George H. Nicholls
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
According to a Galveston directory, George H. Nicholls was a mariner seeking his fortune in Galveston when he entered the warehouse business. George was the first employee at Geo. M. Steirer & Co. As a warehouseman. Nicholls later formed a partnership with a Mr. Wiley. In 1888, they purchased the business from their employer and formed Wiley & Nicholls. Their company dealt in the warehouse business and freight transfer and was located at the corner of 19th Street and Strand. The business prospered and, in 1893, Nicholls moved into this home, the first home built on 24th street. Mr. Nicholls lived at this location until 1899 when he purchased a larger home at 1413 24th Street.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
George H. Nicholls arrived in Galveston as a mariner and found his fortune in the warehouse trade, starting as the first employee of Geo. M. Steirer & Co. In 1888 he and a partner bought out their employer to form Wiley & Nicholls, a warehousing and freight-transfer firm at 19th Street and the Strand. As the business prospered, Nicholls built this home in 1893—the first house on 24th Street—living here until moving to a larger residence in 1899.
Why it matters
Nicholls's rise reflects the mercantile boom of nineteenth-century Galveston, when the island's port made it one of the busiest commercial hubs in Texas.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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