History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories, biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views of county seats, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881. p.1157

J.W. Nicolai, engineer, O.D. Peck, was born in Perth Amboy, N.J., Oct. 9, 1843; came to Wisconsin with parents in 1853, and located in Oshkosh, where they engaged in farming. Mr. Nicolai has been engaged in engineering about eight years; had charge of that department in State Hospital over two years; was also engaged in same building, laying steam pipe with Baylis, of Chicago, some twelve months. He was married in Oshkosh, Feb. 28, 1868, to Miss Nellie Knight, of Oshkosh, formerly from Illinois; they have one child, a daughter- Iola. Mr. Nicolai belongs to the Temple of Honor.