In 1852, Nixon immigrated to Victoria where he was engaged as an architect, reportedly "having duly accredited certificates, in superintending the erection of government buildings in the Ovens—Beechworth district".
[2] Although Nixon advertised as: “Architect and Surveyor, Articled pupil of Mr. William Wallen Jnr., London and Greenwich”,[3] his indenture agreement had been annulled, by mutual consent, on 22 June 1849.
About 1879, he moved to Rockhampton, Queensland and joined the Daily Northern Argus and eventually became editor and one of the proprietors,[2] before selling the paper to a local solicitor, Mr Lyons.
After transacting some business in Rockhampton in the afternoon he hired a cab, and drove to the vicinity of Mr. W. Pattison's works, near Alligator Creek.
Shortly after a man on the bridge heard a shot fired, and informed Mr. J. Hyland, manager of the works, who at once went to the spot.
The funeral of Mr. F. H. Nixon took place on Tuesday 6 November 1884, and was attended by his friends and a number of our principal citizens, who testified to the respect they had for him by following his remains to the South Rockhampton cemetery.