Donald W. Nicholson

Born in Wareham, Massachusetts, Nicholson attended the public schools and took college extension courses. He first worked as a salesman before serving in the United States Army during World War I from 1917 to 1919.

Returning to Massachusetts, he entered politics and served as selectman, assessor, and overseer of the poor in Wareham from 1920 to 1925. He served as a delegate to all Republican state conventions from 1924 to 1947; served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1925 and 1926; as a member of the Massachusetts Senate from 1926 to 1947, and as president of the state senate in 1946 and 1947. He was elected as a Republican to the Eightieth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Representative Charles L. Gifford, and reelected to the five succeeding Congresses (November 18, 1947 – January 3, 1959). Nicholson voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.[1]

Nicholson retired to his home in Wareham, remaining there until his death on February 16, 1968; he is buried in Center Cemetery.

In 1964 a bridge in Wareham was named after Nicholson.[2]

• United States Congress. "Donald W. Nicholson (id: N000097)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Donald W. Nicholson at Find a Grave