Catherine Nicks facts for kids

Catherine Nicks (who passed away in 1709) was a successful English businesswoman. Many people consider her to be the very first woman entrepreneur in Madras, a city in India.

Early Life and Family

In 1678, Catherine Nicks was listed as one of only five single English women living in Madras. She later married John Nicks, who passed away in 1711. John worked closely with the governor of Madras, Elihu Yale. Catherine and John had four children together.

A Pioneer Businesswoman

Even though married women in those times usually didn't manage their own money, Catherine Nicks was different. She ran her own businesses, completely separate from her husband's. She was an active merchant, meaning she bought and sold goods. She had her own invoices and accounts. Catherine traded in valuable items like textiles (fabrics) and diamonds.

It seems she also helped Elihu Yale with his business dealings. From 1689, after the governor's wife returned to England, Catherine Nicks and Hieronima da Paivia (the widow of Jacques (Jaime) de Paiva (Pavia)) became important women in the governor's household. At this time, Catherine's own husband was away, managing the company's interests in another area called Connimere.

Challenges and Later Life

In 1692, Elihu Yale stopped being governor and faced questions about his actions. Around the same time, Catherine's husband, John Nicks, faced legal issues. Catherine Nicks, Elihu Yale, and Hieronima de Paiva moved to Yale's garden house, which caused a lot of talk.

Catherine had to go to court. She was fined because of how she handled some company goods for Yale's personal business. After this, she was allowed to leave for England. Elihu Yale later joined her in England, bringing her husband and children with him in 1699. The Nicks family eventually returned to Madras. There, Catherine continued to work as Elihu Yale's business helper.