Family of Joseph NICHOLS and Eliza Jane WOOD

Husband: Joseph NICHOLS

Wife: Eliza Jane WOOD

Note on Husband: Joseph NICHOLS

Joseph Nichols was born circa 1837 in either Africa or Clay County, Missouri. We have two different birthplaces given by two different census takers. We do, however, know he was a slave in Clay County, Missouri. While enslaved he married Eliza Jane Wood. Eliza had been married before and had a daughter named Lucilla King. Eliza died in August 1863 and it was shortly after that when Joseph ran away. Joseph crossed the river into Kansas. We don't know where he crossed but he found his way to Quindaro Township, which was a stop on the "Underground Railroad". There were a good number of people there who were helpful to runaways. He was told about a new recruitment plan for Blacks. He could join the Army and avoid bounty hunters plus get paid $10 a month, get medical care and new clothes.

Joseph joined the Army and was taken to Leavenworth where on September 2nd, he was assigned to Company I, 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry. After brief training, his unit was sent to join the 83rd U.S. Colored Infantry who was stationed in Arkansas. On the way from Fort Smith to Little Rock, they came through Clarksville where he met Hanna Logan who also had a newly found freedom. They were taken so much with each other that they were married on March 28, 1864, in Little Rock, Arkansas. The next day his outfit was sent to Camden, Arkansas, where they were in combat from April 2nd through April 24th. This battle included the capture of Jenkin's Ferry. This ferry was a supply line for the Confederate Army across the Ouchita River.

During this battle Joseph was wounded by grapeshot from a cannon ball. At some time during this campaign Joseph was promoted to 1st Sergeant of Company I. Joseph was honorably mustered out at Camden, on October 9, 1985. As was Army policy, they were transported back to Fort Leavenworth, his place of induction.

In Leavenworth, Joseph and Hannah set about starting a family and in 1869 twin girls were born Mary Ann and Mary Jane (our Grandmother). Mary Ann died shortly after birth. After a while Joseph became disenchanted with city life and decided to move in order to have a less complicated life style. They had heard of a farm community south and west of Leavenworth on what was called "the fort to fort road" (Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley). This settlement was named in honor the Indian Chief Tonqua Noxia. When they arrived they found another Black family present, the John Coldwells. Mr. Coldwell was a blacksmith and all the farmers from surrounding communities brought their work to his shop. The Nichols found a house on what was to become "Sixth Street". In 1873 their first son John was born.

In Tonganoxie, there was a traveling Baptist Minister named King Langfort and a Methodist Minster (name unknown); the Quaker church allowed these two congregations to worship in their church. In 1876, the congregation had grown, they were able to buy a building and have a church home. The Rev. Langfort and the Nichols were instrumental in leading this effort.

Note on Wife: Eliza Jane WOOD

Joseph Nichols was born circa 1837 in either Africa or Clay County, Missouri. We have two different birthplaces given by two different census takers. We do, however, know he was a slave in Clay County, Missouri. While enslaved he married Eliza Jane Wood. Eliza had been married before and had a daughter named Lucilla King. Eliza died in August 1863 and it was shortly after that when Joseph ran away.