Abigail was the first and only child born to Abigail Mehitable Reed and Archibald Richards. Her father may have died in July 1805, prior to her birth, or sometime prior to March 1808. Her mother married again on 19 March 1808. She was probably born in Southeast in what was then Dutchess County NY. In 1812 Southeast became part of Putnam County when the county was formed.

She married Zalmon Nickerson on 26 Dec 1820 and farmed with him in their home county until about 1838 when they moved to Rockland County. They were listed as members of the Gilead Presbyterian Church in Carmel in 1832.

She had 14 children and helped raise many of her grandchildren when their parents became widowed. When she died it was said that she was respected by all who knew her.

On January 7, 1871 an article appeared in the Rockland County Journal describing the 50th Wedding Anniversary gathering that took place:

GOLDEN WEDDING – A Surprise – There was a pleasant gathering at the house of Zalmon Nickerson, in Clarkstown, on Monday, Dec. 26th. It was the 50th anniversary of the marriage of himself and wife. His children, of whom there are twelve, determined to celebrate the event in a fitting manner. Accordingly ten of them – the other two failing to come – met at the house of the eldest brother, and proceeding in a body to the family residence, succeeded in completely taking the old couple by surprise. They were not aware that some of them were in the county.
After mutual congratulations, quiet was restored, and sons with their wives, and daughters with their husbands, and grandchildren not a few – the whole number is 36 – sat down. The Pastor, Rev. B. C. Lippincott, then offered prayer after which two of the sons, in behalf of the rest, presented to their parents appropriate testimonials of their regard. The circumstances were so peculiarly affecting and impressive that they could scarcely find words in which to express their reverent love for them. It was a touching scene. The whole company was dissolved in tears. And when the aged patriarch arose to reply, it was with an overflowing heart of gratitude and praise to God. Well might he be proud of his children. They are all respectable, most of them professors of religion and all living on the best of terms with each other.
A table loaded with the good gifts of providence was soon spread and we sat down to its enjoyment, endeavoring to do full justice to the occasion, in which we admirably succeeded. If all golden weddings are like this one, may they happen often and prove delightful family re-unions. B. C. L.


According to the 1880 Census Mortality Schedule she died from Apoplexy, primarily congestion of the brain. She was buried on March 31, 1880 by Pastor Samuel Streng of the Clarkstown Reformed Church.

Death Notice in the Rockland County Journal on 3 April 1880, page 5.

NICKERSON – At Clarksville, on Sunday evening March 28th, 1880, Abigail M., beloved wife of Zalmon Nickerson, aged 74 years and 4 months.

Obituary on the same page:

Mrs. Abigail Nickerson, who died at Clarksville on Sunday last, was the mother of fourteen children, twelve of whom are now living. Her funeral occurred on Wednesday, and six of her sons acted as bearers on the occasion. Her remains were interred in Oak Hill Cemetery.