Mary J. Gragg (Gregg) Nichols (1848-1897)
(Mrs. William Calvin Nichols)
- Mary J. Gregg, wife of W.C. Nichols, was born in Livonia, Livingston county, New York, March 29*, 1848, and died at Lowell, Indiana, November 21, 1897. She was married to W.C. Nichols March 26, 1871. She leaves a husband, two daughters and one son. She was converted at the early age of fifteen and united with the M.E. church. Always active in church and Sabbath school work until the dread disease consumption, which for seventeen years had claimed her as its victim; even then her interest was the same; full humility in her religious life, and at times almost overwhelmed by doubts, so keen was her sense of her own imperfection. Yet in her last hours she met the silent messenger Death calmly and serenely. Turning to her sister she said, "Is this death?" Her sister replied, "I think it is." She then said, "It is not hard." Her sister said again, "No, Mary, because the Everlasting Arms are underneath you; have tested and proved the promises that 'My grace shall be sufficient for you in this hour.'" She answered "Yes."
She remembered all her friends, wishing to see and speak with each one. Her life had been one of continual sacrifice, sharing fully the joys and sorrows of her friends, and taking their burdens upon her own heart.
She planned for the future of her family as far as possible, giving to each one a wife and mother's dying embrace, and like a tired child gently and sweetly she sank to rest, "God's finger touched her and she slept."
The funeral services were from her home Tuesday morning, November 23, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Warren. Text chosen by her friends: "She hath done what she could." Mark 14-8.
Go to Mary Gragg Nichols, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
Return to Biographies.