Dr. M. G. Nixon

Dr. M. G. Nixon is one of the prominent citizens of Columbia, where he is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, and where he also carries on a drug store. His skill and ability have won for him and excellent reputation and gained for him a liberal patronage. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, July 15, 1843. His father, John Nixon, was a native of Washington County, Pa., and thence removed to the Buckeye State. By trade he was a carpenter and in connection with that pursuit he followed farming. He married Charlotte Steele, also a native of the Keystone State, and in 1843 removed with his family to Monroe County, Ill., locating three miles west of Waterloo. He there followed farming and made his home until his death, which occurred in 1878. He held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a highly respected man.

The Doctor is one of a family of eight children, five of whom are yet living. Upon the home farm he was reared, and his primary education was acquired in a log schoolhouse. He afterward attended school in Waterloo, and later took a scientific course of study in McKendree College, of Lebanon, Ill. He began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Copp & Wetmore, of Waterloo, with whom he continued until 1862, when he entered the St. Louis Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1864. The Doctor then joined the army as a member of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, and was made Assistant Surgeon of the regiment, in which capacity he served until the close of the war. When hostilities had ceased, he returned home and located in the eastern part of Monroe County. A year later he came to Columbia, where he has since resided.

In 1870, Dr. Nixon was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Brady, who died in 1873, leaving two children. The son John has charge of his father's drug store. In 1876, the Doctor married Emma A. Warnock, a native of Monroe County, and a daughter of Lafayette Warnock. Their union was blessed with two children, Ardelle and Minnie E.
Sr. Nixon votes with the Democratic party. In June, 1893, he was appointed Postmaster by President Cleveland, and is now acceptable filling the office. He takes considerable interest in civic societies, is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is a Knight Templar. For about seventeen years he was Master of Columbia Lodge No. 474, A. F. & A. M., and has been Chief Patriarch of the encampment, the Odd Fellows' organization. He belongs to the Monroe County Medical Society, of the Southern Illinois Medical Association, and of the Illinois Army and Navy Medical Association. The Doctor is a pleasant, genial gentleman, well liked by all, and is numbered among the leading citizens of Columbia, where he has built up and excellent practice and secured a high reputation as a physician.