Nichols, George Robert, 1809 – 1857

George Robert Nichols (1809-1857), lawyer and parliamentarian, was born at Sydney, son of Isaac and Rosanna Nichols. He was educated in England, returning to Australia in 1822 when he was articled to solicitor W.H. Moore. In July 1833 he was the first native-born Australian admitted as a solicitor in NSW.

Nichols opposed the colonial government and was active in the 'Australian party' and the Australian Patriotic Association. He acquired and edited the 'Australian' during the 1830s but was insolvent by 1842.

In 1848 Nichols was elected to the old Legislative Council for the Northumberland Boroughs. He introduced numerous bills to the parliament. In 1856 Nichols was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seat of Northumberland Boroughs and was appointed auditor-general and secretary for lands and works in the first ministry after responsible government. Nichols died in September 1857. [ref:ADB 5]