1914 Biography - James W. Nicholson

Nicholson, James William, inventor of the "Trigonometrical Circle" and author of various works on mathematics, Baton Rouge, La., was born at Tuskegee, Ala., June 16, 1844; son of Washington Biddle and Martha William (Wafer) Nicholson, both of whom were born in the State of Georgia, the father of Scotch and the mother of Irish ancestry. Harris Nicholson, a native of Maryland, born in 1760 and died in 1841, was a soldier of the American revolution and to his memory a monument was erected in the local cemetery at Tuskegee, Ala. This monument is standing at this time. He removed to Virginia from Maryland, and there his son James was born, the son later removing to Georgia, where Washington Biddle Nicholson, son of James Nicholson, was born, this son in turn removing to Alabama, where James William Nicholson, subject of this sketch, was born. In the year of the birth of the latter the father removed to Louisiana, in which latter state the son was reared, and in the year 1876 married Miss Sallie Baker. Of the children born to their union, five are now living, these being Gordon, Malcolm, Wilbur Fenner, Lilburne, and Thera. The sons now reside at Houston, Tex. The mother's ancestors were originally from Ireland. The first American representatives of the family lived in South Carolina, whence there came a son to Louisiana as one of the early pioneers. Thomas Wafer served as a soldier in the army of the Revolution. The mother's father passed the greater part of his life in Louisiana, in which state he died. His name was James, and that of his father Thomas. The family resided in the northern part of Louisiana. James William Nicholson was prepared for college in private schools, and later matriculated at Homer college, in Claiborne parish. The completion of his education was interrupted by the Civil war, and after having finished the sophomore grade, and some time before his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the Confederate army as a private in Company B, 12th La. infantry. Subsequently he underwent all the experiences of a Confederate soldier in the ranks, during 4 years of fighting in the service of the Southern states. During this time the young man several times declined promotion that was proffered as a result of gallant conduct in action, being prompted to decline these advances in order that he might avail himself of every possible opportunity to study higher mathematics, to which science he has been devoted throughout life. After the war he returned home and soon established a private school at Arizonia, La. This was called Arizonia seminary, and was the chief school of North Louisiana during the reconstruction period. In 1877, he accepted the chair of mathematics in Louisiana State university. Prof. Nicholson has twice occupied the position of president of the university, without having sought the place in either case, and has each time resigned as soon as the presidency could be acceptably filled without his incumbency. In these cases, as in the army, he desired to give his time to the problems of mathematics. He is author of a series of mathematics, embracing algebra, trigonometry and calculus, and has written numerous monographs dealing with the subject of mathematics. Prof. Nicholson is inventor of the ''Trigonometrical Circle,'' now in very general use throughout the civilized world. He has written an interesting work entitled "Stories of Dixie.'' After the war he took the degree of A. M. at Homer college. In 1893 the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by the agricultural and mechanical college of Alabama, and in 1903 the same degree was conferred upon Prof. Nicholson by Tulane university. The professor has been a member of the Knights of Pythias 31 years. He is affiliated with the Methodist church. In addition to his many professional and literary interests, Prof. Nicholson has found time to participate in many local activities of a social nature, and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Louisiana. As a member of the Confederate Veterans he acted for many years as one of the influential committee on history which had much to do with the agitation for correct representation of Southern history in the public schools.

Note: Referenced source includes a portrait of Professor Nicholson.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 324-325.