William Nicholson was born about 1739 in Chapel Allerton, the son of Stephen Nicholson and Susan (nee Sheerwood).
William married Hannah Slater on 20 December 1761 at St Peter’s Church in Leeds. William and Hannah had at least two sons
- Thomas (1764-1821)
- William (1770-1798)
Hannah died on 13 December 1777 and was buried in the Friends burial ground near Meadow Lane in Leeds.
William remarried to Grace Whitaker on 7 April 1778 at St Peter’s Church in Leeds. They had the following children:
- Stephen (1779-1858)
- James (1782-1782)
- Mary (1783-1839)
- Hannah (1786- )
- John (1789-1790)
William died on 17 November 1812 aged 72 years old and was buried in St Matthew’s churchyard in Chapel Allerton.
