Robert Nichol (c. 1780-1824) was one of the most prominent men in Upper Canada. He was a wealthy businessman, politician and soldier, elected MLA for Norfolk County in 1812 and re-elected twice. During the War of 1812, Major-General Isaac Brock insisted on appointing him Quartermaster-General of Militia for Upper Canada, stating that no one else in the province could do the job.
Nichol rose to the challenge and he also served under fire in a number of engagements. But his service came at great personal cost. His house, mills and other businesses, valued at more than £5,000, were destroyed during an American attack on Dover in May 1814. It took years for the British government to provide compensation.
Meanwhile, Nichol emerged as leader of the opposition in the provincial legislature. He criticized the government repeatedly, including members of the powerful Family Compact, and made many enemies. Yet, because of his war service, no one could deny his loyalty.
Nichol died in May 1824 when his horse and wagon plunged into the Niagara gorge on a dark and stormy night. Despite suspicions of foul play, his death was ruled accidental by a coroner's jury headed by William Lyon Mackenzie. Within a relatively short time, Robert Nichol was virtually forgotten by the province to which he had given so much. In 1923, eminent War of 1812 historian E.A. Cruikshank wondered why. More than 80 years later, Nichol is still a footnote in most history books, unrecognized as the hero he truly was.
Read more at: http://www.heritagefdn.on.ca/userfiles/page_attachments/Library/1/3884445_Robert_Nichol_ENG.pdf
Bob Blakeley and Cheryl MacDonald are determined to raise awareness of Robert Nichol and his contributions to Upper Canada and will eventually publish a book on his life. They provided background research as part of an application for an Ontario provincial plaque in Nichol's memory. The plaque was dedicated in Port Dover on September 24, 2009.
In addition, Bob and Cheryl bring Nichol and his wife Theresa to life through their dramatic presentation:
Conversations with
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Nichol and Mrs. Nichol
Starting with a monologue in which Theresa reminisces about their life together, Bob and Cheryl present a lively and informative discussion on an important chapter in Canadian history.
Since January 2008 "Conversations" has been presented to numerous historical societies and community groups, including Battlefield House, Stoney Creek;Stratford Public Library;York, Grand River Historical Society; Hamilton & Scourge Society; Edinburgh Square, Caledonia; Bronte Historical Society, Bronte and Dunnville District Heritage Association, Dunnville. To find out how to bring this fascinating presentation to your group, please contact Bob (mediate@kwic.com) or Cheryl (heronwood@exculink.com)
COMMENTS on Conversations with Colonel Nichol
"Emotional ... a great success"
Jean Farquharson, The Towpath (York, Grand River Historical Society)