William Reuben Nims was born in Richmond, Vermont, in 1829. He became a salesman for a local merchant, and in his travels met John L. Wood, who was becoming involved in both the mercantile business and lumber industry in Sanilac County. Wood invited Nims to join his firm, and in 1853 Nims moved to Lexington. By 1858, Nims's involvement in the business led Woods to make him a partner in the firm. In 1873, S. C. Tewksbury bought out Wood's interest, making Nims the senior partner.[2]
Nims was also involved in family and community. He married his first wife, Susan B. Greene, in 1856, but she died six years later. During this time, Nims served as an alderman, a member of the Village Board of Trustees, and president of the village board. In 1864, he was elected to the Michigan Senate, serving two years. In 1872, Nims remarried, this time to Catherine Helena Schell of Lexington. The couple had three children.[2]
In 1874, Nims built this elegant house. He continued to work until 1880, when he withdrew from his partnership with Tewksbury. spending much of his retirement raising horses. Nims continued to live in this house until his death in 1903. The house passed into multiple hands afterward. In 1942 it was purchased by Dr. Gwendal George Wilcox, who, like Nims, served as president of the village council.[2]
