Free Settler or Felon
Convict and Colonial History




Appin G. Nicol

Hunter Valley Medical Practitioner


There may have been more than one Medical Practitioner by the name of Nicol/ Nichol in the Hunter Valley in the 1840's:


Appin G. Nicol was listed in the Government Gazette as a qualified Medical Practitioner at Cassilis in 1844[1] He was listed as a Medical Witness at Cassilis in 1845 [2]

Appin G. Nicol opened a medical practice next door to Mr. Ward's Inn in Muswellbrook in July 1844 [3]

He entered into a business in Muswellbrook called the Muswellbrook Manufactory in July 1846 although he intended to continue to practice in his medical profession, servicing both Muswellbrook and Merton. [4] By September 1846 he was posting notices in the Maitland Mercury stating that he was no longer connected with the Manufactory. [5]

Appin G. Nicol of Cassilis submitted Testimonials of Qualification to the NSW Medical Board in 1850[6]

Appin G. Nicol was listed as a Qualified Medical Practitioner for Cassilis in 1852[7]

Appin G. Nicol, M.D., is listed in Waugh's 1860 Australian Almanac at Cassilis

Further Notes

1). In September 1847 the Maitland Mercury recorded a Dr Alfred John Nichol as a witness in the murder trial of John Purcell who was accused of the murder of Joseph Palfrey who had died near Cassilis. Nichol was called on to examine the body of Joseph Palfrey who had been found buried in a shallow grave. Later, he was questioned extensively at the trial as to the injuries sustained by Palfrey before death, however his findings were contradicted by Dr. McCartney who was a witness for the defence. Dr. Nichol was vindicated when, supported by his evidence, the jury found Purcell guilty of the murder of Palfrey.[8]

2). William Nicol, Esq., was appointed Coroner for the district of Cassilis in 1848. [9]

3). The Maitland Mercury reported that Dr. Nicol (no first name) died at his residence at Dalkeith (Cassilis) on 15th January 1848 at the age of thirty.[10] Thomas Augustus Perry of Merriwa was appointed Coroner for Cassilis in his place.[11]

References

[1] Sydney Morning Herald 9 February 1844

[2] Maitland Mercury 8 February 1845

[3] Maitland Mercury 6 July 1844

[4] Maitland Mercury 22 July 1846

[5] Maitland Mercury 30 September 1846

[6] Maitland Mercury 16 January 1850

[7] Empire 19 January 1852

[8] Maitland Mercury 15 September 1847

[9] Sydney Chronicle 6 January 1848

[10] Maitland Mercury 22 January 1848

[11] Sydney Morning Herald 14 February 1848