Nixon was nominated by President Ulysses Grant on April 28, 1870, to a seat vacated by Richard S. Field. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 29, 1870, and received commission on April 28, 1870. Nixon's service was terminated on September 28, 1889, due to death.
Education and career
Born on August 31, 1820, in Fairton, New Jersey,[1] Nixon attended the public schools, graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1841 and received an Artium Magister degree from the same institution in 1843.[1] He read law in 1844 and was admitted to the bar in 1845.[1] He entered private practice in Bridgeton, New Jersey from 1845 to 1859.[1] He was a member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1848 to 1850, serving as Speaker in 1850.[1]