2496.Richard Nichols. Richard died in Reading, MA on 22 Nov 1674.81
The typical spelling of the surname was Nickols, not Nichols, in the 17th and 18th century in the Reading area, but became Nichols during the 18th century and exclusively Nichols in the 19th century.
“Richard Nichols, immigrant ancestor of this family, born in England, was an early settler in Ipswich, Massachusetts. He was one of the proprietors of that town as early as 1646, and that year was one of the subscribers to the Denison fund. He bought of Edward Bragg, March 21, 1658, an acre and a half on the south side of the river, bounded by the highway leading to Essex on the south: land formerly of Humphrey Griffin, now of Abraham Fitts, on the east: and other land of Nichols on the north. He appeared before the general court December 1, 1640. He removed to Reading, Massachusetts, and his wife ‘Sister Nichols’ was admitted to the Reading church by letter from the Ipswich church in 1666, not long after their removal. His wife Annas (or Agnes) died in 1692. Their home in Reading was in the west part of town, on the place subsequently known as the Lambert farm.”108
Check out "Richard Nichols the Immigrant," George E. Nichols, 1928, in Nichols Families in New England, Robert E. Nichols, 1983.
Will: Will of Richard Nickoles Nov 19 1674 15975 Make my son John Nickoles, my full and sole Executor of this my Will. To my wife Ann, four pounds a year, during her widowhood.
To my son Thomas Nickoles, my divident of land that was given me by the Town of Redding, that lyeth beyond Ipsidge River, with three Acres of meadow that belonges unto.
To my son James Nickoles, Ten Acres of land adjoining to James Pikes, with a sledge of meadow called Lawkin's Sledge, and two Acres of meadow in durty meadow, at the East end, next to Mist. Brockes meadow.
To my daughter, Mary Nickoles, thirty pounds, to be paid by my son John, Ten pounds on her day of marriage, and five pounds a year until thirty is paid
To my daughter Hannah Nickoles, twenty pounds.
Richard married Agnes. Agnes died in Reading, MA on 24 Aug 1692.81