Mary Ann House was born November 24th, 1826 in Jefferson County, Ohio, daughter of John and Sarah Nicely/Kneisley House. Her father died in 1833 when Mary was just seven years old. Her mother did not remarry, raising Mary and her 5 siblings, Elizabeth, Joseph, Eli, Eleazer, and Catherine on her own. Mary was married June 17th, 1845 to Washington Luther Nicholls. They settled first on a farm in Island Creek Twp in Jefferson County, OH where the ir first three children were born: Albert, Sarah, and Eleazer. In the fall of 1852, the family moved from Jefferson County to Medina Co, OH where they had five more children: George, Ross, Naomi, Altha, and Elton Nicholls. In October of 1867, they decided to move west, settling in Macon Co, IL. They settled on a farm 3 miles northeast of what is now Blue Mound where their ninth and youngest child, Orin Nicholls was born in 1869. Mary and her husband were among the original founders of the Methodist Church. Mary's husband died in 1875 at the age of 54. Mary stayed active in the church and was familiarly known as "Aunt Mary" by those who knew her. She died March 8th, 1905 at her home at the age of 78 and was buried in the church cemetery alongside her husband.

Obituary:

Blue Mound, Ill. March 11 - —Mrs. Mary Nicholls died at her home, three miles northeast of Blue Mound, of pneumonia and old age. She was buried at the Bethel cemetery, the services were held at the Bethel church Friday afternoon. She leaves seven children to mourn her loss. They are Albert Nicholls of Nebraska, George Nicholls of Moweaqua, Eleazer, Elton, Orin and Mrs. James Damery of Blue Mound and Mrs Wright of Macon. One daughter and her husband have preceded her to the better land. Mrs. Nicholls was held in high esteem by all who knew her. She was a faithful Christian and will be greatly missed by the members of the church.

Decatur, IL Review March 11, 1905 p7