Thomas Nicholson, Builder

One of the men involved in the construction of the Scottish Home in 1910 was Thomas Nicholson.  Here is his obituary, dated April 3, 1920.

"Thomas G. Nicholson, a builder in Chicago for the last fifty years died Thursday at his residence, 3104 Southport avenue of pneumonia.  Mr. Nichson for years had been a prominent figure in construction building.  At his death he held the position of trustee's construction representative of the new Field Museum.   He was born in Scotland in 1847.  He is survived by his widow, a son, Thomas G. Nicholson of Chicago, and three daughters.  Final services will be held at 3 o'clock today at the chapel in Oakwoods cemetery."

The Illinois Saint Andrew Society passed the following resolution:

"Another friend of Scotch birth, Thomas Nicholson, departed this life on April 1st.  Mr. Nicholson was born on the estate of Sir Robert Sinclair at Thurso, Scotland on December 14, 1847.

After having finished his apprenticeship as a stone cutter he left the country of his birth and came to Portland, Maine, in 1868, where he worked as a journeyman.  In 1869 he came to Chicago where in 1873 he started into business for himself as a contractor.  He built many of the principal buildings in both Chicago and New Orleans.  Building foundations was his specialty and he was the first to complete caisson foundations in Chicago.

Later he gave up construction work and became Supervisor of Construction for the Estate of Marshall Field.  In 1914 he became Superintendent of Construction for the Trustee of the Field Museum of Natural History.
Mr. Nicholson possessed many of the good characteristics of his race and performed all duties with credit.

For years he was a faithful member of the Illinois saint Andrew society in which he was greatly interested.  Therefore as a token of affection and esteem this notice of remembrances has been prepared by his loving friends and requested to be recorded in the Society's minutes.

Signed by John Williamson, George A. Kennedy and John Thomson

July Eighth,
Nineteen Hundred Twenty.

Mrs. Thomas Nicholson died December 3, 1922 in Long Beach, CA. and was buried in Long Beach.  She was 76 years of age.
She was the mother of:  Thomas G. and Miss Blenda Nicholson, Mrs. Foster J. Curtis, Mrs. James D. Shaw.

Descendants are invited to contact the Scottish American History Club.