John A NICHOLSON (Royal Navy)

[Bobc35]

Hi all.
I am now tracing my grandmother, Ellen Casey (possibly Helen), who married Fred Robert Carrier in 1915.
Her mother was Elizabeth Casey, born about 1864 in Devonport, who married Edward John Casey. Elizabeth's father was John A Nicholson, born about 1835 in Plymouth. I have traced him back to the 1871 census, where he is shown as married, living in Portsmouth and serving on HMS Excellent, a gunnery training ship.
I cannot find him earlier than this, so I wondered if he was serving on a ship and away from the UK. Does anyone have any information to help me? Any information, especially ships name etc., would be very welcome.

Thanks for any assistance,
Bob (Carrier).

[mmm45]

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7841297&queryType=1&resultcount=53

Bob
This could be his naval record (Not 100% guaranteed but worth a check?)

Ady

[DOB7]

Elizabeth Mary Maria NICHOLSON was baptised at Holbeton, Devon, 10 July 1864, dau of John Atwill & Elizabeth Louisa NICHOLSON. He was described as a Gunner in HMS. Address Navy Row, Morice Town. He married Elizabeth Louisa HOLMAN, 19 Aug 1856 at Stoke Damerel Church. At that time he was aboard HMS Cambridge, which was a naval training ship. His father's name was given as William a mariner, and her father was Nathaniel HOLMAN, a cooper.
William NICHOLSON married Mary ATWILL at Stoke Damerel 10 Jun 1830. John Atwell NICHOLSON was baptised at Plymouth St Andrew 24 Aug 1834, son of WIlliam & Mary, father a mariner.