Francis is the first known American planemaker to mark his planes. Significant ties include his son, John Nicholson, and his former slave, Cesar Chelor, who he freed in his will.

Identifying Marks

F*NICHOLSON/LIVING*IN/WRENTHAM (second line sometimes not included)

General Information

Cesar Chelor, his slave, was responsible for the production of a number of Francis Nicholson's planes.

Photographs

References

Nelson, Robert E., Ed. (1999). Directory of American Toolmakers: A listing of identified makers of tools who worked in Canada and the United States before 1900. Early American Industries Association.

Links

Ingraham, Ted. Francis Nicholson Up-Date. September, 2005. August 14th, 2007. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3983/is_200509/ai_n15715415

2000 01 Inc. 1999. The Planes of Cesar Chelor. August 14th, 2007. http://www.antiquetools.com/chelor/index.html