424 PAST AND PRESENT OF ing been born there on May 5, 1854. He is a son of John and Jessie (Ross) Nich ¬ olson, the former of whom was born in 1815, on the Isle of Skye , and settled on the subject's present farm in 1849, living there until his death, in 1883. The subject's mother, who is now living with him, was born at Wheatley River , Prince Edward Island , in 1817, and is a daughter of Alex and Catherine (McKinnon) Ross. Alex Ross came to Prince Edward Island on the ship "Polly," and was the son of John Ross , a native of the Isle of Skye , who took up land at New London , in Lot 21, Prince Edward Island . He later removed to High- field and subsequently took up a farm at Wheatley River . John Nicholson was a Liberal in politics, and a Presbyterian in religion. To him and his wife were born six children, namely: Sarah, who became the wife of James Patterson , a retired farmer and miller; Angus, the subject of this sketch; Catherine, who became the wife of Dr. McKay , of California , and both are now deceased; Flora, who became the wife of Dan McDonald , of Caledonia , Prince Edward Island ; Isabel, who married Fin- lay McKinnon, a farmer at Brookfield ; Mar¬ garet, who became the wife of Archibald McPherson , of Greenvale , Prince Edward Island . , Angus Nicholson received his education in the district schools of his neighborhood and early entered upon life's activities on his own account, while during the subsequent years he has been variously employed. For one year he was mail carrier between lottetown and Summerside , that being in the days before the construction of the present railroad, and for four years he acted as fire¬ man and engineer for .a threshing machine. Subsequently engaging in the operation of the home place, he has since that time given it his sole attention and his success has been fully commensurate with his efforts. The farm comprises one hundred and thirty-five acres of excellent land, one hundred of which are under the plow, the balance con¬ taining some fine standing timber. He here carries on mixed farming and also to some extent dairy farming, sending the milk to the cheese factory and condensed milk fac¬ tory at Charlottetown . He has made many substantial and permanent improvements on the place, which now ranks among the best farms in Lot 22. In 1866 Mr. Nicholson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Gertrude Sille- phant, a daughter of Richard and Flora (McKinnon) Sillephant. Her father was born on August 30, 1834, at Hunter River , and was a ship carpenter by trade and later followed farming. He was the father of ten children, namely: Mary E .; William, deceased; Ewen, deceased; Jane; Elizabeth; Charlotte, deceased; Georgiana; Jemima; William R., deceased; and Ambrose. To the subject and his wife have been l>orn eight children, namely: Jessie M., deceased; George D.; Lottie C.; John R.; Russell F .; Frank E .; Georgia B. and Ethel Gf In poli¬ tics Mr. Nicholson is a Liberal, and has taken an active part in local public affairs, having served as secretary of the board of school trustees for fifteen years, trustee for the same length of time, and also as road overseer. In religion he is affiliated with the Presbyterian church, while fraternally he is an Orangeman, in early life being a member of the Sons of Temperance. He is a man of sterling characteristics and enjoys the high regard of all who know him.