Mercy Kate Browning was born in Upper Beeding, Sussex, to Henry and Emily nee Fenden, she was baptised on March 6th, 1864. Mercy had 3 siblings, Frances A. 6yrs, Clara M. 5yrs, and Arthur J. 2yrs. In 1871 when Mercy was 7yrs old, the family lived in Small Dole, Sussex, her father, Henry, 63yrs was an Agricultural Labourer, mother, Emily, 48yrs, Frances A. 13yrs, Clara M. 11yrs, Arthur J. 9yrs. When Mercy was 17yrs old, still living in Small dole, her father, now 73yrs, continued as an Agricultural Labourer, and her brother, Arthur, 19yrs, was a Blacksmith.
Mercy Kate Browning married John Ward Nichols, a Tailor, in September 1886 in Steyning, Sussex. Their daughter, Madeline Alice was born on 27th January 1888, in Henfield, Sussex. In 1891, now living at 4, Heene Cottages, Worthing, their son, Arthur J. Nichols, was born on 15th March, and Mercy died 7 weeks later.
Mercy Kate Nichols died on 5th May 1891 at 4, Heene Cottages, Worthing, aged 27yrs. Her death certificate gave the cause of death as Phthisis