Notes:

11 children; settled in Oxford by 1816

David Nichols1138 was born 1772 in Shaftsbury, Bennington, VT USA1138, and died 12 Jun 1845 in Norwich, Oxford, ON CAN1138. He married Abigal Hughes.

Includes NotesNotes for David Nichols:
From McCallum, James, "Descendants of David and Abigail Nichols", unpublished draft as of 8/2005. The author is at [email protected].

David Nichols
born 1772 Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vermont
died June 12, 1845 Norwich Twsp., Oxford Co., Ontario; age 73
married Abigail Hughes
born 1778
died October 17, 1866 Westminster Twsp., Middlesex County, Ontario

David’s tombstone (see note following) records that he is a native of Shaftsbury, Vermont. However, he later moved to Dutchess County, New York, where he is found in census records from 1790 to 1810, as follows:

1790 Pawling Town
David Nichols, 1 male over 16, 2 females

1800 Beekman Town
David Nichols, 1 male 26 to 45; 5 females under 10; 1 female 16 to 26

1810 Beekman Town
David Nichols, 2 males 10 to 16; 1 male 26 to 45; 3 females under 10; 1 female 10 to 16, 1 female 26 to 45; 2 horses, 1 cattle.

Also found in the 1810 census for Beekman is a Shubel Nichols, whom we believe to be a brother of David, who also came to the Norwich area in Ontario. His information on the census is as follows:
Shubel Nichols, 1 male 10 to 16; 1 male 16 to 26; 1 male 26 to 45; 3 females under 10; 3 females 10 to 16; 1 female 26 to 45; 2 horses, 8 cattle, 30 sheep, 1 loom, 100 yards of cloth.

In the New York Genealogical & Biographical Record, items from a store in Beekman from 1878 to 1790 are recorded. In the year 1787, David Nichols method of payment is listed in the account books as mowing and plowing.

In the Oxford County Land Records Abstract Index, record of David’s purchase of property is recorded in 1816 for Norwich Township, North & South: Instrument # 546 - Grantor Peter & Catherine Lossing, to David Nichols, grantee, the north half of lot 13, and 14, concession 3, 200 acres.

David Nichols is found in an 1824 Voter’s List for Oxford County, lot 12, concession 3, Norwich Township, 100 acres.

David Nichols is buried in a family cemetery located on his farm, lot 13, concession 3, North Norwich Township, Oxford county, near Burgessville, Ontario. Abigail went to live with members of her family in Westminster Twsp., Middlesex Co., and is buried in Brick St. Cemetery, Commissioners Road, London, Ontario. Abigail is found on the 1861 Westminster Township census with her son James, in Div. 3, page 76.

At the Norwich Archives, there is a file on the Nichols family, containing a handwritten note as follows (author unknown): “Please keep this in the teapot for memory and keep in family. This teapot was brought to Canada by David Nichols in 1800. David Nichols, died June 12, 1845 from Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA. Jonathan Nichols died Aug. 18, age 68 years. Christopher Nichols, Mar. 1, in 45 year in 1895. Bruce Nichols, son of George, died Aug. 24, 1944" [then in different handwriting]: “George Nichols born April 20, 1873, died April 10, 1971". It is not known the present whereabouts of this note or the teapot.
The following is a transcript of David Nichols’ lengthy will, which he made six days before his death:

“The last will and testament of David Nichols of the Township of Norwich, County of Oxford and District of Brock in Canada West.
I, David Nichols, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory (blessed to the Almighty God for the same), do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:

First, I give and devise unto my beloved wife Abagal Nichols the whole of my real and personal estate during her natural life, then to be divided as I shall herein [state?]

Secondly, I give and devise unto my two daughters Matilda Nichols and Lavina Nichols thirty acres of land and the buildings that stand on the same where I no live, that is to say the thirty acres consists of the front of lot No. 15 extending the whole width of said lot No. 15 in the Third concession of Norwich and [width the ?] make the thirty acres complete to have and to hold the same themselves, their heirs and assigns forever and one lumber [?], two horse waggon, one [illegible] horses and harness for the same, and two cows. It is my wish that my two daughters [illegible] immediately after my death into possession of said property that I have given them, and my beloved wife to live with them two daughters of mine, Matilda & Lavina Nichols during her mortal life.

Thirdly, I give and devise unto Bula Markmore [?], one acre of land lying situate on lot No. 14 in the third concession of Norwich in the County of Oxford in the Brock District in Canada West, that is to say commencing at the northeast corner of Critian Yagers lot running from thence east on the concession line sixteen rods then [illegible] sufficient to make one acre of land complete to have and to hold the same her self, her heirs and assigns forever.

Fourthly, I give and devise unto two sons James Nichols and Jonathan Nichols the remainder of my home farm that I have not otherwise disposed of, that is to say the north half of lot No. Thirteen and fourteen that I have not otherwise disposed of, and a certain portion of woodland on lot No. Fifteen, all lying land being in the Third concession of Norwich in the county of Oxford in the Brock District in Canada West, to be equally divided between my two sons James Nichols and Jonathan Nichols, and that portion of land that I have given when divided unto my son James Nichols, I give unto him, his heirs and assigns forever, my son Jonathan Nichols to have the east half of lot No. Thirteen and fourteen and the half of the woodland on lot No. Fifteen, I give unto him during his mortal life, and then to be equally divided between all his surviving sons unto them, their heirs and assigns forever. It is my wish that my two sons James Nichols and Jonathan Nichols shall work that portion of land that I have given unto them and return unto my beloved wife Abagal Nichols the one equal third part that may grow or chance to grow in the same, and if my sons does not comply with my request then it is my wish that my wife to employ any person that she chooses to work the same, and furthermore, I will and order that my two sons James Nichols and Jonathan Nichols shall pay over to my executors the sum of one hundred and seven pounds, two shillings; that is to say James Nichols to pay fifty pounds and Jonathan Nichols to pay fifty seven pounds two shillings, and if my sons does not comply with my request and pay said sums of money as I have directed within the space of three years from and after the death ofmy beloved wife Abagal Nichols then I hereby authorize and empower my executors hereby to sell of the lands that I have given them and made a deed for the same to the amount of one hundred and seven pounds two shillings, and if my sons does not comply and pay said sums as I have directed they shall have the privilege of paying the same in stock or grain and furthermore I will and order that my beloved wife Abagal Nichols shall have the one half of all the fruit that may grow on the aforesaid lands during her mortal life and then for the space of ten years from and after her death, David Nichols, Matilda Nichols and Lavina Nichols to have the one half of the above named fruit that may chance to grow on the above named [illegible] to be equally divided between [illegible]

[note: “fifthly” appears to have been missed in writing the will]

Sixthly, I give and devise unto my son David Nichols during his mortal life and then to all his surviving sons the south half of lot number eighteen in the second concession of Norwich, County of Oxford in the Brock District in Canada West, to be the same more or less one hundred acres of land, unto his sons, their heirs and assigns forever likewise unto my son David one cow and two oxen.

Seventhly, I give and bequeath unto my four daughters Mary Curlis, Sarah Woolley, Lois Lancaster and Olive Congdon to each of them the sum of twenty five pounds in stock or grain as it may be paid over to my executors from my two sons James & Jonathan Nichols from the death of my beloved wife within the space of three years then said legacies to become due.

Eighthly, I give unto my granddaughter Lavina Belehit [?] seven pound, ten shillings, what is my intent to give
I give and bequeath unto my son John Nichols two pounds ten shillings. I give and bequeath unto my son Shubel Nichols the sum of ten shillings. I have given in lands [?] what is my intent to give unto my sons John & Shubel Nichols.

Lastly, after the death of my beloved wife and all settled up if anything might remain what ever it might be I will and order my executors to equally divide between my four daughters Mary Curlis, Sarah Woolley , Lois Lancaster and Olive Congdon to be equally divided between them four. Abagal Nichols, Executrix and Enoch Woolley and Joseph Lancaster, executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this Sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five.

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named David Nichols to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses inthe presence of the testator.

[Signed} John C. Emigh [Signed] David Nichols
Jacob S. Esmond

More About David Nichols:
Census 1: 1790, Pauling, Dutchess, NY USA.
Census 2: 1800, Beekman, Dutchess, NY USA.
Census 3: 1810, Beekman, Dutchess, NY USA.
Property: 1816, Grant recorded for property in North Norwich, Oxford, ON CAN.

Children of David Nichols and Abigal Hughes are:

Lavina Nichols, d. date unknown.
Matilda Nichols, d. date unknown.
James Nichols, b. 1796, Dutchess Co., NY USA1138, d. 22 Jul 1882, Westminster, Middlesex, ON CAN1138.
John Nichols, b. 1796, Dutchess Co., NY USA1138, d. 06 Nov 1883, Westminster, Middlesex, ON CAN1138.
Shubel Nichols, b. 1797, Dutchess Co., NY USA1138, d. 14 Apr 1876, Westminster, Middlesex, ON CAN1138.
Mary Nichols, b. Abt. 1805, Dutchess Co., NY USA1138, d. Abt. 1885, Dayton, Tuscola, MI USA1138.
Sarah Nichols, b. 17 Apr 1806, Dutchess Co., NY USA1138, d. 31 Dec 1870, Oxford, Oxford, ON CAN1138.
+Lois Nichols, b. 1809, Norwich, Oxford, ON CAN1138, d. 28 Nov 1854, Lambeth, Middlesex, ON CAN1138.
Olive Nichols, b. 09 Sep 1811, Dutchess Co., NY USA1138, d. 27 Feb 1872, Marathon,Lapeer, MI USA1138.
David Nichols, b. Abt. 1813, Dutchess Co., NY USA1138, d. date unknown.
Johnathon Nichols, b. 1821, North Norwich, Oxford, ON CAN1138, d. 18 Aug 1890, North Norwich, Oxford, ON CAN1138.

Family/Spouse: Abigail HUGHES*. Abigail was born in 1778 in USA; died on 17 Oct 1866 in Westminster Tp, Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nichols 1
9 children

Family/Spouse: Mary DALE*. Mary (daughter of Jacob DALE* and Anne LANDOS*) was born in 1803; died on 2 Oct 1890. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Sarah Jane DAGGART in 1839. Sarah was born in 1820; died on 17 Sep 1891 in Westminster, Middlesex, Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nichols 5

Shubal married Fanny PUTNAM* on 8 Nov 1829 in London, Middlesex, Ontario, Canada. Fanny (daughter of Seth PUTNAM and Sarah HARDING) was born on 16 May 1802; died on 19 Jan 1881. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lancaster 1 & 2

9 children

Lois married Joseph J. LANCASTER about 6 Nov 1833 in Norwich, Oxford, UC. Joseph (son of Joseph LANCASTER and Hannah CORBIN) was born on 25 May 1813 in Norwich, Oxford, UC; died about 1833 in Lambeth, CW. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

died age 4 years, 7 months
Nichols 3

Mary married Walter WALTERS on 23 Feb 1876 in Westminster. Middlesex, Ontario. Walter (son of Walter WALTERS* and Sarah SCOTT*) was born about 1845. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

lived in Lambeth; buried at Scottsdale

Notes:

Nichols 7
2 years 6 months

Notes:

Nichols 8
age 2
died in the same week as her halfbrother Warner; probably cholera

Notes:

no headstone [G. Curnoe]
a member of council and deputy reeve

Family/Spouse: Lucy JONES. Lucy was born about 1837; died on 20 Sep 1906. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

David married Margaret HORN on 29 Jun 1908 in Middlesex, Ontario, Canada. Margaret was born about 1863. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: ? KNAPP. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1851 census: Shubal F. Nichols, 15, living at Westminster, Middlesex with parents, 5 siblings [other names of neighbours: Dale, John McNames, Caldwell, Lancaster); E. Methodist; b. US
1861 census: Shubal Nichols, 24, Farmer, living at Delaware, Middlesex with wife Hannah; b. CW
1871 census: Shubal F. Nichols, 32, Farmer, living at Delaware, Middlesex with wife Hannah, 1 servant; W. Methodist; b. Ont. nationality is American but then scratched out and changed to German
1881 census: Thubal F. Nichols, 44, Farmer, living with wife Hannah and daughter at Delaware, Middlesex; German; b. 1837 Ont.
1891 census: S Fr D Nichol, 53, Farmer, Methodist; living at Delaware with wife Hannah, 1 daughter; both parents born in US; b. Ont.
1901 census: Phoff Nichols, 63, Farmer, living at Delaware, Middlesex with wife Hannah and daughter Maud's family; b. 27 May 1837, Ont.
1911 census: Shubael Nichol(a)s, 74, Farmer, living Caradoc Twp, Delaware West, Middlesex West with wife Hannah; b. May 1837, Ont.; Irish

1912 Death Record: Shubail Farr Nichols, d. 12 Nov. 1912 at Caradoc Twp of Bronchial Pneumonia; b. 27 May 1837 on Westminster L37 C2; father: Shubail Farr Nichols, b. NY state; mother: Fanny Putnam, b. Detroit

Family/Spouse: Hannah E. WALTERS. Hannah (daughter of Walter WALTERS* and Sarah SCOTT*) was born on 14 Mar 1840 in Westminster, Ontario; died on 24 Mar 1928 in Delaware, Middlesex, Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Purdy
is her husband David Purdy buried next to her? infant children?

Family/Spouse: David PURDY*+. David (son of Richard PURDY and CORDELIA) was born on 8 Apr 1861 in Ontario, Canada; died on 15 Jul 1920. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1901 census: Maud's family is living with her parents
1911 census: Maud's family is living next door to her parents; listed as a separate family

Family/Spouse: Daniel Bruce LOCKWOOD. Daniel was born on 10 Nov 1872 in Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

OGS says William F. first son of S.T. & Hannah Nichols d. 18 Aug 1859 aged 6 months & 21 ds; probably Shubal Nichols (son of Subal and Fanny)and Hannah Walters

stone very faint

Nichols 6