Born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, Coleman attended the grammar and high schools. He was graduated from Transylvania College, Lexington, Kentucky. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar and practiced. He served as member of the State House of Representatives in 1824 and 1825.

Coleman was elected as a Jacksonian to the Twenty-first Congress (March 4, 1829 – March 3, 1831). He moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he resumed the practice of law. Postmaster of Vicksburg 1841–44. He again resumed the practice of law. He died in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

• United States Congress. "Nicholas D. Coleman (id: C000620)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

  This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress