nickerson was born in 1845 in pawtucket, rhode island, and attended the local schools. after leaving school, in about 1862, he entered the office of providence architect clifton a. hall, where he remained until 1871, when he opened his own office. after practicing for some time, he embarked on an extended tour of europe which lasted until his return to rhode island in 1881. he then practiced until his death, though no works of his are known after 1897.