From the book History of Walworth County Wisconsin, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Pages 624 - 625
 
FATHER JAMES NICHOLAS.  The well known and popular gentleman whose name 
introduces this biographical review has accomplished much toward ameliorating 
the condition of his fellow men in Walworth county, often laboring with 
disregard for his own welfare if thereby he might attain the object sought - to 
make some one better or happier.  Such a life as his is rare in this mercenary, 
work-aday age, and is eminently worthy of emulation, being singularly free from 
all that is deteriorating or paltry, for his influence is at all times 
uplifting, and thousands of people have been made better for having known him, 
and yet he is a plain, unassuming gentleman, caring nothing for the plaudits of 
men, content to know that he is following the footsteps of the Man of Galilee 
and doing his will as best he can.
 
Father James NICHOLAS, priest of the parish of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, was born in 
Limerick City, Ireland, June 9, 1863.  He is the son of William and Sarah 
(FITZGERALD) NICHOLAS.  He spent his boyhood as a student in public schools and 
academies.  About 1879 he decided to take an ecclesiastical course and prepare 
for the priest hood.  He accordingly entered the National College of Maynorth 
and in 1887 was ordained to the priesthood.  He was at once appointed to the 
diocese of Milwaukee.  Upon coming here he was assigned to the parish of 
Elkhorn, which has been his only assignment, for he has remained here 
continuously to the present time.
 
One not of his church who speaks from personal knowledge and voices a general 
impression says of him: "Father NICHOLAS, though an uncompromising servant of 
the church and thoroughly a priest, has many non-Catholic friends who 
appreciate his qualities as a citizen and neighbor.  His services as a speaker 
are given freely on Memorial Sundays, the annual meeting of the County 
Soldiers' Association, and other special occasions.  He is familiar with the 
history of his adopted country and is loyal to our institutions.  His public 
addresses are carefully prepared, showing depth of thought, versatility, a true 
conception of life and its immensity, and he is regarded as an earnest, 
logical, entertaining and not infrequently eloquent speaker."
 
Father NICHOLAS is a man of splendid physique, and would attract attention in 
any gathering, and he is a good mixer, genial, obliging, friendly, and hence 
well liked by all classes.
 
The local Catholic church has grown steadily under his charge, and in 1905 a 
splendid new church edifice was erected, and it ranks well with other churches 
of this denomination throughout the state.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)