Thomas Nichols, immigrant ancestor of the family now in hand, arrived in New England from the mother country in or prior to 1637, in which year he was granted land in Hingham, Massachusetts. He subsequently received other grants and in 1653 he still further increased his land possessions by purchasing from Thomas Josselyn et al, a dwelling house, barn, etc., with thre-acres of land, which was formerly the property of Sterphen Lincoln. Nichols Hill, a locality referred to in early deeds (Suffolk Records), probably derived its name from him. His residence was located on Fort Hill Street in the immediate vicinity of the present (this was in written in 1976) West Hingham Railroad Station. In 1676 he served as a selectman. His death occured November 8, 1696. He married (first wife) Rebbecca, daughter of Thomas and Rebbecca Josselyn, who died September 22, 1675, at the age of 58-years old. Dorcas was the name of his second wife, whom he married September 23, 1681; she died October 15, 1694. His children, all with his first wife, Rebbecca Josselyn, were: 1. Thomas; 2. Rebecca; 3. Elizabeth; 4. Hannah; 5. Ephram; 6. Israel; 7. Nathaniel; 8. Mary; 9. Sarah; 10. Charity; and 11. Patience.