John Nichols was the co-founder of the Nichols & Shepard Company in Battle Creek that became internationally known in their time for the production of agricultural threshing machines. The company was founded in 1850, and by 1870 it had grown from a small shop on canal street to a manufacturing facility on the East side of Battle Creek which consisted of 40 acres and a dedicated railroad station. His son Edwin C. Nichols would grow up in Battle Creek, and begin working for the company at young age learning every detail from the bottom up. He would eventually take over as President of the industrial company, and would grow it further.
Both men were charitable and honest businessmen what helped Battle Creek grow. John Nichols built homes for each of the men who worked for him, and also established Nichols Hospital. Edwin would have a reputation for years of not only supporting the hospital his father established, but also donate to every religious denomination in the city, as well as become the Mayor of Battle Creek for one term.
Both men have a fascinating story.
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