Difference between revisions of "George Nicholas"
From Wythepedia: The George Wythe Encyclopedia
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|name=George Nicholas | |name=George Nicholas | ||
| − | |honorific= | + | |honorific=Colonel |
| − | |1stoffice= | + | |1stoffice=First Professor of Law at Transylvania University |
| − | |1stofficedates= | + | |1stofficedates=1799 |
|1stofficepreceded= | |1stofficepreceded= | ||
|1stofficesucceeded= | |1stofficesucceeded= | ||
| − | |2ndoffice= | + | |2ndoffice=Member of the Kentucky Constitutional Convention |
| − | |2ndofficedates= | + | |2ndofficedates=1792 |
|2ndofficepreceded= | |2ndofficepreceded= | ||
|2ndofficesucceeded= | |2ndofficesucceeded= | ||
| − | |3rdoffice= | + | |3rdoffice=United States Attorney for the District of Kentucky |
| − | |3rdofficedates= | + | |3rdofficedates=1789 |
|3rdofficepreceded= | |3rdofficepreceded= | ||
|3rdofficesucceeded= | |3rdofficesucceeded= | ||
| − | |4thoffice= | + | |4thoffice=Member of the Virginia Ratification Convention |
| − | |4thofficedates= | + | |4thofficedates=1788 |
|4thofficepreceded= | |4thofficepreceded= | ||
|4thofficesucceeded= | |4thofficesucceeded= | ||
| − | |5thoffice= | + | |5thoffice=Delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates |
| − | |5thofficedates= | + | |5thofficedates=1781, 1783, 1786-1788 |
|5thofficepreceded= | |5thofficepreceded= | ||
|5thofficesucceeded= | |5thofficesucceeded= | ||
| − | |6thoffice= | + | |6thoffice=Lieutenant Colonel in the Continental Army |
| − | |6thofficedates= | + | |6thofficedates=1777 |
|6thofficepreceded= | |6thofficepreceded= | ||
|6thofficesucceeded= | |6thofficesucceeded= | ||
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| − | |borndate=1754 | + | |borndate=c.1754 |
|bornplace=Williamsburg, Virginia | |bornplace=Williamsburg, Virginia | ||
|dieddate=25 July, 1799 | |dieddate=25 July, 1799 | ||
|diedplace=Lexington, Kentucky | |diedplace=Lexington, Kentucky | ||
| − | |restingplace=Old Episcopal Burial Ground, Third Street, Lexington Kentucky | + | |restingplace=Old Episcopal Burial Ground, Third Street, Lexington, Kentucky |
|residence=Lexington, Kentucky<br />Danville, Kentucky | |residence=Lexington, Kentucky<br />Danville, Kentucky | ||
| − | |education=College of William & Mary | + | |education= The College of William & Mary |
|almamater= | |almamater= | ||
|profession=Lawyer, soldier, politician, professor | |profession=Lawyer, soldier, politician, professor | ||
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|knownfor= | |knownfor= | ||
|signature= | |signature= | ||
| − | }} | + | }}[[wikipedia:George Nicholas|George Nicholas]] (c.1754 – 1799) was born in Williamsburg, Virginia to [[wikipedia:Robert Carter Nicholas Sr.|Robert Carter Nicholas]] and Anne Cary.<ref> ''American National Biography Online'', s.v. "[http://www.anb.org/articles/02/02-00246.html?a=1&n=george%20nicholas&d=10&ss=0&q=3 Nicholas, George]," by Andrew Cayton, accessed October 26, 2015.</ref> Several sources state that Nicholas studied law under [[George Wythe]]. It is more likely, however, that he read law under the supervision of his father — an influential colonial lawyer and politician. Nicholas received his law license more than a year before Wythe began lecturing, but may have done some [[Wythe the Teacher|additional reading under Wythe]].<ref>Thomas Hunter, "[[Teaching of George Wythe|The Teaching of George Wythe]]," in ''The History of Legal Education in the United States: Commentaries and Primary Sources'', edited by Steve Sheppard, (Pasadena, CA: Salem Press, 1999) 1:153, citing Victor Dennis Golladay, "The Nicholas Family of Virginia: 1722-1820" (Ph.D. dissertation, University of Virginia, 1973), 220.</ref> |
| − | After completing his legal studies, Nicholas "enlisted in the patriot cause" upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. <ref> Cayton, "Nicholas, George." </ref> | + | After completing his legal studies, Nicholas "enlisted in the patriot cause" upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.<ref>Cayton, "Nicholas, George." </ref> He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army, but was not involved in any "significant engagements" and spent most of his time in Baltimore. <ref> Library of Virginia "[http://edu.lva.virginia.gov/online_classroom/shaping_the_constitution/people/george_nicholas George Nicholas (ca. 1754-1799)]," accessed November 9, 2015.</ref> While in Baltimore, Nicholas courted and married Mary Smith in 1778. In the early 1780s, the couple and their growing family moved to Charlottesville, Virginia so Nicholas could pursue a more favorable legal practice. Nicholas and his wife eventually had thirteen children.<ref>Cayton, "Nicholas, George."</ref> |
| − | In 1781, Nicholas was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for Hanover County. In 1783 and from 1786 to 1788, Nicholas instead represented Albemarle County in the Virginia House. <ref> Ibid. </ref> While serving Albermarle County, Nicholas became fast friends with [ | + | In 1781, Nicholas was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for Hanover County. In 1783, and then from 1786 to 1788, Nicholas instead represented Albemarle County in the Virginia House.<ref>Ibid.</ref> While serving Albermarle County, Nicholas became fast friends with [[wikipedia:James Madison|James Madison]].<ref>"George Nicholas (ca. 1754-1799)."</ref> Nicholas was recognizable for his "large, bald head and his great bulk," and apparently Madison "laughed till he cried when someone described Nicholas as a plum pudding with legs to it."<ref>Cayton, "Nicholas, George."</ref> Despite his resemblance to holiday desserts, Nicholas was well respected for his sharp mind and political intelligence. In 1788, he successfully advocated the ratification of the federal Constitution as a member of the Virginia Ratification Convention.<ref>Ibid.</ref> |
| − | Soon afterwards, Nicholas and his family moved to Lexington, Kentucky. Although Nicholas and his family had a home built there, Nicholas' "true home" was his large plantation just outside of Danville, Kentucky. <ref> Ibid. </ref> In 1789, President Washington appointed Nicholas as the first United States Attorney for the District of Kentucky. <ref> "[http://www.kaintuckeean.com/2012/02/father-of-kentucky-constitution-is.html. The Father of the Kentucky Constitution is buried in Lexington]," Kaintuckeean, accessed November 2, 2015. </ref> However, Nicholas was a controversial figure and soon stepped down from the role as he could not "accomodate himself fully to the democratic government." <ref> Cayton, "Nicholas, George." </ref> | + | Soon afterwards, Nicholas and his family moved to Lexington, Kentucky. Although Nicholas and his family had a home built there, Nicholas' "true home" was his large plantation just outside of Danville, Kentucky. <ref> Ibid. </ref> In 1789, President Washington appointed Nicholas as the first United States Attorney for the District of Kentucky.<ref>"[http://www.kaintuckeean.com/2012/02/father-of-kentucky-constitution-is.html. The Father of the Kentucky Constitution is buried in Lexington]," Kaintuckeean, accessed November 2, 2015.</ref> However, Nicholas was a controversial figure and soon stepped down from the role as he could not "accomodate himself fully to the democratic government."<ref>Cayton, "Nicholas, George."</ref> |
| − | Nicholas was a staunch Federalist, and he successfully advocated for | + | Nicholas was a staunch Federalist, and he successfully advocated for centralizing political authority at the 1792 Kentucky Constitutional Convention. He also strongly supported slavery and the existing system of hierarchical social order. <ref> Ibid. </ref> Nicholas served as the chief draftsman of the Kentucky Constitution, and is known as the "Father of the Kentucky Constitution." <ref> "The Father of the Kentucky Constitution is buried in Lexington." </ref> While in Kentucky, Nicholas continually sought governmental power to defeat the American Indians |
| − | who "threatened the state" | + | who "threatened the state."<ref>Cayton, "Nicholas, George."</ref> |
| − | In 1799, Nicholas was appointed | + | In 1799, Nicholas was appointed the first professor of law at [[wikipedia:Transylvania University|Transylvania University]]. However, he died suddenly on July 25, 1799, shortly after the appointment.<ref>"George Nicholas (ca. 1754-1799)."</ref> Nicholas is buried in the Old Episcopal Burial Ground on Lexington's Third Street. After his death, the city of Nicholasville and Nicholas County were named in his honor.<ref>"The Father of the Kentucky Constitution is buried in Lexington."</ref> |
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| − | [[Wythe the Teacher]] | + | *[[Wythe the Teacher]] |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 13:32, 10 January 2020
| Colonel | |
| George Nicholas | |
| First Professor of Law at Transylvania University | |
| In office | |
| 1799 | |
| Member of the Kentucky Constitutional Convention | |
| In office | |
| 1792 | |
| United States Attorney for the District of Kentucky | |
| In office | |
| 1789 | |
| Member of the Virginia Ratification Convention | |
| In office | |
| 1788 | |
| Delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates | |
| In office | |
| 1781, 1783, 1786-1788 | |
| Lieutenant Colonel in the Continental Army | |
| In office | |
| 1777 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c.1754 |
| Williamsburg, Virginia | |
| Died | 25 July, 1799 |
| Lexington, Kentucky | |
| Resting place | Old Episcopal Burial Ground, Third Street, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Residence(s) | Lexington, Kentucky Danville, Kentucky |
| Education | The College of William & Mary |
| Profession | Lawyer, soldier, politician, professor |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Smith |
| Relatives | Wilson Carey Nicholas (brother) |
George Nicholas (c.1754 – 1799) was born in Williamsburg, Virginia to Robert Carter Nicholas and Anne Cary.[1] Several sources state that Nicholas studied law under George Wythe. It is more likely, however, that he read law under the supervision of his father — an influential colonial lawyer and politician. Nicholas received his law license more than a year before Wythe began lecturing, but may have done some additional reading under Wythe.[2]
After completing his legal studies, Nicholas "enlisted in the patriot cause" upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.[3] He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army, but was not involved in any "significant engagements" and spent most of his time in Baltimore. [4] While in Baltimore, Nicholas courted and married Mary Smith in 1778. In the early 1780s, the couple and their growing family moved to Charlottesville, Virginia so Nicholas could pursue a more favorable legal practice. Nicholas and his wife eventually had thirteen children.[5]
In 1781, Nicholas was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for Hanover County. In 1783, and then from 1786 to 1788, Nicholas instead represented Albemarle County in the Virginia House.[6] While serving Albermarle County, Nicholas became fast friends with James Madison.[7] Nicholas was recognizable for his "large, bald head and his great bulk," and apparently Madison "laughed till he cried when someone described Nicholas as a plum pudding with legs to it."[8] Despite his resemblance to holiday desserts, Nicholas was well respected for his sharp mind and political intelligence. In 1788, he successfully advocated the ratification of the federal Constitution as a member of the Virginia Ratification Convention.[9]
Soon afterwards, Nicholas and his family moved to Lexington, Kentucky. Although Nicholas and his family had a home built there, Nicholas' "true home" was his large plantation just outside of Danville, Kentucky. [10] In 1789, President Washington appointed Nicholas as the first United States Attorney for the District of Kentucky.[11] However, Nicholas was a controversial figure and soon stepped down from the role as he could not "accomodate himself fully to the democratic government."[12]
Nicholas was a staunch Federalist, and he successfully advocated for centralizing political authority at the 1792 Kentucky Constitutional Convention. He also strongly supported slavery and the existing system of hierarchical social order. [13] Nicholas served as the chief draftsman of the Kentucky Constitution, and is known as the "Father of the Kentucky Constitution." [14] While in Kentucky, Nicholas continually sought governmental power to defeat the American Indians who "threatened the state."[15]
In 1799, Nicholas was appointed the first professor of law at Transylvania University. However, he died suddenly on July 25, 1799, shortly after the appointment.[16] Nicholas is buried in the Old Episcopal Burial Ground on Lexington's Third Street. After his death, the city of Nicholasville and Nicholas County were named in his honor.[17]
See also
References
- ↑ American National Biography Online, s.v. "Nicholas, George," by Andrew Cayton, accessed October 26, 2015.
- ↑ Thomas Hunter, "The Teaching of George Wythe," in The History of Legal Education in the United States: Commentaries and Primary Sources, edited by Steve Sheppard, (Pasadena, CA: Salem Press, 1999) 1:153, citing Victor Dennis Golladay, "The Nicholas Family of Virginia: 1722-1820" (Ph.D. dissertation, University of Virginia, 1973), 220.
- ↑ Cayton, "Nicholas, George."
- ↑ Library of Virginia "George Nicholas (ca. 1754-1799)," accessed November 9, 2015.
- ↑ Cayton, "Nicholas, George."
- ↑ Ibid.
- ↑ "George Nicholas (ca. 1754-1799)."
- ↑ Cayton, "Nicholas, George."
- ↑ Ibid.
- ↑ Ibid.
- ↑ "The Father of the Kentucky Constitution is buried in Lexington," Kaintuckeean, accessed November 2, 2015.
- ↑ Cayton, "Nicholas, George."
- ↑ Ibid.
- ↑ "The Father of the Kentucky Constitution is buried in Lexington."
- ↑ Cayton, "Nicholas, George."
- ↑ "George Nicholas (ca. 1754-1799)."
- ↑ "The Father of the Kentucky Constitution is buried in Lexington."
