Howard Melville “Mel” Nichols

Howard Melville "Mel" Nichols

The following unidentified newspaper article was in a collection owned by Lowell Town Historian Richard Schmal:

FORMER CITIZEN DROPS DEAD IN GARY TUESDAY

HOWARD MELVILLE NICHOLS SUCCUMBS TO HEART ATTACK

The many friends of Mel Nichols, a former Lowell boy, were greatly shocked Tuesday when news was telephoned that he had died very suddenly in Gary where he has been a resident for a great many years. The deceased was born and raised in Lowell and continued to reside here until he enlisted in the army and served in the Spanish-American War. Mel was the same age as the editor and we grew up together and considered him one of our close personal friends and deeply regret his death. He was a man who had a large circle of friends in his home town and they will sincerely mourn his untimely death. We take the following account of his death from the Gary Evening Post of Tuesday night:

Howard Melville Nichols, pioneer Gary resident and motorman of the city's first street car, dropped dead at 5th and Broadway about 8 o'clock this morning as he was boarding a street car to ride to the American Sheet and Tin Plate company terminal where he was in charge. Death was due to heart failure. He was 58 years old.

Mr. Nichols, who was single and lived with his sister, Miss Ethel L. Nichols at 328 West 6th, was one of the first workers for the traction lines here. He joined the company June 4, 1908, and has served continuously since that time. He was director of the tin plate terminal, but also was a familiar figure at the 5th and Broadway terminal.

Mr. Nichols was active in affairs of the United Spanish War Veterans. He was a member and past commander of the Henry R. Brinkerhoff camp 49 of Gary. He was also past department quartermaster, a state position. He served in the Spanish-American war with the 1st Washington infantry. He was also a member of the James A. Mackenzie post 1563, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was a member of the Colfax Masonic Lodge of Lowell. Surviving besides his sister is a brother, Benjamin Nichols of Sparland, Ill. The body was removed to the Anderson mortuary pending completion of funeral arrangements.

Funeral services will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home 114 W. 5th Ave., Gary, at 1 p.m., Friday. The remains will be brought to Lowell for burial in the family lot. The funeral party will arrive here at about 3 p.m.

---

Last updated on April 24, 2008.

Go to Howard M. Nichols, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
Return to Spanish-American War Veterans
Return to Biographies.