Bill, perhaps this may be your Nichols..Like you said, the MO Soldiers Database appears to be down at the moment..Good Luck..

1860 United States Federal Census > Missouri > Daviess > Grand River pg 36 (360)

G W Nichols 28 MO, Merchant
Louisa Nichols 20 , VA
Laura Nichols 3 , MO
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1870 United States Federal Census > Missouri > Grundy > Madison pg 6 (320b)

G. W. Nichols 43, MO--farmer
Louisa E. 30, VA
Laura W. 13, MO
Edward 10, MO
Robert 8, MO
Harry 4, MO
Basaby ??? 3, MO --female
David 1, MO
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1880 United States Federal Census > Missouri > Grundy > Madison > District 216 pg 446c

Geo. W. NICHOLS Self M Male W 52 MO Farmer KY KY
Louisa E. NICHOLS Wife M Female W 40 VA Keeping House VA VA
Laura W. NICHOLS Dau S Female W 21 MO MO VA
Robert L. NICHOLS Son S Male W 16 MO Farm Laborer MO VA
Harry P. NICHOLS Son S Male W 14 MO Farm Laborer MO VA
Basheba C. NICHOLS Dau S Female W 12 MO MO VA
Paul N. NICHOLS Son S Male W 5 MO MO VA

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Gay