Biography of Clark Nichols

Clark Nichols, attorney at law in Eufaula and a member of the State senate from McIntosh, Muskogee and Haskell counties, was born in Elk County, Kansas, on the 16th of November, 1880, a son of John A. and Mary C. (Conover) Nichols, both natives of Illinois. The father removed to Kansas at an early age and acquiring land in Elk County, farmed there until 1889, in which year he, removed to Joplin, Missouri. There he engaged in mining but in 1911 he disposed of his interests and came to Hanna, Oklahoma. He bought land near here, which he still operates. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are living in Eufaula and are respected citizens of the community.

In the acquirement of an education, Clark Nichols attended the schools of Elk County and Cherryvale, Kansas, and later those in Joplin, Missouri. For some time he followed mining there, and then, determining upon a legal career, enrolled in the law department of the University of Missouri in 1903. In 1906 he was graduated from that institution, with the LL. B. degree. Subsequently he engaged in practice in Joplin and from 1907 to 1909 held the office of city attorney there. In January, 1911, he came to Oklahoma, locating in Holdenville and after practicing there for two years removed to Hanna. He remained in Hanna until 1916, when he came to Eufaula and has since resided here. In addition to his practice, Mr. Nichols has extensive farming interests in McIntosh County and scattered oil interests.

Upon the entrance of the United States into the World War Mr. Nichols put all personal interests aside and in August, 1917, enlisted and was sent to the Second Officers Training Camp at Camp Stanley, Texas. There he was commissioned first Lieutenant and was sent, with the Ninetieth Division, to Camp Travis. Later, however, be was returned to Camp Stanley as an instructor in the Third Officers Training Camp, and subsequently was transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia, a replacement camp, and remained there for some time. He attended the school of rifle and pistol fire at Camp Perry, Ohio, and in August 1918, was sent to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, where he received a Captaincy. When the signing of the armistice closed hostilities, he was in command of headquarters company of the Eightieth Infantry, Fifteenth Division Captain Nichols received his honorable discharge in April, 1919, and immediately returned to Eufaula.

In June, 1909, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Nichols to Miss Daphene Bishop, and they are the parents of four children: Clark Jr., whose birth occurred on the 31st of March, 1912 Betty Lou, who was born in February, 1917; Marjorie Nell, whose death occurred at the age of three months; and John Bishop, who died when but two and one-half years of age.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Nichols has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic Party and the principles for which it stands. In November, 1920, he was elected to the state senate to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Mayfield and he is now active in that capacity. Mr. Nichols has always remained a constant student of his profession and he holds membership in the American, Oklahoma State and McIntosh County Bar Associations. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and his religious faith is that of the Baptist Church. Socially he is identified with the Lions Club. Mr. Nichols is particularly fond of athletics and for two years while a student at the University of Missouri, played on the football team, receiving his letter in 1904. His life thus far has been a busy and active one and he has made for himself an enviable position among his professional brethren of the County and state. His practice in Eufaula and vicinity is extensive and lucrative and results in his handling much important litigation before the courts. He is an enterprising citizen and one whose aid may always be counted upon in promoting any movement he deems essential to the development of the general welfare.