[4] Upon completing his formal education, Nichols went to work for his father and brother in the family's woodenware business.

[3] After moving to Arizona Territory in 1880, Nichols lived in Tombstone and Charleston for about a year before settling in Willcox.

[1] In addition to lumber, Nichols developed interests in real estate and cattle ranching.

[7] Becoming active in county level Republican politics shortly after his arrival in Arizona, Nichols became a justice of the peace by 1883.

[1] Governor N. O. Murphy appointed Nichols Territorial Auditor in October 1901 and he took the oath of office on November 1.

[4] Nichols' given reason was that the territory would soon face a political battle over how mines were taxed and he was poorly suited to lead the fight.

[7] Nichols and his wife moved to Los Angeles, California shortly after he left office.