Source: "Richard Nichols. The Immigrant", George Nichols, 1928, expanded edition, 1978.
Samantha Dorotha Jones, wife of
Benjamin F. Nichols, died at her old
home in Sharon, April 11, 1900, in the
eightieth year of her age.
She was born in Windom, Vermont,
*Windham, near Brattleboro.
March 23, 1821, and moved with her par-
ents to Bingham, Potter county, when but
seven years old. But the greater part
of her life has been spent in Sharon
township, having lived more than fifty
years on the old homestead where she
died.
On the 27th of June, 1842, she was
united in marriage to Benjamin F.
Nichols, with whom she lived most hap-
pily for nearly 58 years.
In 1892 they celebrated the golden
anniversary of their wedding amidst the
rejoicings and congratulations of many
relatives and friends. Mr. and Mrs.
Nichols were blessed with five children,
four of whom are still living: Roscoe,
*Roscoe L. Nichols
in Minnesota; Alonzo, in Sharon; Arad,
*Willard Alonzo Nichols
in Wisconsin; and Frank, in Sharon.
*Frank A. Nichols
There are also ten grandchildren and
*Arad F. Nichols
seven great grandchildren.
*d. Sobieski Nichols
Mrs. Nichols was the last of her fa-
ther's family, in which there were ten
children, most of whom lived to be aged.
Mr. Nichols is also the last of his fa-
ther's family. In the intermarriage of
the two families, Nichols and Jones,
there was something quite unusual. Two
*Benjamin F. Nichols b. 1819 married Samantha Jones
b. 1821
brothers married two sisters and two
*Phoebe Nichols b. 1809 m. Willard M. Jones b. 1807
sisters married two brothers, making a
*Harriet Nichols b. 1814 married Anthony Jones b.
1812.
union of four couples in the two fam-
*James Nichols m. Jerusha Jones (Thx Connie)
ilies, none of whom are now living but Mr.
Nichols.
Mrs. Nichols was the happy possessor
of many excellent and endearing quali-
ties, and was greatly beloved by her
family and friends, and by reason of her
age and the esteem in which she was held,
came to be known far and near as Aunt
Samantha. Before she passed away she
gave a message and a gift of remembrance
to each of her loved ones, remembering
especially those who were absent.
Her last sickness was of a peculiar-
ly painful character, but she endured it
all without a murmur and with great pa-
tience and resignation. To sorrowing
friends she spoke of her bright pros-
pects of a better world, and left
assurance that "the sunset of earth
is the sunrise of heaven." Her funeral
was held at the old home and was large-
ly attended by relatives and friends.
The sermon was preached by Rev. H. F.
Osborne from the text: "Oh that I had
wings like a dove; for then would I fly
away and be at rest," -- Psalms 155:6.
No. 745
In the matter of the Estate of Samantha D. Nichols Late of Sharon twp. died.
October 6th 1900 Satisfactory evidence filed showing that Samantha D. Nichols, late of Sharon twp. died. died at Sharon on April 11th 1900. Same day an instrument in writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Samantha D. Nichols produced before me.
Will
I, Samantha Dorothy Nichols of the town
of Sharon, County of Potter, State of Pennsylvania being aware of the
uncertainty of life and in failing health but of sound mind and memory
do make and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner following
to wit: First I give devise and bequeath unto my oldest son Roscoe
Nelson Nichols the sum of Two Hundred ($200) Dollars. To my second
son Willard Alonzo Nichols, the sum of
Fifty ($50) Dollars. To my third son Arad Franklin
Nichols the sum of Two Hundred ($200) Dollars. To my fourth
son Frank Agard Nichols I give and bequeath the balance of remaining share
of all personal and real estate, after caring for my husband Benjamin
Franklin Nichols the remainder of his natural life, and erecting a suitable
monument for myself and husband Benjamin Franklin
Nichols and pay all necessary funeral expenses. And I hereby
appoint my son Frank Agard Nichols Executor of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I, Samantha Dorothy Nichols the testatrix have
to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this 14 day of
March A.D. 1900.
Samantha D. Nichols
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Samantha Dorothy
Nichols as and for her last will and testament in the presence of
us who have hereunto subscribed our names at her request as witnesses thereto
in the presence of the said testatrix and of each other,
Laura E. Newton,
Emma A. Woodard
Potter County Registers Office SS:
This day before me Wm Nelson, Register for the Probate of Will, and
grantnig Letters of Administration in and for the County aforesaid, personally
came Laura E. Newton the subscribing witness to the above will, who being
duly sworn according to law, says that she was present and saw and heard
Samantha D. Nichols the testatrix sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare
the foregoing instrument of writing as and for her last will and testament
and at the time of so doing she was of sound mind, memory and understanding
as to the lest of their knowledge and belief,
Laura E. Newton (LS)
Sworn and subscribed before me this 16th day of March A. D. 1901,
Wm Nelson, Register
Potter County Registers Office SS:
This day before me Wm Nelson, Register for the Probate of Will, and
grantnig Letters of Administration in and for the County aforesaid, personally
came Emma A. Woodard the subscribing witness to the above will, who being
duly sworn according to law, says that she was present and saw and heard
Samantha S. Nichols the testatrix sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare
the foregoing instrument of writing as and for her last will and testament
and at the time of so doing she was of sound mind, memory and understanding
as to the lest of their knowledge and belief,
Emma A. Woodard (L.S.) Sworn and subscribed before me this 12th day of
Sept. A. D. 1901,
Wm Nelson, Register
And now September 12th 1901 I Wm Nelson, Register, hereby decree the
foregoing will to have been duly sworn and is this day admitted of recordm
as the last will and testament of Samantha D. Nichols, died.
Wm Nelson, Register
Oath of Executer taken and filed and Letters Testamentary granted and issued to him Sept. 12, 1901.