Career
Born in 1837 in New York City, Nichols was still living in the state of New York when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as a quartermaster on the United States Ship Brooklyn. At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, he "fought his gun with skill and courage" despite heavy fire.
On board the United States.S. Brooklyn during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee, in Mobile Bay, on 5 August 1864.
