The following is a biography of manufacturer Alexander McNichol former Norwich Rotarian from A modern history of New London County, Connecticut; by Marshall, Benjamin Tinkham.
ALEXANDER McNICOL— Although one of the youngest textile executives, Alexander McNicol, treasurer and agent of the Jewett City Textile Novelty Company, of Jewett City, Connecticut, has been engaged in the business since leaving school, and in the same plant over which he now has authority he began his training, having the added advantage of being under the direction of a Scotch father, whose motto was “thoroughness,” and who made no exemptions on account of relationship. Mr. McNicol is a native son of New London county, educated in Norwich schools, and in his native county his thirty-two years have been spent, his connection with the textile business beginning in 1909.
Alexander McNicol, second son of Archibald and Mary (Montgomery) McNicol (see preceding sketch), was born in the city of Norwich, Connecticut, January 21, 1890. Lie was educated in Norwich public schools, the free academy and business college, finishing in 1904. He then became associated with his father in the Jewett City Textile Novelty Company at Jewett City, and beginning at the bottom, he worked through the various departments until he arrived at a thorough and complete knowledge of the business of which he is now the head. He was his father’s valued and trusted assistant until the latter’s passing in 1914, and then succeeded him as agent and manager of the company founded by Archibald McNicol in 1902, and developed by Alexander McNicol, one of the youngest of all New England textile manufacturers, and one of the most able. He has no other business interests of importance, his entire force, energy and business ability being given to the management of the affairs of the Jewett City Textile Novelty Company, a successful corporation from its beginning, nearly two decades ago.
On August 26, 1918, Mr. McNicol entered the United States army, and was sent to Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, for training. On October 25, 1918, he was made corporal, and with his regiment was awaiting marching orders for an embarkation camp when the armistice was signed. His company was ordered to Camp Mills, Long Island, where he was in charge of a sanitary department of the camp, devoted to the reception of home-coming soldiers. He was honorably discharged and mustered out of the service January 26, 1919.
Mr. McNicol is a member of Norwich Chamber of Commerce; the Connecticut Manufacturers’ Association; the Rotary Club, of Norwich; Orville La Flamme Post, American Legion, of Jewett City; member, and for years clerk of the Jewett City Congregational Church; member of Reliance Lodge, No. 308 29, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Jewett City; and in politics a Republican.
Mr. McNicol married, August 5, 1917, Bernice Reed, daughter of Alva B. and Mary (James) Reed, of Lynn, Massachusetts. The family home is in Jewett City.