George Nichols (politician)

George Nichols (April 17, 1827 -- April 28, 1907) was a Vermont physician, politician, and educator. He was a Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, and served as Secretary of State of Vermont and acting president of Norwich University.

George Nichols was born in Northfield, Vermont on April 17, 1827. He was educated in Northfield, attended Newbury Seminary, and taught school beginning at age 15. He then studied medicine in Northfield with Dr. Samuel W. Thayer Jr., after which he attended Vermont Medical College in . After graduating in 1851, Nichols practiced in Northfield, in addition to owning and operating a drugstore. From 1848 to 1853, Nichols served as Vermont's state librarian.

In 1862, Nichols joined the Union Army for the American Civil War. As the regimental surgeon for the 13th Vermont Infantry, his service included participation in the Battle of Gettysburg, where he was in charge of a field hospital for the I Corps. After the war, Nichols resumed practicing medicine and operating his drug store. Nichols also served in local offices, including town meeting moderator.

A Republican in politics, in 1865, Nichols became Vermont's Secretary of State; he held the position until 1884. In 1870, he was president of the state constitutional convention that changed terms for Vermont's state offices from one year to two. Republicans won every statewide election for more than 100 years beginning with the party's founding in the mid-1850s; in addition to serving as the state party's secretary, Nichols ran its statewide campaigns in 1872, 1876 and 1880. He also served as Vermont's member of the Republican National Committee, and was a delegate to the 1872 Republican National Convention.

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