Lt. Colonel Frederick John Fraser1
M, #7036, b. 6 May 1867, d. 26 November 1943
Lt. Colonel Frederick John Fraser was born on 6 May 1867 in the Free High Church Manse, Inverness, Scotland.1,2,3 He was the son of Rev. Donald Fraser D.D. and Theresa Eliza Isabella Gordon.1 Lt. Colonel Frederick John Fraser appears on the census of 4 April 1881 at 3 Cambridge Square, London.1 On 12 September 1888 he started military service as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Liverpool Regiment and was seconded to the Indian Staff Corps in 1892. In 1912 he is listed as a Major, Second Double Company Commander in the 33rd Punjabis and Lt. Colonel 46th Punjabis 12 September 1914.4 He died on 26 November 1943 at La Clinique Ambroise Paré, Toulouse, France, at the age of 76.5,6
Fraser wrote several plays and the lyrics to many songs, some of which were performed by Amy Woodforde-Finden. He took action to recover damages for plagiarism of a plot of one of his plays. This was reported in a several newspapers:
Loud and frequent laughter was heard in Mr Justice Darling's crowded court during the hearing of the action brought by Captain Frederick J. Fraser against Mr George Edwardes, the well-known theatrical manager, who, he alleges, appropriated the "general scheme" of 'The Cingalee" from a play submitted to him under the title of "The Hanjiahn, or The Lotus Girl."
Mr George Edwardes, wearing a light grey suit, joined heartily in the hilarity provoked now and again by Mr Justice Darling's witticisms, and Mr Hayden Coffin, Miss Louie Pounds, Mr Pinero, Mr Huntley Wright, Mr Lionel Monckton, Captain Basil Hood, Mr Adrian Rose and Mr Howard Talbot followed the case with intense interest.
Mr Bankes, K.C., described the interview which took place between Mr J.L. Tanner and Captain Fraser after Mr Edwardes had agreed to produce "The Lotus Girl," on the understanding that the officer collaborated with Mr Tanner in making the dialogue more humorous.
In March, 1903, Mr Edwardes wrote to Captain Fraser's solicitors in London, saying that as a consequence of the difficulty about collaboration he had decided not to utilise Captain Fraser's play. "At that very time," said counsel, "Mr Tanner must have been writing the play, for in August he was actually in communication with Mr Anstey with reference to their writing up a Babu part for Mr Huntley Wright. This character was not to be taken from Mr Anstey's book 'Babu Jaberjee, B. A.' to which Captain Fraser had himself referred Mr Edwardes as a good model for a Huntley Wright part." Then counsel plunged into a glowing description of "The Lotus Girl," its beautiful Kashmir scenery, its characters, and its plot. One of the scenes was a lake fringed with wild iris. "When Mr Tanner changed the scene from Kashmir to Ceylon in his own play he took the iris .with him, and wild iris does not grow in Ceylon," said counsel. "But this was not the only mistake committed by Mr Tanner in copying," added Mr Bankes. "In 'The Lotus Girl' was the character of an Eastern potentate who, being a Kashmir Mahometan, would have a large number of wives; in fact, in the play he wanted to marry as many as 20 of the characters. But Mr Tanner made his Ceylon ruler also the possessor of a harem. Now, a ruler in Ceylon must be a Buddhist, who does not approve of harems."
"A Buddhist?" remarked Mr Justice Darling. "He was a bigamist, too." The court rippled with merriment.
"The only difference between the plays," concluded Mr Bankes, "is that Mr Tanner introduced a character named Lady Patricia Vane."
Then Captain Fraser described his various interviews with Mr Edwardes, with scene-painters, costume designers, and, finally, with Mr Huntley Wright. The latter objected to playing a native part, as suggested by Mr Anstey's "Babu" book.
"Mr Edwardes told me that Huntley Wright would have to play what he was told," said the captain. There was not a vestige of smile on the captain's face, but the court roared with laughter.
"In 'The Cingalee, he continued, "there was a half-caste girl, who should, of course, have no caste mark, but who was identified by mach a mark. In my play the Babu had the mark."
"That reminds me of Box and Cox." murmured Mr Justice Darling, meditatively, "and of the man who was identified because he did not have a strawberry mark on his arm."
The Babu in Captain Fraser's scenario was described by Mr Justice Darling, with the manuscript before him, in the words: "He has been partly educated and called to the bar."
Rows of grey wigs shook with mirth as the judge read the description in tones of sorrow rather than of anger.
There was another shout of laughter when Captain Fraser referred to the fact that, as in "The Lotus Girl," there was a lotus lake in "The Cingalee." This was in spite of the fact that there was no such lake in Ceylon. "I maintain that they took my lake," exclaimed the captain in a voice of thunder.
The "Hanjiahn" boat girls are fair to look upon, but the tea girls in Ceylon are coolies from Madras, "the very blackest and ugliest of their kind," exclaimed the captain. "The tea girls in 'The Cingalee' came from Kashmir.
Captain Fraser continued that while in "Hanjiahn" he introduced a party of officers dressed to play polo, a party of tea planters came on in "The Cingalee" in similar costume.
The "chee chee" accent, peculiar to Hindus who had learnt English, and found in the "Hanjiahn," was also found in "The Cingalee.'' Characters, said: "I am veree soree," instead of "I am very sorry.
"In "The Cingalee" one of the characters said to a friend. "Sell yourself, old Chutney. Sell your black hair, old Bombay duck."
Captain Fraser claimed that "Bombay duck" was taken from "The Lotus Girl."
"What is a Bombay duck?" asked the judge.
"It is a dried fish," said the captain solemnly.
"You know that musical comedy in written on conventional lines?" asked Mr Issacs, who appeared for Mr Edwardes.
"We know they all are," said the judge in a weary tone. Then his lordship proceeded to examine photographs of pretty Kashmir girls. "I see that Captain Fraser has written on the back of them, 'The prettiest do not allow themselves to be photographed.' "
"It is very different in this country," said Mr Rufus Isaacs.
"In 'San Toy,' 'The Geisha' snd 'The Cingalee,' is there not an English officer who falls in love with the beautiful girl of each country?" continued counsel.
"It must be a common habit." remarked the judge.
"Not peculiar to English officers abroad," replied Mr Isaacs.
Mr Isaacs was putting to Captain Fraser a series of questions as to the commonplace nature of the general scheme of musical comedies, when Mr Justice Darling said: "If these plays are so common, why are they not written by machinery?"
The jury had found for the plaintiff, and awarded him £3000 damages. The Otago Witness, 17 May 1905.
Loud and frequent laughter was heard in Mr Justice Darling's crowded court during the hearing of the action brought by Captain Frederick J. Fraser against Mr George Edwardes, the well-known theatrical manager, who, he alleges, appropriated the "general scheme" of 'The Cingalee" from a play submitted to him under the title of "The Hanjiahn, or The Lotus Girl."
Mr George Edwardes, wearing a light grey suit, joined heartily in the hilarity provoked now and again by Mr Justice Darling's witticisms, and Mr Hayden Coffin, Miss Louie Pounds, Mr Pinero, Mr Huntley Wright, Mr Lionel Monckton, Captain Basil Hood, Mr Adrian Rose and Mr Howard Talbot followed the case with intense interest.
Mr Bankes, K.C., described the interview which took place between Mr J.L. Tanner and Captain Fraser after Mr Edwardes had agreed to produce "The Lotus Girl," on the understanding that the officer collaborated with Mr Tanner in making the dialogue more humorous.
In March, 1903, Mr Edwardes wrote to Captain Fraser's solicitors in London, saying that as a consequence of the difficulty about collaboration he had decided not to utilise Captain Fraser's play. "At that very time," said counsel, "Mr Tanner must have been writing the play, for in August he was actually in communication with Mr Anstey with reference to their writing up a Babu part for Mr Huntley Wright. This character was not to be taken from Mr Anstey's book 'Babu Jaberjee, B. A.' to which Captain Fraser had himself referred Mr Edwardes as a good model for a Huntley Wright part." Then counsel plunged into a glowing description of "The Lotus Girl," its beautiful Kashmir scenery, its characters, and its plot. One of the scenes was a lake fringed with wild iris. "When Mr Tanner changed the scene from Kashmir to Ceylon in his own play he took the iris .with him, and wild iris does not grow in Ceylon," said counsel. "But this was not the only mistake committed by Mr Tanner in copying," added Mr Bankes. "In 'The Lotus Girl' was the character of an Eastern potentate who, being a Kashmir Mahometan, would have a large number of wives; in fact, in the play he wanted to marry as many as 20 of the characters. But Mr Tanner made his Ceylon ruler also the possessor of a harem. Now, a ruler in Ceylon must be a Buddhist, who does not approve of harems."
"A Buddhist?" remarked Mr Justice Darling. "He was a bigamist, too." The court rippled with merriment.
"The only difference between the plays," concluded Mr Bankes, "is that Mr Tanner introduced a character named Lady Patricia Vane."
Then Captain Fraser described his various interviews with Mr Edwardes, with scene-painters, costume designers, and, finally, with Mr Huntley Wright. The latter objected to playing a native part, as suggested by Mr Anstey's "Babu" book.
"Mr Edwardes told me that Huntley Wright would have to play what he was told," said the captain. There was not a vestige of smile on the captain's face, but the court roared with laughter.
"In 'The Cingalee, he continued, "there was a half-caste girl, who should, of course, have no caste mark, but who was identified by mach a mark. In my play the Babu had the mark."
"That reminds me of Box and Cox." murmured Mr Justice Darling, meditatively, "and of the man who was identified because he did not have a strawberry mark on his arm."
The Babu in Captain Fraser's scenario was described by Mr Justice Darling, with the manuscript before him, in the words: "He has been partly educated and called to the bar."
Rows of grey wigs shook with mirth as the judge read the description in tones of sorrow rather than of anger.
There was another shout of laughter when Captain Fraser referred to the fact that, as in "The Lotus Girl," there was a lotus lake in "The Cingalee." This was in spite of the fact that there was no such lake in Ceylon. "I maintain that they took my lake," exclaimed the captain in a voice of thunder.
The "Hanjiahn" boat girls are fair to look upon, but the tea girls in Ceylon are coolies from Madras, "the very blackest and ugliest of their kind," exclaimed the captain. "The tea girls in 'The Cingalee' came from Kashmir.
Captain Fraser continued that while in "Hanjiahn" he introduced a party of officers dressed to play polo, a party of tea planters came on in "The Cingalee" in similar costume.
The "chee chee" accent, peculiar to Hindus who had learnt English, and found in the "Hanjiahn," was also found in "The Cingalee.'' Characters, said: "I am veree soree," instead of "I am very sorry.
"In "The Cingalee" one of the characters said to a friend. "Sell yourself, old Chutney. Sell your black hair, old Bombay duck."
Captain Fraser claimed that "Bombay duck" was taken from "The Lotus Girl."
"What is a Bombay duck?" asked the judge.
"It is a dried fish," said the captain solemnly.
"You know that musical comedy in written on conventional lines?" asked Mr Issacs, who appeared for Mr Edwardes.
"We know they all are," said the judge in a weary tone. Then his lordship proceeded to examine photographs of pretty Kashmir girls. "I see that Captain Fraser has written on the back of them, 'The prettiest do not allow themselves to be photographed.' "
"It is very different in this country," said Mr Rufus Isaacs.
"In 'San Toy,' 'The Geisha' snd 'The Cingalee,' is there not an English officer who falls in love with the beautiful girl of each country?" continued counsel.
"It must be a common habit." remarked the judge.
"Not peculiar to English officers abroad," replied Mr Isaacs.
Mr Isaacs was putting to Captain Fraser a series of questions as to the commonplace nature of the general scheme of musical comedies, when Mr Justice Darling said: "If these plays are so common, why are they not written by machinery?"
The jury had found for the plaintiff, and awarded him £3000 damages. The Otago Witness, 17 May 1905.
Citations
- [S50] British Census 1881.
- [S91] Www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk, Parish Records Index (1553-1854).
- [S105] [Bell], Bell Family Papers, Bell Birthday Book.
- [S448] H.G. Hart, Army List, 1895.
- [S232] Ancestry.com, England, Andrews Newspaper Index Cards, 1790-1976.
- [S232] Ancestry.com, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995.
Frederick Laing Fraser1
M, #19486, b. 11 September 1861, d. 15 February 1934
Frederick Laing Fraser was born on 11 September 1861 in Detroit, Michigan, though various census report his birth place as Canada.2,3,4 He was the son of Alexander Fraser and Mary Mead Torrance.1 Frederick Laing Fraser married Bessie F. Beatty, daughter of James Beatty, on 3 June 1891 in Holy Trinity Church, Chatham, Ontario.3 Frederick Laing Fraser died on 15 February 1934 in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 72.4
Children of Frederick Laing Fraser and Bessie F. Beatty
- Marjorie Fraser1 b. c 1902
- Elizabeth Fraser1 b. c 1905
Citations
- [S432] Marie Fraser, Communications from Marie Fraser.
- [S516] 1871 Canada, Cobourg, Northumberland West, Ontario; Roll: C-9983; Page: 66; Family No: 254.
- [S232] Ancestry.com, Ontario, Canada Marriages, 1801-1926.
- [S392] Website findagrave.com (http://www.findagrave.com/) "# 81791700."
Helen Millicent Fraser
F, #19037, b. 24 August 1861, d. 10 January 1866
Helen Millicent Fraser was born on 24 August 1861. She was the daughter of Rev. Donald Fraser D.D. and Theresa Eliza Isabella Gordon. Helen Millicent Fraser died on 10 January 1866 at the age of 4 Inverness Chapel Yard #1827 (Panel). "Two sisters asleep in Jesus, Helen Millicent Fraser, died 10th January 1866, aged 4 years; Lillias Isabella Fraser, died 4th May 1869, aged 4 weeks. Daughters of Rev. Donald Fraser, Inverness."
Hugh Barron Fraser1
M, #21396, b. 5 December 1861, d. 2 November 1937
Hugh Barron Fraser was born on 5 December 1861.2 He married Clara Emma Jones on 29 November 1894.3,4 Hugh Barron Fraser died on 2 November 1937 at the age of 75.2
Child of Hugh Barron Fraser and Clara Emma Jones
- Brigadier Sir Kenneth Barron Fraser C.B.E.+1 b. 28 Mar 1897, d. 24 Jun 1969
Citations
- [S205] Newspaper, The Brisbane Courier, 18 July 1929.
- [S607] Website billiongraves.com (http://www.billiongraves.com/) "Lutwyche Cemetery, Kedron, Queensland."
- [S92] Various Editors, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Helen Gregory, 'Fraser, Sir Kenneth Barron (1897 - 1969)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 14, Melbourne University Press, 1996, pp 221-222.
- [S205] Newspaper, The Brisbane Courier, 12 December 1894.
Isabella Fraser1
F, #18818, b. 24 June 1758
Isabella Fraser was born on 24 June 1758.1 She was the daughter of Colonel Alexander Fraser of Culduthel and Lilias Chisholm.2 Isabella Fraser married Rev. Dr. Alexander Fraser, son of Rev. Donald Fraser.1
Child of Isabella Fraser and Rev. Dr. Alexander Fraser
- Rev. Donald Fraser M.A.+1 b. 13 Jan 1783, d. 12 Jul 1836
Isabelle May Fraser1
F, #14885, b. 16 May 1895, d. 7 December 1926
Isabelle May Fraser was born on 16 May 1895 in Queensland.1 She was the daughter of Alfred William Fraser and Clara Phillips.2,1 Isabelle May Fraser married Henry William Cothay on 23 December 1922 in Bombay, India.2,3 Isabelle May Fraser died on 7 December 1926 in Cawnpore, Bengal, India, at the age of 31. At Cawnpore suddenly from pneumonia on the 7th December 1926 Isabelle May dearly loved wife of H W Cothay Indian Ordnance Department.4
Jane Fraser1
F, #18834, b. 29 March 1829, d. 7 March 1870
Jane Fraser was baptised on 29 March 1829 at Inverness.2 She was the daughter of John Fraser and Lillias Fraser.1 Jane Fraser married James Torrance.1 Jane Fraser died on 7 March 1870 in Montréal, Quebec, at the age of 40.
Jane Speirs Playfair Fraser1,2
F, #18827, b. 11 June 1858, d. 27 January 1942
Jane Speirs Playfair Fraser was born on 11 June 1858 probably in Gourock.3 She was the daughter of Rev. William Fraser and Margaret Cuningham Playfair.1 Jane Speirs Playfair Fraser married Dr. Alexander Robert Coldstream M.D., F.R.C.S.E. on 28 September 1886 in Queen's road Presbyterian Church, Brighton, Sussex, the service was celebrated by her uncle.1,2,4 Jane Speirs Playfair Fraser died on 27 January 1942 in Cambridge at the age of 83.5
Citations
Jean Gordon Fraser1
F, #14867, b. 15 October 1898, d. March 1981
Jean Gordon Fraser was born on 15 October 1898 in India.2 She was the daughter of Ernest Gordon Fraser and Florence Ellen King.1 Jean Gordon Fraser was christened on 11 December 1898 at Lahore, Bengal.3 She married Major Hanmer Gethin Bodvel Griffith M.B.E. in April 1929 in Monmouth.1 Jean's death was registered in the quarter ending March 1981 in the Evesham, Hereford and Worcester, registration district.1,2
John Fraser1
M, #7037, b. 1795, d. 21 December 1852
John Fraser. Merchant and ship owner and sometime Commissioner in Canada of the British North American Land Company. Provost of Inverness.1,2 He was born in 1795. He was the son of Alexander Fraser and Annabella Munro. John Fraser married Lillias Fraser, daughter of Rev. Donald Fraser M.A. and Jane Gordon. John Fraser married secondly Selina Torrance, daughter of John Torrance and Elizabeth Fisher, on 7 May 1839 in St. James Methodist Church, Montréal.3,4 John Fraser died on 21 December 1852 in Ontario he was thrown from his carriage, falling on his head.5
Children of John Fraser and Lillias Fraser
- Annabella Fraser b. 16 Sep 1823, d. 19 Sep 1823
- Alexander Fraser+1 b. 24 Aug 1824, d. 23 Oct 1882
- Rev. Donald Fraser D.D.+ b. 15 Jan 1826, d. 12 Feb 1892
- Jane Fraser6 b. 29 Mar 1829, d. 7 Mar 1870
- John Fraser6 b. c 1833, d. Jul 1871
Child of John Fraser
- Rev. William Fraser+7 b. 1828, d. 18 Sep 1887
Children of John Fraser and Selina Torrance
- Jane Torrance Fraser8
- David Torrance Fraser9 b. 19 Feb 1840, d. 20 Apr 1902
- Edward Ellice Fraser8 b. 1842, d. 24 Aug 1852
Citations
- [S191] Donald Fraser, Autobiography.
- [S431] Alexander Mackenzie, History of the Frasers of Lovat, p. 588.
- [S191] Donald Fraser, Autobiography, p. 8.
- [S232] Ancestry.com, Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967. Montréal (Methodist Saint James).
- [S191] Donald Fraser, Autobiography, p. 27.
- [S431] Alexander Mackenzie, History of the Frasers of Lovat, p. 589.
- [S50] British Census 1881.
- [S191] Donald Fraser, Autobiography, p. 26.
- [S392] Website findagrave.com (http://www.findagrave.com/) "#108916770."
John Fraser1
M, #18833, b. circa 1833, d. July 1871
John Fraser. A missionary.1 He was born circa 1833. He was the son of John Fraser and Lillias Fraser.1 John Fraser died in July 1871 near Bagdad, Iraq,
DEATH OF MR. JOHN FRASER, NEAR BAGHDAD.
Another faithful soldier of Jesus Christ has fallen at his post - the post of danger and of honour. Unconnected with any society, Mr. Fraser has, for nearly ten years, been seeking to gather in souls among the Arabic speaking races in the East. Egypt, the Holy Land, and latterly Persia, were the scenes of his labours. Mostly single-handed he has delivered his message - " a voice crying in the wilderness." The great day alone shall declare the results of this devoted missionary's testimony and work. His was a loving and gentle spirit in all his intercourse with others; only to himself was he severe and exacting.
We knew that our friend had been weakened by dysentery at Baghdad, upwards of two months ago, but a few lines from himself, published in this paper, led us to hope that he was convalescent. A rumour from Beirout reached his brothers (Rev. Donald Fraser, of London, and Rev. Wm. Fraser, of Edinburgh), last week, which re-awakened our anxieties, and these, alas for us! have all been confirmed.
Early in August the Persian Government ordered a quarantine doctor to visit one of the plague and famine-stricken regions, seven days' journey from Baghdad ; this official, it appears, invited Mr. Fraser to accompany him. Our friend, ever ready, like his Master, to relieve human misery, accepted the invitation, and started on his errand of mercy, but, we fear, in a condition quite unfitted for such exertion in such a climate. Three days' journey had been accomplished, when a message came from above -"Come up higher!" - and death by sunstroke became the entrance into rest for this solitary worker.
" Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men ! "
The Inverness Courier has the following particulars :- " Mr. John Fraser, now in his 39th year, was the fourth son of the late Provost Fraser, of Inverness, and bore his father's name. The eldest son of the family is Mr. Alexander Fraser, of Cobourg, Ontario, and a member of the Legislative Assembly of that province; the second son is the Rev. Donald Fraser, of Marylebone; and the third the Rev. William Fraser, of Edinburgh. Though very thoroughly educated for the Presbyterian ministry, John Fraser never sought ordination, and, showing strong bent toward individual freedom of action, never acted under any missionary committee. His chosen work was to serve as a pioneer, opening up new ground, and pressing forward in Christ's name into arduous fields and among neglected populations: work for which he was singularly qualified by his faith, courage, self-denial, and elevation of spirit. His labours in this country were so abundant and wide-spread that he will be deeply lamented by many in both Highlands and Lowlands. His first labours in the East were at Cairo, in Egypt, where he laid the foundation of a thorough acquaintance with the Arabic language. Thence he removed to Beirout, where he taught for some time in the Syrian Protestant College - making excursions into the region of the Lebanon, and not only preaching in villages, but reading the Greek Testament in the Maronite and Greek Catholic convents.
" In Baghdad, his last station, he laboured among Mohammedans and Jews, and cast wistful eyes towards Persia; but like Henry Martyn, whose spirit he breathed, he has died and been buried far away from his native land and kindred. But he has not lived or died in vain. He rests from his labours, and his works follow him. He is a witness, that the spirit of heroism and martyrdom is not extinct; and that, while men who love their lives lose them, a man who hates his own life, for the Lord's sake,' keeps it to life eternal !'" The Christian, 21 September 1871.1,2
He was buried on 29 July 1871 in Shirween, Iraq.
John Fraser, youngest son of Mr. John Fraser, Provost of Inverness, was educated privately till he joined the Fifth Class at the Academy, in the session of 1845-46. Thence he proceeded to King's College and University, Aberdeen; and there graduated with honours as M.A. in 1850. He then took a full course of theological study in connection with the Free Church of Scotland. But on the eve of receiving licence as a preacher ' zeal for the evangelisation of the world made him shrink from official connection with any one branch of the Christian Church.' He became therefore an Evangelist at large. He acquired the power of speaking the Gaelic, Welsh, French, Italian, German, Arabic, and Persian languages.
After having had much success in his labours, chiefly in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, he worked for some time in Egypt. Thence Fraser went to Beyrout, where he taught Mathematics and Astronomy in the Armenian College; improving his knowledge of Arabic, and preaching in the villages of Lebanon. Fraser then crossed from Aleppo to Baghdad. There, and in the regions round about, he preached and distributed Bibles, etc. After a serious illness, he rode with a Medical Inspector to the borders of Persia, in which country he hoped to find an opening for Mission work, but he was struck down by the sun, and lived only half an hour, and was buried at Shirween, on 29th July 1871.
John Fraser is described as an 'intense student of the Bible in the original languages;' and there are not wanting evidences of the good that he was instrumental in doing during his short but scattered life - scattered but not wasted.
We are indebted for these details to Fraser's brother, the Rev. William Fraser, minister of the Presbyterian Church of England, Brighton. The Rev. Donald Fraser, D.D., Presbyterian Church of England, Marylebone, is an elder brother.
Very recently certain Christian workers in Cairo, Jerusalem, and Beyrout have spoken in warm and grateful terms of Fraser's usefulness; and a handsome Arabic Hymnal, with music, lately published at Beyrout, has been characterised as ' a fruit of his enthusiastic and practical stimulus to hallowed song' in Syria.
Some of those who knew and loved John Fraser have, it is understood, offered to contribute, and collect facts if one of his brothers would undertake to write his 'Life;' but they have thought they were best fulfilling his wishes by continuing to leave him - like his tomb on the border of Persia - without an inscription.
The last appearance of John Fraser at the Cumming Club was in January 1854. Chronicles of the Cumming club and memories of old academy days 1841-1846, compiled by Alexander Fraser, p. 164.
DEATH OF MR. JOHN FRASER, NEAR BAGHDAD.
Another faithful soldier of Jesus Christ has fallen at his post - the post of danger and of honour. Unconnected with any society, Mr. Fraser has, for nearly ten years, been seeking to gather in souls among the Arabic speaking races in the East. Egypt, the Holy Land, and latterly Persia, were the scenes of his labours. Mostly single-handed he has delivered his message - " a voice crying in the wilderness." The great day alone shall declare the results of this devoted missionary's testimony and work. His was a loving and gentle spirit in all his intercourse with others; only to himself was he severe and exacting.
We knew that our friend had been weakened by dysentery at Baghdad, upwards of two months ago, but a few lines from himself, published in this paper, led us to hope that he was convalescent. A rumour from Beirout reached his brothers (Rev. Donald Fraser, of London, and Rev. Wm. Fraser, of Edinburgh), last week, which re-awakened our anxieties, and these, alas for us! have all been confirmed.
Early in August the Persian Government ordered a quarantine doctor to visit one of the plague and famine-stricken regions, seven days' journey from Baghdad ; this official, it appears, invited Mr. Fraser to accompany him. Our friend, ever ready, like his Master, to relieve human misery, accepted the invitation, and started on his errand of mercy, but, we fear, in a condition quite unfitted for such exertion in such a climate. Three days' journey had been accomplished, when a message came from above -"Come up higher!" - and death by sunstroke became the entrance into rest for this solitary worker.
" Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men ! "
The Inverness Courier has the following particulars :- " Mr. John Fraser, now in his 39th year, was the fourth son of the late Provost Fraser, of Inverness, and bore his father's name. The eldest son of the family is Mr. Alexander Fraser, of Cobourg, Ontario, and a member of the Legislative Assembly of that province; the second son is the Rev. Donald Fraser, of Marylebone; and the third the Rev. William Fraser, of Edinburgh. Though very thoroughly educated for the Presbyterian ministry, John Fraser never sought ordination, and, showing strong bent toward individual freedom of action, never acted under any missionary committee. His chosen work was to serve as a pioneer, opening up new ground, and pressing forward in Christ's name into arduous fields and among neglected populations: work for which he was singularly qualified by his faith, courage, self-denial, and elevation of spirit. His labours in this country were so abundant and wide-spread that he will be deeply lamented by many in both Highlands and Lowlands. His first labours in the East were at Cairo, in Egypt, where he laid the foundation of a thorough acquaintance with the Arabic language. Thence he removed to Beirout, where he taught for some time in the Syrian Protestant College - making excursions into the region of the Lebanon, and not only preaching in villages, but reading the Greek Testament in the Maronite and Greek Catholic convents.
" In Baghdad, his last station, he laboured among Mohammedans and Jews, and cast wistful eyes towards Persia; but like Henry Martyn, whose spirit he breathed, he has died and been buried far away from his native land and kindred. But he has not lived or died in vain. He rests from his labours, and his works follow him. He is a witness, that the spirit of heroism and martyrdom is not extinct; and that, while men who love their lives lose them, a man who hates his own life, for the Lord's sake,' keeps it to life eternal !'" The Christian, 21 September 1871.1,2
He was buried on 29 July 1871 in Shirween, Iraq.
John Fraser, youngest son of Mr. John Fraser, Provost of Inverness, was educated privately till he joined the Fifth Class at the Academy, in the session of 1845-46. Thence he proceeded to King's College and University, Aberdeen; and there graduated with honours as M.A. in 1850. He then took a full course of theological study in connection with the Free Church of Scotland. But on the eve of receiving licence as a preacher ' zeal for the evangelisation of the world made him shrink from official connection with any one branch of the Christian Church.' He became therefore an Evangelist at large. He acquired the power of speaking the Gaelic, Welsh, French, Italian, German, Arabic, and Persian languages.
After having had much success in his labours, chiefly in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, he worked for some time in Egypt. Thence Fraser went to Beyrout, where he taught Mathematics and Astronomy in the Armenian College; improving his knowledge of Arabic, and preaching in the villages of Lebanon. Fraser then crossed from Aleppo to Baghdad. There, and in the regions round about, he preached and distributed Bibles, etc. After a serious illness, he rode with a Medical Inspector to the borders of Persia, in which country he hoped to find an opening for Mission work, but he was struck down by the sun, and lived only half an hour, and was buried at Shirween, on 29th July 1871.
John Fraser is described as an 'intense student of the Bible in the original languages;' and there are not wanting evidences of the good that he was instrumental in doing during his short but scattered life - scattered but not wasted.
We are indebted for these details to Fraser's brother, the Rev. William Fraser, minister of the Presbyterian Church of England, Brighton. The Rev. Donald Fraser, D.D., Presbyterian Church of England, Marylebone, is an elder brother.
Very recently certain Christian workers in Cairo, Jerusalem, and Beyrout have spoken in warm and grateful terms of Fraser's usefulness; and a handsome Arabic Hymnal, with music, lately published at Beyrout, has been characterised as ' a fruit of his enthusiastic and practical stimulus to hallowed song' in Syria.
Some of those who knew and loved John Fraser have, it is understood, offered to contribute, and collect facts if one of his brothers would undertake to write his 'Life;' but they have thought they were best fulfilling his wishes by continuing to leave him - like his tomb on the border of Persia - without an inscription.
The last appearance of John Fraser at the Cumming Club was in January 1854. Chronicles of the Cumming club and memories of old academy days 1841-1846, compiled by Alexander Fraser, p. 164.
John Edward Fraser1
M, #19498, b. September 1855
John Edward Fraser was born in September 1855 in Cobourg, Ontario.2 He was the son of Alexander Fraser and Mary Mead Torrance.1 John Edward Fraser married Anna Sexton on 11 January 1882 in Manhattan, New York.3
Children of John Edward Fraser and Anna Sexton
- Alexander John Fraser1 b. 2 Dec 1882, d. 26 Mar 1945
- Ethel C. Fraser1 b. Jul 1885
- Leila Terry Fraser1 b. 21 Feb 1886
Flight Lieut. John Ruthven Fraser1,2
M, #581, b. December 1906, d. 17 October 1938
Flight Lieut. John Ruthven Fraser's birth was registered in the quarter ending December 1906 in the St. Marylebone, London, registration district.3 He was the son of Major-General Sir Theodore Fraser K.C.B., C.S.I., C.M.G. and Constance Ruth Stevenson.4 On 30 May 1938 he was posted to R.A.F. Station, Debden. Flight Lieut. John Ruthven Fraser died on 17 October 1938 in Debden, Saffron Walden, at the age of 31.2
Jonathan Bruce Theodore Fraser1,2
M, #14870, b. 23 May 1943, d. 1964
Jonathan Bruce Theodore Fraser was born on 23 May 1943 at 27 Welbeck Street, London.2 He was the son of Sir Bruce Donald Fraser K.C.B. and Audrey Croslegh.1 Jonathan Bruce Theodore Fraser died in 1964. He was buried on 16 October 1964 in Brompton, London.3
Brigadier Sir Kenneth Barron Fraser C.B.E.
M, #4377, b. 28 March 1897, d. 24 June 1969
He was a Paediatric surgeon. Brigadier Sir Kenneth Barron Fraser C.B.E. was born on 28 March 1897 in Hughenden, Queensland.1 He was the son of Hugh Barron Fraser and Clara Emma Jones.2,1 Brigadier Sir Kenneth Barron Fraser C.B.E. married Edith Mary Patricia Lloyd Hart, daughter of Percy Lloyd Hart and Margaret Beatrice Crombie, on 17 July 1929 in St. John's Cathedral, Brisbane, Queensland.3,2 Brigadier Sir Kenneth Barron Fraser C.B.E. was living in 592 Lutwyche Road, Brisbane. He died on 24 June 1969 in Clayfield at the age of 72.1
Child of Brigadier Sir Kenneth Barron Fraser C.B.E. and Edith Mary Patricia Lloyd Hart
- David Kenneth Barron Fraser+ b. 12 Sep 1936, d. 21 Oct 1990
Citations
- [S92] Various Editors, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Helen Gregory, 'Fraser, Sir Kenneth Barron (1897 - 1969)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 14, Melbourne University Press, 1996, pp 221-222.
- [S205] Newspaper, The Brisbane Courier, 18 July 1929.
- [S232] Ancestry.com, Australia Marriage Index, 1788-1949.
Leila Terry Fraser1
F, #19511, b. 21 February 1886
Leila Terry Fraser was born on 21 February 1886 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.1 She was the daughter of John Edward Fraser and Anna Sexton.2
Lilias Gordon (Queenie) Fraser1,2
F, #14881, b. 21 February 1897, d. 20 June 1987
Lilias Gordon (Queenie) Fraser was born on 21 February 1897 in Queensland.3,4 She was the daughter of Alfred William Fraser and Clara Phillips.1,4 Lilias Gordon (Queenie) Fraser married Ernest Douglas Adams, son of Walter Day Adams and Alice Maria Elizabeth Watts, on 14 February 1922 in St. Philip's, Kensington.5 In 1945 at Crossways, Bloxham, Oxfordshire, he was a Flight Lietenant in the Royal Air Force and executor of the estate of Lt. Colonel Frederick John Fraser. Lilias Gordon (Queenie) Fraser died on 20 June 1987 in Shepway, Kent, at the age of 90.6
Children of Lilias Gordon (Queenie) Fraser and Ernest Douglas Adams
- Ian Day Adams MBE1 b. 11 Mar 1923, d. 5 Aug 2017
- Angela M.D. Adams1 b. 18 Oct 1925, d. 27 Aug 1976
Citations
Lillias Fraser1
F, #14564, b. 1803, d. 19 February 1835
Of Kirkill, Inverness. Lillias Fraser was born in 1803.1 She was the daughter of Rev. Donald Fraser M.A. and Jane Gordon.1,2 Lillias Fraser married John Fraser, son of Alexander Fraser and Annabella Munro. Lillias Fraser died on 19 February 1835 in Inverness
My mother was Lillias Fraser, daughter of the Rev. Donald Fraser, M.A., Minister of the Parish of Kirk-hill near Inverness. Of her I cannot say much from personal knowledge, for she died when I was little more than a child; but there stands full and clear in my memory the figure of a tall and graceful woman, bright, thoughtful, and always sweet and kind. Her early death, which was caused by some sort of fever was a heavy blow to her husband and a woeful loss to the six children who survived her. (Only two of us now remain !). What a stupor of grief fell on us ! I remember it still, and all the incidents of the funeral. There were no coaches; the street was densely crowded, and citizens of all classes pressed forward to carry the bier. My father could not bear the publicity, so his three sons represented him; and in such attire of woe! According to the fashion of the time and place, we had new suits of black cloth. Our little hats were covered with crape, with long ends falling behind. Our cuffs were covered with white linen “weepers." We wore white neckerchiefs, with white things called “hangers” depending from them, and almost hiding our waistcoats. All this added to our misery; but I think that it also imparted some sense of family importance, and so helped to dry my tears.1
Children of Lillias Fraser and John Fraser
- Annabella Fraser b. 16 Sep 1823, d. 19 Sep 1823
- Alexander Fraser+1 b. 24 Aug 1824, d. 23 Oct 1882
- Rev. Donald Fraser D.D.+1 b. 15 Jan 1826, d. 12 Feb 1892
- Jane Fraser3 b. 29 Mar 1829, d. 7 Mar 1870
- John Fraser3 b. c 1833, d. Jul 1871
Lillias Isabella Fraser
F, #19038, b. 5 April 1869, d. 4 May 1869
Lillias Isabella Fraser was born on 5 April 1869. She was the daughter of Rev. Donald Fraser D.D. and Theresa Eliza Isabella Gordon. Lillias Isabella Fraser died on 4 May 1869 Inverness Chapel Yard #1827 (Panel). Two sisters asleep in Jesus, Helen Millicent Fraser, died 10th January 1866, aged 4 years; Lillias Isabella Fraser, died 4th May 1869, aged 4 weeks. Daughters of R.
Lily Gordon Fraser1
F, #20905, b. 26 August 1860, d. 2 January 1880
Lily Gordon Fraser was born on 26 August 1860 probably in Gourock.1 She was the daughter of Rev. William Fraser and Margaret Cuningham Playfair.1 Lily Gordon Fraser died on 2 January 1880 at the age of 19.
Citations
- [S526] Charles Rogers, Four Perthshire families, p. 81.
Louise Mae Fraser1,2
F, #22896, b. 3 October 1914, d. 18 July 1996
Louise Mae Fraser was born on 3 October 1914 in Medicine Hat, Alberta.3 She was the daughter of Donald William Fraser.4 Louise Mae Fraser married Albert MacKenzie (Jock) Sewall, son of Clifford Horace Sewall and Alice Bethia McKenzie, on 13 June 1936 in Fort MacLeod.1 Louise Mae Fraser died on 18 July 1996 in Brooks, Alberta, at the age of 815 and is buried in Brooks Cemetery, Brooks, Alberta.6
SEWALL - Mrs. Louise Mae Sewall, beloved wife of Mr. Jock Sewall of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on July 18th. 1996 at the age of 81 years. Louise is also survived by her loving children Marilyn Burk and her husband Everett of Dunmore, Donna Neville and her husband Gallen of Canmore, Susan Minor and her husband Tony of Bindloss. Cliff and his wife Joyce of Brooks and Ian and his wife Betty of Dunvegan, Alberta; 17 grandchildren: 7 great grandchildren; her brother Ian
(Elizabeth) Fraser of Sarnla, Ontario and nieces and nephews. Born in Medicine Hat on October 3rd, 1914 Louise received her schooling here. She attended the Galt School of Nursing in Lethbridge and married in Fort Macleod on June 13th, 1936. They resided in Calgary until moving to the Brooks District to various ranches and had first moved to their current location in 1947. Louise was completely and wonderfully committed to her family with a hand out for everyone. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 22nd from the family ranch residence in Brooks. Judi McCulloch D. M. officiating. Interment will follow at Brooks Cemetery. Medicine Hat News July 20, 1996.5
SEWALL - Mrs. Louise Mae Sewall, beloved wife of Mr. Jock Sewall of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on July 18th. 1996 at the age of 81 years. Louise is also survived by her loving children Marilyn Burk and her husband Everett of Dunmore, Donna Neville and her husband Gallen of Canmore, Susan Minor and her husband Tony of Bindloss. Cliff and his wife Joyce of Brooks and Ian and his wife Betty of Dunvegan, Alberta; 17 grandchildren: 7 great grandchildren; her brother Ian
(Elizabeth) Fraser of Sarnla, Ontario and nieces and nephews. Born in Medicine Hat on October 3rd, 1914 Louise received her schooling here. She attended the Galt School of Nursing in Lethbridge and married in Fort Macleod on June 13th, 1936. They resided in Calgary until moving to the Brooks District to various ranches and had first moved to their current location in 1947. Louise was completely and wonderfully committed to her family with a hand out for everyone. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 22nd from the family ranch residence in Brooks. Judi McCulloch D. M. officiating. Interment will follow at Brooks Cemetery. Medicine Hat News July 20, 1996.5
Citations
- [S205] Newspaper, Medicine Hat News, June 20, 1936.
- [S34] Unverified internet information, http://www.agsbrooks.com/cemetaries/brooks-3/s/…
- [S392] Website findagrave.com (http://www.findagrave.com/) "#126674915."
- [S205] Newspaper, Medicine Hat News, August 18, 1979.
- [S205] Newspaper, Medicine Hat News, July 20, 1996.
- [S392] Website findagrave.com (http://www.findagrave.com/) "# 126674915."
Madeline Follett Fraser1
F, #19523, b. 1871, d. 22 February 1948
Madeline Follett Fraser was born in 1871 in Cobourg, Ontario. She was the daughter of Alexander Fraser and Mary Mead Torrance.1 Madeline Follett Fraser married James E. Durand, son of Charles Durand, on 28 September 1895 in Cobourg.2,1 Madeline Follett Fraser died on 22 February 1948 in Victoria, British Columbia.3
Margaret Fraser1
F, #13495
Child of Margaret Fraser and Sir William Keith
- Muriella de Keith+1 d. b 1 Jun 1449
Citations
- [S147] Alison Weir, Britain's Royal Families, p. 221.
Margaret Evangeline Fraser1
F, #18829, b. 29 February 1864, d. 4 December 1943
Margaret Evangeline Fraser was born on 29 February 1864 probably in Edinburgh.2 She was the daughter of Rev. William Fraser and Margaret Cuningham Playfair.1 Margaret Evangeline Fraser married John Robert Roxburgh on 13 March 1889 in Marylebone Presbyterian Church, London, the marriage was performed by the Rev. Donald Fraser, uncle of the bride, assisted by the Rev. J. Munro Gibson, D.D.3 Margaret Evangeline Fraser died on 4 December 1943 in Cambridge at the age of 79.4
Child of Margaret Evangeline Fraser and John Robert Roxburgh
- Margaret Alice Fraser Roxburgh b. 1891, d. 15 Feb 1968
Citations
- [S431] Alexander Mackenzie, History of the Frasers of Lovat, p. 589.
- [S526] Charles Rogers, Four Perthshire families, p. 81.
- [S205] Newspaper, The Morning Post (London, England), Saturday, March 16, 1889.
- [S232] Ancestry.com, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995.
Marjorie Fraser1
F, #19488, b. circa 1902
Marjorie Fraser was born circa 1902 in Michigan.2 She was the daughter of Frederick Laing Fraser and Bessie F. Beatty.1
Mary Fraser1
F, #19023
Mary Fraser was the daughter of Rev. Donald Fraser M.A. and Jane Gordon.1 Mary Fraser married Rev. John Grant on 26 March 1840 in The Manse, Kirkhill.1
Citations
- [S205] Newspaper, Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh, Scotland), Saturday, April 4, 1840.