Born in Sharptown, New Jersey, Nichols attended the common schools.

He later learned the trade of a printer then moved to Ohio in 1842 and settled in Lima, where he studied law.

He was admitted to the bar in 1849 and commenced practice in Lima, Ohio.

Nichols was elected prosecuting attorney for Allen County in 1851, but resigned the following year to campaign for Congress.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress