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Nickens |
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| Spencer Nickens, barber, at Morley, was born May 2, 1840, his parents Nathaniel and Sinnia Nickens, were natives of the Eastern shore of Maryland, and in that State and in Virginia Mr. Nickens passed his early life. In the summer of 1864 he came to Grand Rapids, and the first year was employed as porter in a hotel, and was next engaged in learning his trade. He founded his business at Cedar Springs in the spring of 1870, and has since followed his present profession. He is a respected citizen of Morley, is a member of the Order of the Masonry, and belongs to the Knights of Templar. In politics he is a Republican, a man of liberal views, and endorser and follower of the principles of the Golden Rule. He is radical in his views of temperance and morality. The Great-Grandfather of Mr. Nickens was a soldier of the war of 1812 and was color bearer of his regiment. When the civil war broke out, he, having no employment, and his love of the Union very strong, went into the employ of General Birney, and during three years acted as his valet. Mr. Nickens is a fine type of what his race has become since the terrible conflict that placed it on an equality with other men. He proves that, notwithstanding the perplexities of his color and profession, a man may, through moral qualities, take fair rank with more pretentious individuals. |