Quick Facts
Biography
Asher P. Nichols (1815 in Whiting, Addison County, Vermont – May 30, 1880 in Clinton, Oneida County, New York) was an American lawyer and politician.
Life
His family moved to Rushville, New York when he was still at a young age. He graduatedfrom Springville Academy at the age of about 18.He then went to Canandaigua to be a clerk in the law office of Judge George W. Clinton, son of Governor DeWitt Clinton. In 1836, they both went to Buffalo, being among the first lawyers in that city. Nichols completed his legal studies, was admitted to the bar and became Clinton's partner.
Though a staunch Democrat, he was not active in politics until 1867, when he accepted the nomination for State Senator and won the election by a large majority. He was a member of the New York State Senate (31st D.) in 1868 and 1869.
He was appointed New York State Comptroller in June 1870to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of William F. Allen who had been elected to the New York Court of Appeals. In November 1870, he was elected to succeed himself for the remaining year of Allen's term, but in 1871, he was defeated for re-election by Republican Nelson K. Hopkins.
Nichols died of apoplexy at a friend's home in Clinton, and was buried at Rochester, New York.