UNITED STATES COVER TO BRIGADIER GENERAL SENATOR GEORGE S NICHOLS CIVIL WAR Z880

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United States

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Cover (Postal History)

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United states cover to brigadier general senator george s nichols civil war z880v. Distinguished military service during the american civil wargeorge s. Nichols's commitment to public service extended profoundly to military duty during the american civil war, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the nation. In november 1861, at the onset of the conflict, he enrolled in the union army. He was mustered into the 9th new york volunteer cavalry regiment as a major, a position that quickly highlighted his bravery and leadership abilities, leading to rapid advancement through the ranks. His military career saw significant promotions: he was elevated to lieutenant-colonel in may 1863. Following the death of colonel william h. Sackett in june 1864, nichols was promoted to colonel and assumed command of the regiment. He served with distinction until he was honorably mustered out with the rest of his regiment in july 1865, at the war's conclusion. Throughout his service, nichols participated in over 60 engagements, demonstrating his consistent presence and leadership on the battlefield. His involvement included critical campaigns and battles such as the siege of yorktown, the second battle of bull run, the battle of fredericksburg, the battle of culpeper court house, the battle of the wilderness, and the battle of trevilian station, where colonel sackett was killed. At the end of the war, in recognition of his meritorious service and gallantry, he was commissioned brevet brigadier general. The trajectory of nichols's career, moving from a state senator (1856-1857) directly into military service during the civil war (1861-1865) and then back into various civil service and political roles (customs, pension office, county clerk), illustrates a common characteristic of 19th-century american public figures. For many prominent individuals of this era, political and military careers were often not distinct paths but rather complementary avenues of service. Military service, particularly during the civil war, was widely perceived as a patriotic duty and frequently enhanced one's political standing or provided new opportunities for public service upon its conclusion. Nichols's career exemplifies this fluid transition between legislative, military, and administrative roles, highlighting a different understanding of "career paths" compared to modern, more specialized public service. His extensive military experience undoubtedly informed his later administrative roles and significantly contributed to his public esteem.Iii. Early life and formative yearsgeorge sylvester nichols was born on january 12, 1820, in athens, new york. His parents were sylvester nichols, a respected judge and assemblyman, and lucy hamilton. This family background suggests an early exposure to public service and a supportive environment for intellectual development. His grandfather also played a role in his early education, having founded kinderhook academy, which george s. Nichols later attended. Nichols pursued a consistent path of education from a young age. In 1832, he entered lenox academy in massachusetts, where he remained for one year. He then continued his studies at fairfield academy in 1834, and by 1837, he was attending kinderhook academy. These academic pursuits provided him with a foundational education that would serve him throughout his diverse career. His early professional experiences were varied and indicative of a practical, adaptable, and entrepreneurial spirit. From 1838 to 1846, nichols embarked on a maritime career, serving as captain of his father's sloop, the "science." during this period, he transported goods such as brick, lime, hay, and other produce from athens to new york city. This experience provided him with hands-on knowledge of commerce, logistics, and the practical challenges of transportation in the mid-19th century. Concurrently, he also engaged in military service, foreshadowing his later distinguished role in the civil war. In 1843, he was commissioned as brigade quartermaster of the thirty-seventh brigade of the new york state militia, and by 1845, he had been appointed brigadier-general of the brigade. This early military involvement demonstrates a commitment to public defense and leadership. Following his maritime and militia service, from 1847 to 1848, he worked as a superintendent for colonel j. Hooker's docks in troy. In a further display of his adventurous nature, in 1849, he traveled to california, where he worked in packing and training at sutter's mill, before returning to athens in 1851. This diverse set of experiences highlights his adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges, laying a broad foundation for his subsequent public life. Iv. Political career in new york stategeorge s. Nichols formally commenced his political career at the local level, a common entry point for aspiring public servants in the 19th century. In the spring of 1851, he was elected town supervisor of athens, marking his first elected office and a significant step towards state-level politics. This local leadership role would have provided him with valuable experience in governance and community affairs. His aspirations for state-level office became evident shortly thereafter. Two years after becoming town supervisor, in 1853, he was nominated by the democratic party to run for state senator for the tenth district, which encompassed greene and ulster counties. Despite this nomination, he was ultimately defeated by the prohibition candidate. This early candidacy, occurring just a year after the 1852 date on the envelope, is a critical piece of information that supports the interpretation of the "in senate" address as indicative of his active political engagement and rising profile, even before his formal election. His persistence in politics was rewarded in 1855 when he was again nominated for state senator, this time by the american party, and successfully secured the election. He served a single term in the new york state senate during 1856 and 1857, representing the 10th district. The evolution of george s. Nichols's political affiliations is a notable aspect of his career. He was initially nominated by the democratic party in 1853 , then elected under the american party in 1855 , and later, in 1878, he ran as a republican candidate for congress. This progression across three distinct political parties within a few decades is highly significant. It reflects the dynamic and often tumultuous political landscape of the mid-19th century united states. This era witnessed the decline of the whig party, the rise of the nativist american (know nothing) party, and the eventual ascendancy of the republican party, which frequently absorbed former whigs and american party members. This created a fluid environment where politicians might shift affiliations based on evolving national and state issues, such as slavery, temperance, or nativism, as well as political opportunities. Nichols's career trajectory exemplifies this period of profound political realignment and his personal adaptability within changing party structures, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to public service in a volatile political climate. Beyond his senate tenure, nichols continued to engage in significant political appointments and endeavors. In 1860, he was appointed to the board of commissioners of excise for greene county, further extending his involvement in local governance and public administration. Later in his career, in the 1878 united states house of representatives election, he ran as the republican candidate for new york's 15th congressional district, though he was ultimately unsuccessful. His sustained commitment to public service at various levels of government was further underscored in 1885, when he was elected county clerk of greene county. These roles demonstrate a consistent dedication to civic duty and a willingness to serve in diverse capacities throughout his life. Vi. Post-war public service and personal lifefollowing his distinguished military service, george s. Nichols continued his dedication to public administration. In 1867, henry a. Smythe, who served as collector of the port of new york, appointed nichols as inspector of customs for the new york custom house. His expertise and integrity were further recognized in 1875 when chester a. Arthur appointed him deputy collector of customs. These roles in the customs service demonstrate continued trust in his administrative capabilities and his sustained commitment to federal service. Later, in 1882, secretary of the interior henry m. Teller appointed him special examiner in the pension office, a position he held for three years. These appointments underscore his consistent presence in public life and his ability to adapt to various administrative demands. In his personal life, george s. Nichols married ann netterville foster in 1845. Ann netterville foster was also born in athens, new york, and her father was a sea captain, reflecting a connection to the maritime world that nichols himself experienced. Together, they had four children: mary, foster, charles e., and arthur. Beyond his professional and family life, nichols was also actively involved in community and religious organizations, being a freemason and an episcopalian. These affiliations indicate his participation in the social and spiritual fabric of his community. George s. Nichols lived a long and impactful life, passing away at his home on may 29, 1916, at the remarkable age of 96. At the time of his death, he held the notable distinction of being the oldest surviving commanding officer from the civil war. He was laid to rest in athens rural cemetery. His longevity allowed him to witness and participate in profound societal changes, spanning from the early republic through the antebellum period, the civil war, reconstruction, and into the early 20th century. His status as the "oldest surviving commanding officer" highlights the enduring memory and significance of the civil war for generations after its conclusion, making his life itself a historical bridge across several pivotal eras in american history. His extensive and distinguished service across multiple domains—military, state, and federal—underscores his significant contributions to both new york state and the nation. Table 1: key public and military appointments of george s. Nichols (1851-1885)role/positionorganization/bodyyears served/activekey notestown supervisortown of athens1851first elected officestate senator (nominee)new york state senate (10th district)1853nominated by democratic party, defeatedstate senatornew york state senate (10th district)1856–1857elected under american partyboard of commissioners of excisegreene county1860appointedmajor, 9th new york volunteer cavalry regimentunion army1861–1863enlisted november 1861lieutenant-colonel, 9th new york volunteer cavalry regimentunion army1863–1864promoted may 1863colonel, 9th new york volunteer cavalry regimentunion army1864–1865took command june 1864brevet brigadier generalunion army1865commissioned at war's endinspector of customsnew york custom house1867–1875appointed by collector h.A. Smythedeputy collector of customsnew york custom house1875–1882appointed by collector chester a. Arthurcongressional candidateu.S. House of representatives (15th district)1878republican candidate, lost electionspecial examinerpension office1882–1885appointed by sec. Of interior h.M. Tellercounty clerkgreene county1885–electedexport to sheetsgeorge sylvester nichols, born in 1820, led a remarkable and multifaceted life characterized by profound public service. His early career spanned diverse fields, from a sloop captain to a militia brigadier-general, demonstrating an early aptitude for leadership and practical affairs. He transitioned into local politics as town supervisor of athens in 1851, laying the groundwork for his state-level aspirations. His persistent pursuit of a state senate seat, culminating in his election and service from 1856 to 1857, showcases his dedication to legislative governance. His political journey, marked by shifts between the democratic, american, and republican parties, reflects his adaptability within the dynamic and often tumultuous political landscape of 19th-century america.See my 20,000+ exceptional listings in my store! Watch my items using your watch-list for special discounts and add me as a favorite seller for a great newsletter!Attention sellers - get templatesimage hosting, scheduling at auctiva.Com. Track page views withauctiva's free counter

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