George Nichols (American politician)

George Nichols was born in Northfield, Vermont on April 17, 1827.[1] He was educated in Northfield, attended Newbury Seminary, and taught school beginning at age 15.[2] He then studied medicine in Northfield with Dr. Samuel W. Thayer Jr., after which he attended Vermont Medical College in Woodstock.[1][3] After graduating in 1851, Nichols practiced in Northfield, in addition to owning and operating a drugstore.[1] From 1848 to 1853, Nichols served as Vermont's state librarian.[1]

In 1862, Nichols joined the Union Army for the American Civil War.[1] As the regimental surgeon for the 13th Vermont Infantry, his service included participation in the Battle of Gettysburg, where he was in charge of a field hospital for the I Corps.[1] After the war, Nichols resumed practicing medicine and operating his drug store.[1] Nichols also served in local offices, including town meeting moderator.[2]

A Republican in politics, in 1865, Nichols became Vermont's Secretary of State; he held the position until 1884.[1] In 1870, he was president of the state constitutional convention that changed terms for Vermont's state offices from one year to two.[1] Republicans won every statewide election for more than 100 years beginning with the party's founding in the mid-1850s; in addition to serving as the state party's secretary, Nichols ran its statewide campaigns in 1872, 1876 and 1880.[1][2] He also served as Vermont's member of the Republican National Committee, and was a delegate to the 1872 Republican National Convention.[1]

Nichols was active in several other business ventures, including clerk and treasurer of the Vermont and Canada Railroad, and president of the Northfield National Bank.[1] He was also a trustee of the Northfield Institution; when it was reorganized as the Northfield Graded and High School, he served as a member of the school board.[1] Nichols served on the Norwich University board of trustees, and was the college's treasurer from 1866 to 1878.[1][3] In 1881, he received the honorary degree of LL.D.[1][3] He was a Norwich vice president from 1885 to 1895, and served as acting president.[1][3]

Nichols died in Northfield on April 28, 1907.[1] He was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Northfield.[4]

In 1852, Nichols married Ellen Maria Blake of Vergennes.[1][3] They were the parents of two children, both of whom died in infancy.[1][3]