NIXON, MARMADUKE GEORGE (1814-64) was born at Valletta, Malta, where his father was town major, and educated at Sandhurst. He got his ensigncy in the 39th Regiment in 1831. (Lieutenant 1834; captain 1838; brevet-major 1844; regimental major 1846.) He served in India, being present at the Coorg campaign (1834) and at Maharajpur (1843). Being unable financially to continue in the army, he retired in 1851 and came to New Zealand in the Cresswell (1852).

Acting on the advice of Colonel Haultain, Nixon took up land at Tautauroa, Mangere, and had to encounter most of the troubles of pioneering. In 1860 he was gazetted lieut.-colonel commanding the Royal Cavalry volunteers, which he helped to raise for the protection of the settlements at Otahuhu, Panmure and Howick, and the line of the Tamaki from the Waitemata to the Manukau. In 1861 he was elected to Parliament for Franklin, which he represented until his death. When fighting commenced in Waikato, Nixon was entrusted with raising a mounted defence force, which he commanded in the field, taking part in all the early fighting. He was mortally wounded at the battle of Rangiaowhia (21 Feb 1864), while leading his men at the storming of huts garrisoned by Kingites. He died on 27 May.

Family information from Miss A. E. Hewett; Gudgeon (p); Cowan, i; Otahuhu Borough Council (diamond jubilee); Taranaki Herald, 8 May 1863; Southern Cross, 14 May 1868; N.Z. Herald, 28 May 1864.

Reference: Volume 2, page 66

🌳 Further sources