(Lived August 5, 1843 – May 6, 1919)

John Bailey Nicklin grew up in Pennsylvania, served in the United States Army throughout the Civil War, and moved to Chattanooga in 1866.  Nicklin joined his brother Ben Nicklin in opening a pharmacy in the city.  During the yellow fever epidemic of 1878, Nicklin worked closely with the Relief Committee and freely gave aid from his drug store. 

After several terms on the Board of Aldermen, Nicklin was elected mayor in 1887.  During Mayor Nicklin’s term in office, President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland visited the city, the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce organized, and the Fireman’s Fountain was dedicated to two fireman killed in the line of duty. 

Nicklin had a keen interest in baseball, and from 1892 to 1902, he served as President for the Southern Baseball League.  Nicklin also served as president of the Chattanooga Baseball League.