There seems to be at least 4 main branches of Nichols/Nicholas families around.
So far I have (and have found no connections between) 1) my lot who lived around Sandford (Winscombe) - but originally descended from Thomas NICHOLS of Puriton.
2) Your bunch from Wedmore descended from Samuel NICHOLS & Rebecca DYER. There are some more NICHOLS born in Wedmore in the late 1700s, Richard, Edward & Elizabeth children of William & Mary - possibly William NICHOLS & Mary DOBIN (widow) who married in 1776 in Bridgwater. There was another - John NICHOLS b 1776 in Axbridge to a William & Mary. Also, Levi NICHOLS (who deserted from the army in 1762) but had two children in Wedmore, Mary & Phillis with wife Jane ANDREWS. Levi possibly hailed from Midsomer Norton (son of Thomas).
3) Another set of NICHOLS in/around Winscombe descended from Job NICHOLS & Sarah CORFIELD (m 1762 Winscombe). I have not found a link yet between them and mine.
4) Richard NICHOLS (or NICHOLAS) & family from Chewton Mendip - there is a Job NICHOLS here too - but I think it is a different one.
Have looked at the possibility that Samuel was illegitimate, then took step-fathers surname. but apart from a candidate b 1761 (too early) have not found anyone.
Not sure if this opens up any more avenues...
Rob |