1882 History of Linn County, Missouri

BIOGRAPHY

REV. AMBROSE NICKELL                                                               Grantsville Township, page 863

   Rev. Nickell was born in Morgan county, Kentucky, March 6, 1833.  He is a son of John J. and Malinda (Fugitt) Nickell.  His father was a native Kentuckian, born in 1807, and a farmer by vocation.  He was a member of the Church of Christ, and died in the triumph of his faith, May 26, 1881.  Mrs. Malinda Nickell is still living.  Ambrose Nickell remained with his parents until he was twenty years of age, dividing his time between attending school and working upon his father’s farm.  March 15, 1843, he married Miss Elenor Kirk, born in Morgan county, Kentucky, May 4, 1822, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Kirk, the former a native of Montgomery and the latter of Fleming county, Kentucky.  Soon after his marriage Mr. Nickell removed to Rowan county, Kentucky, where he lived for five years, engaging in farming, and serving two years as justice of the peace.  In October, 1857, he came to Linn county and purchased the farm where he now lives.  In 1874, he was ordained by the Church of Christ as a preacher of the Gospel, in which calling he has labored faithfully and zealously, winning golden opinions from all with whom he has worked.  He has preached for several different churches, and has also officiated in the organization of one.  At present he has charge of the church at Grantsville.  During the civil war, in 1864, Mr. N. was enrolled in the Federal militia, and served three and a half months.  Mr. and Mrs. Nickell are the parents of six children, four living; viz., William A., born March 17, 1854; James A., born July 24, 1856; Queen E., born January 12, 1861; John A., born November 25, 1862.  Two are dead; viz., Robert R., born May 6, 1858, died September 27, 1879; and Henry D., born April 27, 1864, and died October 9, 1865.  In 1873 Mr. Nickell was elected assessor of Grantsville township and served four years.  He was reelected on two occasions.  In 1872 he was elected justice of the peace.  William A., the oldest son of Mr. Nickell, graduated at the Kirksville Normal School.  In 1876, and had been a teacher prior to that.  He was set apart for the ministry by the Church of Christ in November, 1881.  He was married in December, 1876.  James A., the second son of Mr. Nickell, was married in December, 1875.  Mr. Nickell has always been an exemplary citizen, one whom his fellowmen have looked to ass an example and for counsel.  If earnestness and fidelity in every good work and faithful service in the cause of the Master meet with recompense, he may well expect to hear in the end the “well done, thou good and faithful servant” of him in whose service he has so zealously striven.

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Transcribed, in total, by kkfitch © 2008.  All Rights Reserved.