Jesse Clyde Nichols was born 23 August 1880 in Olathe, Kansas. He was the son of Jesse T. Nichols and the grandson of Thomas T. Nichols and Elizabeth Hoge of Virginia. Jesse married Jessie Eleanor Miller 28 June 1905 in Olathe, Kansas. They moved to Kansas City, Missouri and were the parents of three children. Jesse died 16 February 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri. Descendants lived primarily in Missouri, Kansas and elsewhere.

Few places in the United States feel the impact of courthouse disasters like the state of Georgia. Over its history, 75 of the state's counties have suffered 109 events resulting in the loss or severe damage of their courthouse or court offices. This book documents those destructive events, including the date, time, circumstance, and impact on records. Each county narrative is supported by historical accounts from witnesses, newspapers, and legal documents. Maps show the geographic extent of major courthouse fires. Record losses are described in general terms, helping researchers understand which events are most likely to affect their work.