John G. Nichols

For other people with the same name, see John Nichols (disambiguation).

John Gregg Nichols (December 29, 1812 – January 22, 1898) was an American businessman, builder, and politician.

John G. Nichols
3rd Mayor of Los Angeles
In office May 4, 1852 – May 3, 1853
Preceded by	Benjamin Davis Wilson
Succeeded by	Antonio F. Coronel
In office October 4, 1856 – May 9, 1859
Preceded by	Manuel Requena (acting)
Succeeded by	Damien Marchesseault
Personal details
Born	December 29, 1812 Canandaigua, New York
Died	January 22, 1898 (1898-01-23) (aged 85) Los Angeles, California
Spouse	Florida Cox
Occupation	Sheriff, politician, businessman, builder

Early life

Nichols was born on December 29, 1812, in Canandaigua, New York.^[1] His father, William Nicholas, was a Scottish immigrant.^[1]

Career

Nichols served as the sheriff of Jackson County, Iowa, for two terms in the 1840s.^[1]

He made the trip to California in 1849, arriving in San Bernardino on December 31, 1849.^[1] He served as the third Mayor of Los Angeles from 1852 to 1853 and again from 1856 to 1859.^[2]

Personal life

Nichols married Florida Cox.^[1] They lived in the first brick house to be built in Los Angeles, California. Their son was the first American to be born in the city, and he was the first mayor to expand the city.

On January 22, 1898, Nichols died in Los Angeles, California.^[2] He was buried at the Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. Nichols Canyon was named in his honor.

References

1. Henry Dwight Barrows, Pioneers of Los Angeles: Ex-Mayor John G. Nichols, Annual Publication of the Historical Society of Southern California and Pioneer Register, Los Angeles, Vol. 4, No. 2, 1898, pp. 176-179
2. John G. Nichols Dead, San Francisco Call, January 25, 1898