John Taylor Nichols and his brother, William Martin Nichols joined the 9th Regiment of the Arkansas Infantry on October 4, 1861 at Pocahontas, Randolph County, Arkansas and became Company I, 14th Regiment, Arkansas Infantry, commanded by Co John S. McCarver. At the consolidation of organizations, May 1, 1862, the Company was divided among 3 other companies. They then were in the 2nd Regiment, Company B, commanded by Co. Jordan E. Cravins. Major battles participated in on September 19, 1862 wer Iuka Miss; Oct 3-4 1862 in Corinth, Miss; Oct 5-6 1862 (unknown) Bridge, Miss. Oct. 15, 1862 at the camp near Holly Springs, Miss. John Taylor Nichols appears on a list of wounded. He was at the surrender of Vicksburg, Miss July 4, 1864 and signed payroll on July 7, 1864. The spelling of Nichols varies on the records.
John Taylor Nichols told a story about him and his brother trying to go over a stone wall. He said he never saw his brother, William Martin Nichols again. It's a big hole in the family history. What happened to William Martin Nichols. After the war, John Taylor Nichols returned to Arkansas. There was one theory that William Martin Nichols was captured and pledged his allegiance to the Union - therefore he didn't dare come back to Arkansas. However, this probably is not true since a younger brother, Alexander Nichols actually joined the Union army. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Glenda Nichols