Charles E. Nichols
Giard Twp.

Charles E. Nichols, M. D. was born in De Kalb County, Ill., on the 10th day of December, 1846, a son of Merritt and Maranda A. (Siloway) Nichols, who were the parents of nine children, six living—Adelbert W., John J., Charles E., Arthur M., William H. and Josephine B. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received an academic education. In 1868 to 1869 he began reading medicine with Dr. H. T. Schneider, at Giard, a homeopathic physician, but not being satisfied with it commenced to study as a regular. Previous to taking the regular course, he studied the eclectic for two years. In the winter of 1870-'71 attended lectures at the Iowa State University, graduating in March, 1880, since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession in Giard. In July, 1870, he married Martha J. Schneider, who was born in Giard Township, Apr. 16, 1851. By this union there are four children, two sons and two daughters, viz.: Zella A., Charles J., Clarence F. and Cora May. In February, 1864, Dr. Nichols enlisted in the Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company K, serving eight months and twenty-two days, when he was discharded on account of physical disability.

source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 822
Transcribed by Sally Scarff and Marlene Chaney