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 OHN W. NYCE. There is not a more popular man in the city of Caldwell than he with whose name we introduce this sketch. Indeed he is widely and favorably known Throughout Sumner County, as one who has been identified with its best interests and who has contributed materially to its growth and development. He is at present the Mayor of Caldwell and Cashier of the Stock Exchange Bank, and has occupied various other positions of trust and responsibility since becoming a resident of this place.The subject of this sketch was born in Delanco, Burlington County, N. J., July 15, 1855, and is the son of John and Martha (Allyn) Nyce, who were natives respectively of New York and New Jersey. John Nyce was a lawyer of fine abilities and attained to a high position in his profession, which he followed for many years in Milford, Pa. At the outbreak of the Civil War he joined the Thirty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, as Second Lieutenant of a company, and subsequently rose to the position of Major, serving in that capacity until the battle of Antietam. Then, being wounded, he was for a time unfit for service. After his recovery he was promoted to be Colonel of the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, a position which he filled with great credit to himself until the expiration of his term of service. He was a man quiet and unobtrusive in his manner, never seeking notoriety of any kind, but he held some of the minor offices of his town. Although successful as a money getter, the father of our subject never succeeded in accumulating much means, on account of his liberality. He was a devoted Christian, and for many years prior to his decease, a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also officiated most of his time as Sunday-school Superintendent. He came of a long line of honorable ancestry, of German extraction, and was gathered to his fathers on the 14th of April, 1880, caused from a wound received through the lung at the battle of Antietam, at the early age of forty-nine years. The wife and mother, who bore the maiden name of Martha A. Allyn, is still living, making her home in Caldwell; she is a lady possessing many estimable qualities and greatly beloved in the community. She is now fifty-four years of age and traces her ancestry to Scotland. The parental household included six children, viz.: John W., Bertha, Belle C., Clara E., Mattie B. and George M. He of whom we write was the eldest child of his parents, and spent his early years at Stroudsburg and Milford, Pa. He completed his studies in the academy, and later read law under the instruction of his father, to such good purpose that in 1877, he was admitted to the bar. He followed the profession in Milford until May, 1881, in the meantime serving one term as District Attorney. He determined to seek the West, believing that it could furnish a better field for his ambition, and accordingly in the month above mentioned, he came to Kansas, and taking up his residence in Caldwell began dealing in live stock. In 1882, however, he abandoned this and entered the Stock Exchange Bank of Caldwell as book-keeper, and was shortly afterward promoted to Assistant Cashier. He proved himself to be competent and trustworthy, and in 1884 was made its regular Cashier, which position he still holds. In 1886 he was elected Clerk of the District Court of Sumner County, and served one term. In addition to his other responsible duties, he officiates as Treasurer of the Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association, a position requiring bonds of $200,000. Mr. Nyce is a Mason in high standing, and a Knight Templar, and a member of Isis Temple, Mystic Shrine of Kansas, and he also belongs to the Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; he is a Knight of Pythias, Uniformed Rank; is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workman, and is Captain of the Sons of Veterans. Col. John Nyce Camp, No. 5, at Caldwell. Politically he is a sound Republican. The marriage of John W. Nyce and Miss Maggie A. Quick was celebrated at the bride’s home in Milford. Pa., May 9, 1881. Mrs. Nyce was born March 19, 1862, in Milford. Pa., and is the daughter of Peter A. L. .and Catherine (Angel) Quick, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Nyce are the parents of two sons: John W., Jr., and Peter Q. The family residence is pleasantly located in the south part of town, and forms one of its most attractive homes. |
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