. Allen Nickels:
Born about 1812 in Russell County, Virginia.
Died June 11, 1879 on his homeplace near his father’s property in Scott County, Virgina.
Allen was a farmer and wagonmaster by trade.
Allen transported goods for his brothers’ stores in both Nickelsville and Pattonsville.
On June 2, 1832 Allen married Lucinda Salyer in Scott County, Virginia.
Henry Kane Nickels
Note: Henry Kane Nickels, son of Allen and Lucinda (Salyer) Nickels, was born February 17, 1839 in Scott Co., VA. He died October 11, 1911 at his home in Long Hollow near Nickelsville in Scott Co., VA. Kane made shoes for a living. He enlisted as a Confederate soldier in Co. A of the 22nd VA Cavalry on August 4, 1863 in Scott Co., VA. His post-war pension application indicates that he served until the end of the war.
From Scott Co., Minute Book 28, Page 400: “IN Vacation of the County Court of the County of Scott on the 23rd day of July 1900. The Application of H.R. Nickels for a Pension with the certificate of the chairman of the Confederate Pension Board of the County of Scott, that it has been approved by said Board thereon endorsed; was presented to the Judge of this Court in Vacation; and the Clerk of this Court is directed to certify a copy of this order to the Auditor of Public accounts.”
It should be noted that Henry Kane Nickels was often erroneously listed as “H.R. Nickels” as the “K” was mistaken for an “R” due to the handwriting style.
Kane purchased 22 1/2 acres of land from his former commander, H.F. Kendrick, on November 15, 1888. This land was located in Long Hollow.
Kane married first Elizabeth A. “Betty” Marshall on November 21, 1861 in Scott Co., VA. He married second Sarah Ann Marshall on September 1, 1867 in Scott Co., VA. Sarah was the daughter of Elias and Elizabeth (Clark) Marshall. Kane and Sarah had seven children: William Henry “Billy” Nickels, Mary Ellen Nickels, Emily Frances Nickels Gibson, Alfred Martin Nickels, Newell Elias Nickels, Robert Allen Nickels, and Charles Franklin Nickels, Brian Nichol’s grandfather.
Peter Nickels
Note 2: Peter Nickels, son of Allen and Lucinda (Salyer) Nickels, was born March 17, 1832 in Scott Co., VA. He died July 3, 1929 near Snowflake in Scott Co., VA. Peter enlisted as a Confederate soldier in Co. A of the 22nd VA Cavalry on August 4, 1861 in Scott Co., VA. He was wounded while a courier in Monroe Co., WV. He was given a disability discharge at Saltville on May 18, 1863.
Peter married first Hannah Dean on December 17, 1857 in Scott Co., VA. He married second Maria Cosby (Addington) Quillen on April 18, 1888 in Scott Co., VA. Peter and Hannah had five children: John Henry Nickels, David Marion “T” Nickels, Charles Franklin Nickels, Mary Louise “Dovie” Nickels, and Walter Barlow “Dock” Nickels.
6. Elizabeth Nickels:
Born about 1816 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died before 1880 in Wise County, Virginia.
On January 11, 1837 Elizabeth married Samuel Courtney in Scott County, Virginia.
7. Brooks Nickels:
Born February 7, 1817 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died July 28, 1872 at his home near Big Moccasin Creek in Scott County, Virginia.
Brooks was a blacksmith by trade.
Tradition states that he drew up plans and helped build New Hope Church.
On December 8, 1837 Brooks married his first wife Elizabeth Kilgore in Scott County, Virginia.
On July 24, 1866 Brooks married his second wife Sarah Ann Gardner in Scott County, Virginia
8. Mary “Polly” Nickels:
Born July 1, 1819 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died May 10, 1899 in Wise County, Virginia.
On December 4, 1837 Mary married James Peter Kilgore in Scott County, Virginia
9. Mathias Nickels:
Born December 1, 1820 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died June 17, 1902 near Coeburn in Wise County, Virginia.
He worked for his brother, William, at both the Nickelsville and Pattonsville stores.
On August 6, 1846 Mathias married Louisa D. Harmon in Scott County, Virginia.
Mathias and Louisa had two children: William W. Nickels and James E. Nickels
Note: He served with the 88th Battalion VA Militia during the Civil War.
On June 12, 1855 James’ second marriage was to Serena Jaynes in Scott County, Virginia.
Serena was born about 1812.
Serena died September 11, 1888 in Scott County, Virginia.
James and Serena had 9 children as follows:
- James Jaynes-Nickels:
Born about 1838 in Scott County, Virginia.
He was living in the household with Serena Jaynes in 1850.
He is not listed on the 1860 census of Scott County, Virginia with the rest of his family.
He is not mentioned in James Nickels, Sr.’s will. - Mary Ann Nickels:
Born March 1840 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died after 1920.
On June 2, 1858 Mary married Pleasant J. Steffey in Scott County, Virginia. - Lucinda C. Nickels:
Born December 5, 1846 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died December 15, 1889 in Scott County, Virginia.
On August 22, 1864 Lucinda married John W. Renfro in Scott County, Virginia. - Hannah Elizabeth Nickels:
Born October 1847 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died in 1929 in Pike County, Kentucky.
on May 2, 1866 Hannah married John Wesley Steffey in Scott County, Virginia. -
George Washington Nickels, Sr
George Washington Nickels, Sr.:
Born February 1850 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died after 1920 near Dungannon in Scott County, Virginia.
George served in Company C, 64th Virginia Mounted Infantry during the Civil War.
On May 12, 1869 George married hs first wife Delilah Stapleton in Scott County, Virginia.
In 1905 George married his second wife Canzadia “Ada” Swain.
In 1919 George married his third wife Mary Hammonds.
Note: George enlisted as a Confederate soldier with Co. C in the 64th VA Mounted Infantry in 1861. He served four years and is included on the 1920 Scott Co., VA pension list. George and Lila had four children: D.F.L. “Lewis” Nickels, Elizabeth Nickels Smith, James Nickels, and Virginia Nickels Steffey. George and Ada had six children: George Washington Nickels, Jr., Ella Nickels Nelms, Serena “Reney” Nickels Gibson, Elsie Nickels Gibson, Oscar Nickels, and Dolly Nickels. - Matilda Jane Nickels:
Born March 1852 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died in 1909 in Nickelsville, Scott County, Virginia.
On October 28, 1875 Matilda married James Dean in Scott County, Virginia. - Dulaney J. Nickels:
Born about 1853 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died after 1896.
On May 11, 1869 Dulaney married Eli S. Salyer in Scott County, Virginia.
They divorced on October 10, 1871.
They re-married on October 18, 1887 and divorced again in 1896. - Boenerges “Doc” Nickels:
Born January 1854 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died December 22, 1913 in Pike County, Kentucky.
In 1878 Boenerges married Mary Ellen Moore. - Martha Nickels:
Born about 1855 in Scott County, Virginia.
Died before 1910.
On January 14, 1892 Martha married Patton Ramey in Scott County, Virginia.
By any chance… I am looking for the Jennie Nichels who married Dewey Smith who had Mary Elizabeth Smith (1907-1982) I am trying to trace Jennie’s line. Any idea if one of these folks are her people?
Mary Elizabeth lived and died in Buchanan county VA
It doesn’t sound familiar, but I’ll make a note of it and if I come across it I’ll email you at the email address you comment from 🙂
All Also had Elihu Lyehu Nichols born 1854 in VA died in 1929 in Wann OK
My husband- Michael Nickles, is the the great grandson of Birt Nickles. I believe Birt’s father is Nathaniel Nickles and Glatha Moore, son of William Nickels. He was told that Allen and Lucinda were his Gx4 grandparents. But that doesn’t appear to be so. Can you tell me who were this lineage starts/ends. I’m so lost.
My sister was married to Darrel Nickles, son of Birt and Bulah (Hicks) Nickles. She is looking for a picture of Nathaniel Nickles. Do you know of any that exist? Thank you so much!
My sister was married to Darrel Nickles, son of Birt and Bulah Nickles. She is looking for a photo of Nathaniel Nickles. Do you know of any that exist? Thank you so much!
Nathaniel Nickels was my great Uncle. His brother, James was my grandfather. They both immigrated into Ky from Virginia. James married Judy Terry (Casebolt). I think Nathaniel (we called him Uncle Than) had a son named William and a son named Bert. There were other children but I cannot remember them. I know that Allen Nickels was ancestor.
I forgot to add, I found a census from 1850 that list 10 children for Allen and Lucinda Nickels, ages 1-16, including Nathaniel Nickels. I am confused to why both you and Keith only have 2 listed, Henry Kane and Peter.
Thank You so much for this!!!
George Washington Nickels Sr is my Great great Papaw on my dads side…
You’re quite welcome 🙂 The Nickels, Nickles, Nichols line is my absolute family line to research…it was my first and what pulled me into this little obsession I have with family history.
Jennie, he’s my GG Grandfather, as well, on my Mother’s side.
Hi Jenny my name is Joel George Washington nickles third great-grandfather do you have any pictures of him or his family would love to see them best regards Joel Richardson
My name is Dani Nickels.
From what my grandfather has told me Mathias Nickels is my 8th-great-grandfather. I am very curious to find out where we came from.
Thanks so much for writing what you know re: James Nickels Sr. Much of it I have in my research but I always love finding new material to cross reference with. I did not have the spouses and dates of marriages for most though. This is very helpful.
thank you for the info Sir, G.W. Nickels was my great , great grandad, Lewis was my grandpaws daddy….i didnt have allot of the family tree, so thank you for that =) would love to have copies of any pics you may have from that branch of the family. thank ya much!
Who has Photos of James Nickles SR him and his Wife or his Parents i have one of Him
For all of you searching Nickels and various spellings. You must understand there is no record of our ancestors actually writing there names. All deeds , wills, census and other documents are copies made by Court clerks and various other enumerators. So the spelling of the last name is rather moot. However I have found a petition written and signed by James Nickels , Sr. This is the only document that bares his signature.
And I am glad my web site and book have been helpful to you all. I do have a Nickels Family page on Facebook and you are welcome to join. And lastly I do plan on republishing my book in the near future,
Brian Keith Nichols (The Rural Studio)
Hello! Are there any copies of your book in print still, or has it been republished yet? I would like to purchase a copy. My line is James Sr’s son Boenerges Nichols b 1854, thru his daughter Ella May Nichols (Colegrove) b 1899, to her son Joseph Colegrove 1920-95 (my grandpa). Feel free to contact me
I’m looking to get back in touch with the Nickels/Nichols family — my great, great, great, grandfather was William Henderson Nickels, Jr. Now, I have more time on my hands, I’d like to stay in touch so that I can pass this information on to my children and grandchildren . . . besides I can’t think of anything that is more fun . . . Right now, I am living in San Antonio, TX @ 3322 West Ave., #328, San Antonio, TX 78213 . . . (My father’s side of the family is from Texas and New Mexico — my mother’s father, Samuel Henderson Nickels, grandson of Wm Jr. went to New Mexico for his health in 1912 . . ., )
Yes, I have a copy of Brian’s genealogy — please feel free to get in touch with me.
I am trying to reconnect with Brian Nichols and hi lylwife Brenda . . . I’ve lost touch with everyone, unfortunately . . .
My phone number is (removed).
My address is:
Sue Appleberry, (removed)– San Antonio, TX 78213 . . . I also have close cousins who want to pay a visit and learn as much about the Nickels/Nichols as possible . . . we’re descended from Wm Jr. — Are you still having reunions ?
I am not sure we are connected but my Grandfather was the late William W Nickels and he had a brother named Walter Nickels who own Nickels manufacturing in Bristol Tn My Grandfather was married to Martha Jane Shufflebarger and they lived in Mendota, VA. I am pretty sure my Grandfathers mothers name was Lucinda and Charles…I am hoping that you can help me find more information on Lou Visa Nickels who married Nathaniel Bays as I am sure she is related to me
My Grandfather Is William Wolfe Nickels and He had a Brother Walter Nickels, My Grandfather William Nickels brothers name was Walter also and owned a company in Bristol, Tn called Nickels and Nickels Manufacturing. I really think the William and the Walter Nickels in your article are the Father and Uncle of my late Grandfather William and Walter Nickels. My Grandfather William Wolfe Nickels married Matha Jane (Shufflebarger)
I also wanted to mention that my Grandfather ( William) Wolfe Nickels)died around 1947 and he owned Clinch Mountain and lived in Mendota Va. His wife my Grandmother told me that we were related to AP Carter of the Carter Fold… this is the reason for my search as AP Carters Mother was a Bays and her mother was a Nickels ( Lou Visa Nickels Bays) who was married to Nathaniel Bays. I strongly feel I am connected to these people in this article as the same names tend to be passed down and the places are mentioned that are connected to my family. Thank you
I checked back to see if there was a reply to my comments and they are gone. Hoping that you can help me find out if I am connected as a lot of the same first names match many of mine. Most of my info is from my late Grandmother Nickels who lived in Mendota, Va and after my Grandfather, William Wolfe Nickels died she lived with us till she died in 1972 and she told me many stories. She said there was 3 Nickels Brothers who came over on the Mayflower and I do not know which generation she was alluding to but my Grandfather had a Brother Walter Nickels. My Grandfather owned Clinch Mountain until the depression. I hope I will hear from you.
I have some new information…wish I could share a picture as my cousin’s father kept records and she shared that my Great Grandfather was Charles William Nickels and he married Rebecca Barker. Levisa or louvisa Nickels (found it spelled two ways) was the sister of my Great Grandfather and she married Nathaniel Bays and Levisa Nickels Bays is the grandmother to AP Carter. Brooks and Elizabeth Nickels are my Great Great Grandparents.
I’m the grandson of George “Buck” Nickels out of Milam County, Texas and was wondering if the George Washington Nickels listed above is my great-grandpa.
Sara Gibson Williams is my wife. Here is her line:
Father was Thomas Charles Gibson.
Grandfather was Charles Bronson Gibson (1920 census living in house with Mary A. Nickels).
Great Grandfather was Thomas W. Gibson.
Great Great grandfather was David O. Gibson
David O was married to Mary A. Nickels. I believe she lived from 1830 until 1925 and died in Big Stone Gap Virginia. Johnnie Nickels was the informant on her death certificate. What was their relationship? Which Johnnie (John) Nickels is this? It may be John Patton Nickels.
No cemetery is documented in the cert. Does anyone know where she is buried? Most of that family is buried in the Glencoe Cemetery in Big Stone Gap. The census from 1910 and 1920 show her living in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Somehow she moved back to Big Stone Gap.
There are certainly a lot of Nickels in that part of the world. I grew up in the coalfields of West Virginia.
Thank you,
Joe Williams
Mary’s parents were Wm Nickels and Rebecca Evans.
My GG Father was Newell Elisas Nickels I would love to find a book about the family ? I have gotten as far back as Allen Nickles but need more information .
If anyone has more information that would be great.
Alison Dunn Jackson
Hello this is Brian Nichols in Scott Co Va. Let’s talk about Nickels