John Nicolson was born in Cumberland in Jan 1783, the son of a surgeon. He joined the 8th BNC as a cornet on 15 July 1806 and remained with them throughout his short career. He was promoted to lieutenant on 1 Mar 1812 and appointed Adjutant from 30 Sep 1812 to 4 Dec 1820. He fought at Jubbulpore in the 3rd Maharatta War. He served in Brigadier Hardyman’s Division, and at Bhurtpore. He was acting AAG in the Benares Division from 15 Jan 1835, but died at Sultanpur, Benares on 31 May 1835. He was married to Eleanor Hester Maria Johnston, sister of Napier who married James Mackenzie also an officer in the 8th BLC.
