John George Nicolay (1832–1901) was a German-born American author, diplomat, and presidential secretary, best known as Abraham Lincoln’s private secretary and for his extensive writings on Lincoln’s presidency.
Born in Essingen, Bavaria, Nicolay immigrated to the U.S. in 1838, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio. He later moved to Illinois, where he edited Pike County Free Press and became a political ally of Lincoln. In 1861, Lincoln appointed him private secretary, making him the first official holder of the position. He managed correspondence, appointments, and political affairs throughout Lincoln’s presidency.
After Lincoln’s assassination, Nicolay served as U.S. Consul in Paris (1865–69) and later as Marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court (1872–87.) His most significant work, Abraham Lincoln: A History (1890–94,) a ten-volume biography co-authored with John Hay, provides a detailed account of Lincoln’s life and presidency. He also wrote The Outbreak of Rebellion (1881,) analyzing the Civil War’s early stages.
His daughter, Helen Nicolay, later authored Lincoln’s Secretary: A Biography of John G. Nicolay (1949,) chronicling his life and contributions.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John George Nicolay
In the early West, law and politics were parallel roads to usefulness as well as distinction
—John George Nicolay
Topics: Usefullness
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