Gaston, Joseph.  "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912."  Vol. 3. 
Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 392.
 
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN NICHOLS

     is one of the many men actively engaged in the cultivation of the soil, the
raising of high-grade stock and in the operation of a fruit ranch, which
industry is doing so much to make southern Oregon a wealthy and prosperous
section. He was born in Douglas county, January 11, 1872, the son of Israel B.
and Isabel (Riddle) Nichols, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of
Illinois. The father came to Oregon in 1853 and took up a donation claim in
Douglas county, married in this section and died in 1893 upon his holdings. The
mother died in 1892. In his family were twelve children, ten of whom are living.
     Benjamin F. Nichols received his early education in the public schools of
Douglas county and remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. He
then began farming and stock-raising and was so successful in this line that he
is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of cultivated and improved farm
land and a large herd of graded cattle in the Cow Creek valley, near Riddle. He
is also the proprietor of large fruit orchards and in this branch of his
activity he takes a keen and intelligent interest. He is well versed in the
details of fruit cultivation and has a scientific knowledge of the care of
apples, prunes and berries. His fruit is of fine quality and his harvests grow
more abundant every year. He has recently added to his activities by the
purchase of a livery barn in the village of Riddle. This he operates with great
business ability and common sense and is rapidly making a success in this line
proportionate to his prosperity in the purely agricultural field.
     On January 9, 1896, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Lenora
Yarbrough, a daughter of George W. and Emma (Brown) Yarbrough, former residents
of Josephine county, who are now living in Douglas county, Oregon. The father of
Mrs. Nichols was born in Missouri and the mother in Washington county, Oregon.
The former came to Oregon in 1844 with his parents when he was only four years
of age. They settled in Linn county and afterwards moved to Josephine county.
The mother's parents came to Oregon in 1843 from Missouri and settled in
Washington county, being among the earliest settlers and pioneers in Oregon. Mr.
and Mrs. Nichols are the parents of three children: Lenora Mildred, who was born
June 15, 1898; Stilley R., born September 1, 1900; and Ruth Jane, born August 7,
1906.
     Mr. Nichols has always been active in local political affairs. He is a
consistent republican and a firm upholder of the principles and policies of that
party. He has recently been nominated for representative from his district and
has held the position of county stock inspector for six years. He is a member of
Riddle Lodge, No. 136, I. 0. 0. F., and has filled all the chairs in that
organization. He belongs to Roseburg Lodge, No. 47, K. P., and is a member of
the Grange at Riddle. He is an intelligent, active and broadminded man, well
versed in all matters pertaining to his life's occupation, able in politics,
capable in business and well beloved by his many friends.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2007 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.