James Nicholson

NICHOLSON, JAMES, farmer; b. 16 October 1827 in Belfast, son of Samuel Nicholson and Flora MacLeod; m. 15 September 1855 Mary Jane Munroe, and they had seven children, A. John, Florence, F. Daniel, A. Samuel, Evangeline, Florence (died at two years and ten months), and Samuel I. (died at three years and five months); Presbyterian; d. 10 June 1905 in Eldon. Nicholson, a Conservative, was first elected to the House of Assembly by acclamation in a by-election held 7 November 1878 for 4th Queens. He was re-elected in the general election of 1879. He was defeated in the general election of 1882. Later that year he was elected to the Legislative Council for 2nd Queens. In the general elections of 1886 and 1890, he was re-elected to the Legislative Council. Nicholson served as Leader of the Conservative party in the Legislative Council. He served on Executive Council from 1887 to 1891. Nicholson was a strong supporter of local industry and advocated protective tariffs. Nicholson was born of Scottish parents and educated in Belfast. His father came to the Island from the Isle of Skye in 1803. In his early career, Nicholson had been a successful farmer and a temperance advocate. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and Superintendent of the Sabbath School. As a result of these involvements and his political service, Nicholson was well-respected within his community. James Nicholson died 10 June 1905. Mary Nicholson was born in 1836 and died 14 March 1918.