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William T. Niccolls was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., February
26, 1842, and is a son of William T. Niccolls (deceased), also a native
of Westmoreland County, Penn., and a farmer by occupation, who died in
1848.  William T. Niccolls, Jr., was reared to the pursuit of farming,
and educated in Elder's Ridge Academy, Indiana County, Penn.  He enlisted 

for service in the late war as a private in an independent company, known 

as Gen. Anderson's Troop, where he served a portion of the time as body 

guard, and was afterward transferred to the command of Sherman, then 

served under Buell, and later, under Rosecrans.  He participated in the 

battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Antietam, Stone River and others, and was 

discharged as captain of his company. In 1870 he removed to Emporia, Kas., 

and was engaged in farming until 1874, which he was compelled to abandon 

on account of failing health, resulting from injuries received in the army.  

He then (in 1875) engaged in mercantile business in Xenia, Ohio, dealing 

in grain and agricultural implements, until 1877, when he assumned charge 

of the railway station at Carlisle, on the C., H. & D. R. R. one year, 

also carrying on his grain business. In 1878 he went to Ironton, Mo., and 

the following year settled in De Soto, where he has since lived.  The first 

four years of his residence in Missouri he was assistant claim agent for 

the Iron Mountain Railroad, and has since been contracting for railroad 

supplies and dealing in lumber.  December 25, 1867, he married Mary S. 

Thomas, whose father (now deceased) was of Westmoreland County, Penn.  They 

have three children, Nellie, Samuel and Margaret.  Mr. Niccolls is a member
of the Knights of Honor, and the Society of Chosen Friends.  Mr. and Mrs. 

Niccolls are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.