 Born January 28, 1728/9, both of his parents were dead by 1734.Nicholas studied law at the College of William and Mary and practiced in the general court under the royal government.He served in the House of Burgesses, 1755-61 as the representative from York County, and from 1766-1775 as the representative of James City County, and was Treasurer for the colony of Virginia, 1766-1775.