William W. Nickels, Jr. Photograph

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195

Summary

Extent:
1 digital photograph
Creator:
Margaret Larsen, Waterford VA
Abstract:
This collection consists of one digital copy of a photograph of William Washington Nickels Jr. (1924-2001) taken during or just before his time in office as Mayor of Leesburg.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of one digital copy of a photograph of William W. Nickels Jr. taken during or just before his time in office as Mayor of Leesburg. This digital image and accompanying biography were provided by Nickel's daughter, Margaret Larsen, for inclusion in an online exhibit of past Mayors of Leesburg.

Biographical / historical:

William Washington Nickels Jr. (1924-2001), served as mayor of Leesburg from 1953 to 1954. A native of Tennessee, he was educated at Davidson College, Duke University, and the University of Virginia. During World War II, he served in the U.S Navy in the Pacific theater, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. He moved to Leesburg in 1950 and began practicing law.

During Mr. Nickels' term as mayor, he worked with the town council to separate the duties of mayor from those of chief magistrate, justice of the peace, and police chief. In July 1953, when the town's water tank was very low, Mr. Nickels sought the help of General George Marshall to obtain purifying pumps from the Army at Fort Belvoir for use in the old limestone quarry, and thereby averted the water crisis. He also served as Municipal Judge for the Town of Leesburg. He was president of the Loudoun Bar Association and was ordained as a deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church. He served as president of the Waterford Foundation and was on the Board of Directors of the Loudoun Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He was a Mason, former president of the Waterford Foundation, and a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Acquisition information:
Margaret Larsen, Waterford VA
Physical description:
.