Isaac Nicholls

75

iain Frazier on 22nd September 2025

Family connections for Isaac (Nichols) are: NICHOLS Isaac (Nichols) son of Jonathan (Nichols) droget maker & Sarah (???) was born on 29 7 1770 at Colne Wiltshire. He was tried for stealing brass pot of Thomas (Seagar) & silver watch of Robert (Oakford) of Colne at Warminster Wiltshire Quarter Sessions of Peace, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 9 7 1791 after a voyage of 6months on Fleet ship ADMIRAL BARRINGTON. About 1793 he was appointed chief overseer of convict gangs. On 11 9 1796 he married firstly Mary (Warren her third marriage) at St Phillips CofE Sydney.>>> [Some details taken from this Website] Mary (Warren) was born about 1771. She was convicted w/1other of stealing linen at Warwick Assizes on 25 3 1788, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 3 6 1790 after a voyage of 6months on Fleet ship LADY JULIANA-a ship with 228females who easily entertained the whole crew & also sailors at Teneriffe stopover. She had a first (1of3) relationship with Samuel (Braiden). She had a second (2of3) relationship with Peter (Dargin). She was issued her Ticket of Leave no.418. She died in October 1804 age33 by drowning mother of 2children & was buried on 22 10 1804 at St Phillips CofE Sydney.] [Some details taken from this Website] .. >>>Isaac (Nichols) sentence expired in 20 12 1797 after which he was granted 50acres at Concord, to which he later added more land here & at Hunters Hill & Petersham to a total of 1,400acres. In 1798 he obtained a spirit licence & opened an Inn in George St. On 12 3 1799 he was tried for recieving stolen property at Sydney Criminal Court, sentenced to 14years on Norfolk Island, which was suspended by the Governor, referred to English courts with the result that he was granted a Free Pardon in about 1801. At some point he was granted 0.5acre in Sydney on which he built a 'mansion'. In 1805 he built 33ton GOVERNOR HUNTER at his Sydney shipyard which was used for the colony's trade. He married Rosanna (Julian/Abrahams) on 18 2 1805 at St Phillips CofE Sydney-recorded in Sydney Gazette. In March 1809 he was appointed Superintendent in charge of public works & in April 1809 as assistant to the Naval Officer; he also became colony's first mail officer & again Principal Superintendent of convicts. He is recorded as Postmaster Port Jackson in October 1813; he also was owner of ENDEAVOUR. He had many interests including nurture of gardening. He died on 8 11 1819 age49 father of 2known children & was buried at Sydneys new Burial Ground. He was honoured with his likeness on a postage stamp. Rosanna (Julian) was born on 18 3 1787 in Newgate Gaol England. She arrived in NSW with her mother on 22 1 1788 after a voyage of 9months on First Fleet ship PRINCE OF WALES; she was Jewish, the first free Jewish person to arrive in Australia. In 1809 she received land grants. Rosanna (Abraham/Nichols) married secondly James (Stuart) farmer on 31 8 1820 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She produced 2known children in her lifetime. Details of Rosanna (Julian)s family are given in entry for Esther (Abrahams PRINCE OF WALES 1788) on this Website. Isaac (Nichols) & Rosanna (Julian/Abrahams) produced 2children: 1.Isaac David (Nichols) was born on 10 4 1807 & baptised on 23 7 1807 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He had a first relationship with Mary Ann (Power). He was recorded in 1827 as farmer at Concord.>>> ..Mary Ann (Power see just under) was born in 1788. She married firstly James (Squires) on 9 6 1823 at St Johns CofE Parramatta. She may have died on 30 6 1840 age about51 mother of 1known child. ..Details of Mary Ann (Power)s family are given in entry for James (Squire CHARLOTTE 1788) on this Website. ..Isaac David (Nichols) & Mary Ann (Power) produced 1child: ..1.Maria (Nichols) was born on 6 2 1827 at Concord & baptised on 25 3 1827 at St Johns CofE Parramatta. .. >>>Isaac David (Nichols) married secondly Sarah (Hutchinson age15) on 24 6 1829 at St James CofE Sydney. He was recorded as a gent in 1830. He died on 29 8 1867 age60 father of 2known children. ..Sarah (Hutchinson) was born on 29 8 1812 on Norfolk Island & baptised on 15 5 1814 age20m at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She left Norfolk Island with her parents on 3 2 1814. She died on 24 7 1890 age77. ..Details of Sarah (Hutchinson)s family are given in entry for William (Hutchinson HILSBOROUGH 1799) on this Website. ..Isaac David (Nichols) & Sarah (Hutchinson) produced at least 1child: ..1.William Charles (Nichols) was born on 5 4 1830 at Pitt St Sydney & baptised on 5 5 1830 at St James CofE Sydney. .. 2.George Robert (Nichols) was born on 27 9 1809 & baptised on 31 3 1811 age18m at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He had a relationship with Eliza (Bogg). He was recorded as a solicitor in 1831. He died on 2 12 1857 age48. ..Eliza (Bogg) was born in 1813 in England. She arrived in NSW with her mother on 20 7 1814 after a voyage of 6months on BROXBOURNEBURY. ..Details of Eliza (Bogg)s family are given in entry for Robert (Bogg GENERAL HEWITT 1814) on this Website. ..George Robert (Nichols) & Eliza (Bogg) produced at least 1child: ..1.George Robert (Nichols) was born on 5 7 1830 at Bathurst St Sydney & baptised on 23 3 1831 at St James CofE Sydney. He died on 29 6 1832 age2-. Possible history of Mary Ann (Power) just above: Mary Ann (Power) was born in 1788. She had a relationship with Obediah (Paxman). She died on 30 6 1840 age about51. O/Ebediah (Paxman) son of Robert (Paxman) & Mary (Hodgson) was born in 1772 at Framlingham Suffolk. He was indentured to George (King) wheelwright in 1783 at Framlingham. He was tried at Bury St Edmond Suffolk Assizes on 25 3 1789, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 7 10 1792 after a voyage of 4.5months on ROYAL ADMIRAL. He enlisted as Obediah (Packsman) in 102nd Regiment as a private on 14 7 1802. He was Free by Servitude by 1807. In 1809 he was helping with building of granary & barracks at Launceston. On 24 10 1810 he was transferred to 73rd Regiment of Foot & was moved to Port Dalrymple Tasmania in 1812. In 1814 he may have moved to Ceylon & perhaps died in 1815 age about43 on troop ship ARRISTON sunk at sea off South Africa carrying wounded away from Ceylon. [Some details taken from this Website] .. >>>This Mary (Power) arrived in NSW as a convict on 11 2 1796 after a voyage of 6months on MARQUIS CORNWALLIS. Mary (Power) does not have an entry on this website as yet-added by me. Mary (Power) & Obediah (Paxman) produced 1child: 1.Mary (Paxman) was born in 1807. REFERENCES Craig James Smee 'Births and Baptisms Marriages and Defacto Relationships Deaths and Burials New South Wales 1788-1830' ..a complete listing from church & other records in the early colony. Irene Schaffer & Thelma McKay 'Exiled Three Times Over! Profiles of Norfolk Islanders Exiled in Van Diemens Land 1807-1813' James Hugh Donohoe 'Norfolk Island 1788-1813-The People and Their Families' Reg Wright 'Forgotten Generation of Norfolk Island & Van Diemens Land' Pamela Statham 'A Colonial Regiment-New Sources Relating to the New South Wales Corps-1789-1810'

342

Maureen Withey on 29th March 2024

Colonial Secretary Index. NICHOLS, Isaac. Per "Admiral Barrington", 1791; Postmaster; Principal Superintendent of Convicts Transported for seven years per "Admiral Barrington" in 1791; in 1797, following expiration of his sentence, he received a grant of land at Concord and in the following year obtained his first spirit licence, operating an inn in George Street; in 1799 he was convicted of receiving stolen property but the sentence was suspended and, in 1802, he was pardoned; established a shipyard, building the "Governor Hunter" in 1805; appointed Superintendent of Public Works and Assistant to the Naval Officer in March 1809 and became the first postmaster in April of that year, a position he held until his death in November 1819; Macquarie appointed him Superintendent of Convicts, a post he retired from in 1814. 1797 Dec 20; 1805 Dec 18; 1806 Jan 1 On list of all grants and leases of land registered in the Colonial Secretary's Office (Fiche 3267, 9/2731 p.90; Fiche 3268, 9/2731 pp.158, 162) 1802 Apr 10 Particulars of arms in possession of (Reel 6041; 4/1719 p.86) 1802 Jun 13 Granted conditional and free pardon (Reel 6037; SZ989 pp.66-7) 1805 Sep 30; 1808 Feb 15, Nov 21 On list of all grants and leases of town allotments registered in the Colonial Secretary's Office (Fiche 3268; 9/2731 pp.208, 214, 216) 1806 Oct 7 Agreement to employ J Mackdowell as cabinet maker and carpenter at specified rate, until debt paid (Reel 6041; 4/1721 p.45) 1806 Nov 10 Seeking leave to re-employ J McDoual as carpenter (Reel 6041; 4/1721 p.43) 1809 Feb 20 On return of grants and leases made by Lieutenant Governor Foveaux between Jul 1808 and Jan 1809 (Reel 6001; SZ760 p.137b) 1809 Feb 20 Granted Sydney town allotment by Lieutenant Governor Foveaux (Reel 6001; SZ760 p.109b) 1809 Mar 25 Appointed Superintendent and assistant to Naval Officer (Reel 6037; SZ993 p.13) 1809 Apr 25 Appointed to office for distribution of parcels & letters arriving in the Colony (Reel 6037; SZ993 pp.38-9) 1810 Memorial re litigation between Joseph Underwood and Simeon Lord (Fiche 3009; 4/1822 No.319) 1810 Jan 1; 1814 Jan 1 On list of grants and leases of town allotments registered in Colonial Secretary's Office; grant cancelled because of erroneous quit rent and another made out (Fiche 3268; 9/2731 pp.242-3) 1810 Jan 3 On list of persons holding civil and military employment at Sydney and settlements adjacent (Fiche 3300; 2/8332 p.1) 1810 Jan 10 Requested to survey "Lady Nelson's" rigging (Reel 6002, 4/3490B p.33; Reel 6042, 9/2736 p.17). Reply, (Reel 6042; 4/1723 pp.87-8) 1810 Feb 21 Letter ordering release of Francis Cox from Government labour (Reel 6002; 4/3490B p.91) 1810 Feb 24 Letter ordering release of Thomas Jones (Reel 6002; 4/3490B p.101) 1810 Mar Signatory to list of free men employed by Government for the building of the new stores (Reel 6042; 4/1723 pp.202-3) 1810 Apr 13 Letter directing him to restore Thomas Loach to service of William Bligh (Reel 6002; 4/3490B p.183) 1810 Jun Appointed Post Master in Sydney (Reel 6039, SZ756 p.655; Reel 6038, SZ758 p.61) 1810 Aug 27 Requesting cedar from Newcastle for use of Government Windmill (Reel 6003; 4/3490A p.84) 1810 Sep 1-1811 Aug 5 Return of Government working cattle at Lane Cove mustered by (Reel 6031; 4/7028A pp.3-10) 1810 Oct 5 To Ellis Bent re convening of Bench to investigate Nichols' allegations of William Bossett's fraudulence (Reel 6002; 4/3490D pp.19-20) 1810 Oct 8 Re permission for America Ryan to search for cattle of George Crossley (Reel 6002; 4/3490D pp.22-3) 1811 Jan 28 Circular to ship owners and masters re securities to be entered into (Reel 6002; 4/3490D pp.92-3) 1811 Mar 29 Cedar logs sent to him from Newcastle without Governor's permission (Reel 6003; 4/3490A p.174) 1811 May 13,15-6 High Court of Appeals, re money owed by William Jenkins (Reel 6042; 4/1724 pp.28-9, 36-7) 1811 May 16 Was respondent in unsuccessful appeal of W Jenkins against decision of Court of Civil Jurisdiction (Reel 6043; 4/1726 pp.224-5) 1811 Jul 5 Re delivery of sick prisoners per "Providence" to hospital (Reel 6002; 4/3491 p.33) 1811 Jul 22 Re apprehension of prisoners escaped from Coal River (Reel 6002; 4/3491 p.46) 1811 Oct 23 Re escape of Henry Joice from Newcastle (Reel 6002; 4/3491 p.104) 1812 Recommending John Shergold for mitigation of sentence (Fiche 3171; 4/1848 p.288) 1812 Jan 20 Re delivery of prisoners on "Campbell Macquarie" to (Reel 6002; 4/3491 pp.156-7) 1812 Feb 21 Governor Macquarie instructing him to make convict mechanics responsible for the safe custody of their tools (Reel 6043; 4/1727 pp.57-8) 1812 May 1 Reporting capture of runaway convicts from Newcastle (Reel 6043; 4/1727 p.376) 1812 May 4,13, Jul 6 Re prisoners escaped from Newcastle (Reel 6002; 4/3491 pp.239, 245, 285) 1812 Jun 1 Found bullock among herd of Captain Brooks (Reel 6031; 4/7028A p.15) 1812 Jun 18 New wharf to be built in Sydney Cove adjoining premises of (Reel 6043; 4/1727 p.233) 1812 Jul 10 Articles of Agreement with J Mould, to supply and fix 22 windows at the new Light Horse Barracks (Reel 6043; 4/1727 pp.328-9) 1812 Oct 26-Dec 14 Stores received from the Commissariat (Reel 6042; 9/2736 pp.2a, 5a, 8a, 12a) 1812 Sep 18 Re evidence at inquest on Jeremiah Long (Reel 6021; 4/1819 p.396) 1812 Dec 8 Memorandum of agreement for laying of floors and making of fixtures at the new Light Horse Barracks (Reel 6043; 4/1727 pp.326-7) 1812 Dec 29 Instructions to John Cruiss conveying Governor's orders for provision of a better return on Government outlay & more satisfactory work by sawyers, splitters, etc (Reel 6043; 4/1727 pp.332-3) 1813 Feb List of convicts per "Archduke Charles" distributed to Parramatta & Windsor (Reel 6002; 4/3491 pp.400-1) 1813 Feb On account of cattle stated in the Muster Masters' returns as not belonging to Government (Reel 6031; 4/7028A p.30) 1813 Apr 24 Re mistreatment of Otaheitans in his employ (Reel 6002; 4/3491 pp.438-9) 1813 Sep 4 Re prisoners absconded from Newcastle (Reel 6002; 4/3491 p.540) 1813 Oct 14 Re distribution of convicts per "Earl Spencer" (Reel 6002; 4/3491 pp.560-2) 1813 Nov 8 Re transmission of list of convicts absconded from Newcastle (Reel 6002; 4/3491 p.607) 1813 Dec Owner of "Endeavour"; re the matter of "Daphne", Vice Admiralty Court (Reel 6040; 9/2735 pp.10-25) 1813 Dec 9 Nichols requested to discharge Otaheitans from crew of "Endeavour" and return them to Otaheite (Reel 6002; 4/3491 pp.629-30) 1814 Jan 12 Re transmission to of indenture to be executed for persons wanting female convicts (Reel 6004; 4/3493 p.10) 1814 Feb 20 Agreement with A Whitaker and J Fennyman for fencing round Grose Farm (Reel 6044; 4/1729 pp.41-4) 1814 Mar 31 Re transmission of letters to Calcutta per "Britannia" (Reel 6004; 4/3493 p.121) 1814 Apr 9 Resigned as Superintendent of Convicts & Public Works at Sydney; commended by Governor Macquarie (Reel 6038; SZ758 p.478) 1814 Oct 10 Re John Gee who came per "Glatton" & was sent to the Derwent at own request (Reel 6044; 4/1730 p.405) 1815 Dec 7 Re permission to cut own cedar for trading (Reel 6045; 4/1733 p.117). Reply, 11 Dec (Reel 6004; 4/3494 p.281) 1816 Recommended that Thomas, Benjamin & Maurice Nichols be given land (Fiche 3266; 9/2652 p.22) 1816 Recommended that James O'Neale be given land (Fiche 3266; 9/2652 p.28) 1816 Oct 17 Requesting services of a bricklayer to assist in finishing house (Reel 6046; 4/1736 pp.138-9) 1816 Nov 25 Re loss sustained by "Endeavour" and seeking remission of duty on cargo of sandalwood from Marquesas Islands (Reel 6045; 4/1735 pp.215-7). Reply, 26 Nov (Reel 6005; 4/3495 p.312) 1816 Nov 26 Re loss sustained by "Endeavour" & duty to be paid on sandalwood cargo (Reel 6005; 4/3495 p.312) 1817 Recommending William Williams, per "Admiral Gambier", 1811, for ticket of leave (Fiche 3182; 4/1853 p.379) 1817 Jan 23 Asking permission to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of the Colony (Reel 6046; 4/1737 pp.26-8) 1817 Aug 16 Paid from the Police Fund for lodging for Lieutenant Governor Sorell (Reel 6038; SZ759 p.374) 1817 Oct 7 Sending "Endeavour" to Macquarie Island for skins and oil (Reel 6047; 4/1739 pp.258-9) 1817 Oct 12 Re evidence at inquest on James Waters (Reel 6021; 4/1819 pp.714-5) 1817 Dec 15 Recommending Richard Wise, per "Earl Spencer", 1813, for mitigation of sentence (Fiche 3182; 4/1853 p.387) 1817 Dec 19 Recommending Henry Jessup and John West for emancipation (Fiche 3289; 5/3822.2A pp.11-2) 1818 Recommending John West for mitigation of sentence (Fiche 3190; 4/1856 p.286) 1818 Sep 12 On list of free settlers to receive additional grants of land in 1818; at Cabramatta (Fiche 3266; 9/2652 p.52) 1819 Nov 8,12,13 Re death of and appointment of a new Post Master (Reel 6007, 4/3501 pp.17, 34; Reel 6038, SZ1044 p.118) 1820 May 26 Re purchase for J W Browne & T O'Brien of all sheep of Nichols' estate (Reel 6049; 4/1744 p.341) 1821 Feb 23 William Walker purchased cattle from estate of Isaac Nichols. Memorial (Fiche 3040; 4/1827 No.141) 1821 Mar 5 On list of persons for whom grants of land have been handed over to the Surveyor General for delivery, with amount of fees to be charged (Fiche 3266; 9/2652 p.63)

53

Beth Taylor on 3rd August 2019

DEATHS. On Monday morning last, at his house in George-street, after a long illness, Mr Isaac Nichols, Post-master, leaving a widow and three sons to lament his death. Mr. Nichols came to this Colony in the Admiral Barrington, in October 1791, when the present extensive settlements were a continued forest. For many years he filled the office of Principal Superintendent of Convicts with activity and precision ; and was the first who received the very useful and much required appointment of Post-master, the duties of which office he has performed highly to the general satisfaction during the last eight or nine years of his life-time.—He was a good farmer also ; and the pleasure he took in horticulture has been very conducive to the improvement of colonial gardening, and particularly the extension of the orchard. He was the owner of several colonial vessels, one of which, the schooner Governor Hunter, he built in his own yard many years ago, and was tolerably successful ; and it will doubtless be universally admitted that his exertions, duly appreciated, have been highly beneficial to the colony in her infant state. He died in his 49th year ; and on Wednesday was interred in a vault in the new burial ground ; the funeral being attended by several Magistrates, and other Officers of the Civil Establishment, and a long train of friends. (Source: Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 13 November 1819, page 3) =============================================== April 22 1959 - 150th Anniversary of the Australian Post Office. A stamp was created from a design taken from an un-issued poster created by R. Shackel, and shows Australia's first postmaster, Isaac Nichols, boarding the brig 'Experiment; in Sydney Harbour to collect mails from England.

342

Maureen Withey on 14th May 2019

At the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for Wilts, held this week, Prangley, for entering wood ground, the property of Richard Hinton, of Hill-Deverel, and damaging some green shrubs; William Smith for picking the pocket of John Lush, at ? fair, of a pocketbook: and Isaac Nicholls, for stealing a brass pot, the property of Thomas Seager, and also for stealing a silver watch, the property of Robert Oakford, at Calne, were sentenced to be transported for 7 years. Reading Mercury, 27 July 1789

221

D Wong on 11th November 2013

Isaac Nichols (1770-1819), farmer, shipowner and public servant, was born on 29 July 1770 at Calne, Wiltshire, England, the son of Jonathan Nichols, droget maker, and his wife Sarah. Found guilty of stealing, he was sentenced to seven years transportation at the Warminster Sessions, Wiltshire, in July 1790, and arrived in New South Wales in the Admiral Barrington in October 1791. After a few years in the country his ability, diligence and sobriety so impressed Governor John Hunter and his aide-de-camp, George Johnston, that the governor appointed him chief overseer of the convict gangs labouring round Sydney. On 20 December 1797 after his sentence had expired, Hunter granted him fifty acres (20 ha) in the Concord district, where he established a successful farm on which he was assisted by two convicts whose services he was allowed instead of salary as an overseer. Next year he obtained a spirit licence, the first of several, and opened an inn in George Street. On 12 March 1799 Nichols was brought before the Criminal Court charged with having received stolen property. After a trial lasting four days he was convicted and sentenced to fourteen years on Norfolk Island. The three naval officers on the bench, Henry Waterhouse, William Kent and Matthew Flinders, were all convinced that Nichols was innocent, but they were overborne by the judge-advocate, Richard Dore, and the three officers of the New South Wales Corps, Neil MacKellar, Lucas and Nicholas Bayly. Hunter was most dissatisfied with the trial, being convinced that the verdict was the result of perjury by the witnesses and prejudice on the part of Dore, so he suspended the sentence and referred the matter to England. There the papers remained pigeon-holed for nearly two years, but in January 1802 Governor Philip Gidley King was directed to grant Nichols a free pardon. In the meantime Nichols, keenly alert to the economic possibilities of the young colony, continued to prosper. Between 1797 and 1815 to his original grant at Concord he added further properties in the same district, at Hunter's Hill and at Petersham until his holdings totalled some 1400 acres (567 ha). He leased half an acre (0.2 ha) in Sydney near the hospital wharf, which Lieutenant-Governor Joseph Foveaux converted to a grant. Here he built a substantial house and other buildings. He also established a shipyard, where in 1805 he built the Governor Hunter, 33 tons, which he used in the Newcastle, Hawkesbury and Bass Strait trade. In the William Bligh rebellion Nichols took the side of the insurrectionaries. In March 1809 he was appointed superintendent of public works and assistant to the Naval Officer; next month, to stop the practice of persons fraudulently obtaining mail from incoming vessels, he was made the colony's first postmaster, a position he held until his death. When Governor Lachlan Macquarie arrived he too was impressed with Nichols, whom he described as 'a most zealous, active and useful man'. He appointed him principal superintendent of convicts in place of Nicholas Divine, who was old and infirm. When Nichols sought leave to retire from this post in 1814 Macquarie spoke appreciatively of his great vigilance and unremitting attention to duty. In his last ten years Nichols enjoyed the friendship and esteem of most leading people in the colony. His home was the scene of many social functions, including the Bachelors' Ball and the annual dinners to celebrate the foundation of the colony. He was a major supplier of meat to government stores and a generous subscriber to public causes. Everything he attempted was carried out with thoroughness and precision. When he died on 8 November 1819, the Sydney Gazette spoke of his devotion to his public duties, his worth as a farmer, his contributions to the improvement of colonial gardening, and of his activities as a shipowner. On 11 September 1796 Nichols had married Mary Warren, and after her death by drowning in October 1804, he married Rosanna Abrahams, daughter of Esther Johnston on 18 February 1805. She bore him three sons, Isaac David (1804-1867), 'gentleman', George Robert (1809-1857), barrister and solicitor, and Charles Hamilton (1811-1869). Shortly before Isaac Nichols died he sent the two elder boys to England to be educated.