Maurice Edward Nicklin, (Nick), a graduate of Penn State, was more than capable of accomplishing whatever he set out to do. He was multi-talented with a warm "demeanor" that was somewhat "magical" and that made others like him almost immediately. The impressions that he made on others were long-lasting.  He was "the real deal", with not an ounce of pretentiousness about him. "What you saw, you were glad you got". (Plus a great sense of humor.)  Smart mechanical engineer-sales talents led him to meet many foreign dignitaries and political leaders, especially during World War Two. In 1936, he was successful in completing an "industrial espionage" assignment in Italy for his company. An early "air traveler" he traveled through South and Central America and Europe. He was not a "prude", but people wanted to be on their best behavior when he was around.  Foul language and personal attacks were not part of Nick's personality.  He became an authority in the field of rail car refrigeration and was asked to write and speak about it quite often.  His final employer, Mercedes-Benz of North America, asked him to stay working five years beyond the company's normal retirement age. Nick was a man of deep faith. He was active in Norman Vincent Peale's Marble Collegiate Church in New York, even becoming personal friends with the Peales.  At Mercedes-Benz, prior to starting work , co-workers would come to visit him and ask his advice on their personal problems. They trusted him.  And Nick's "magic" stayed with him until he left this world.  There are a few with Nick's personality...but not many. (The rest of the story: To get through college, Nick would work a year for his father in the Pennsylvania oil fields, then go to college the next year.  He did this until he finished college.  At twenty-two, he fell from an oil tower, injuring his pancreas.  That resulted in his becoming a diabetic. That never held him back. He died at age eighty-two.)

WILLIAM MONTROSE NICKLIN ( ME Nicklin's father)

I saw my paternal grandfather about four times over the years. He was not a "family man" according to his son. William was an Official of the South Penn Oil Company. He was a former field production superintendent in the Bradford, PA District. He died alone int his hotel apartment, at the El Tovar Hotel in St. Petersburg. He is buried in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Oil City, PA. He once wrote his son, Maurice, apologizing for the fact that he was not a good father to him. Sad

Alice was mother to Maurice Edward Nicklin ( Pompa 1) and two other sons.  A daughter, Ethel Idelia, died in infancy. She never became a part of my life,  as I only met her twice. Growing up, Pompa 1 revered his grandmother, Ma Shiner, whom he gave credit for raising him and instilling excellent excellent values for life. 

Ralph Eusebius Nicklin with wife Sarah Furman Kelly were married October 2, 1867 and had eleven children ( six girls and five boys) The third oldest was William Montrose Nicklin ( father to Maurice Edward Nicklin) . Everyone called him Red because of the red hair that grew in his beard.