James Fraser, Jr. (1849-1899)

FRASER, DODGE, WATTS, FAIRWEATHER

Posted By: Alan Nicholson
Date: 4/4/2014 at 00:49:42

Paullina Times, 23 Feb 1899, p. 5

Gone From Earth
W. J. Hakes, Mrs. Joseph Henderson and James Fraser, Jr., Suddenly Join the Silent Majority

James Fraser, Jr.
The subject of this sketch passed away on February 21, 1899, at this home four miles east of Paullina, after a short illness. His attendants saw signs of improvement on the previous day but these were soon followed by a sudden change for the worse and the end came early in the afternoon of Tuesday last.

James Fraser, Jr., was born at Dolphesten, Jedburg, Scotland, September 22, 1849. He came with his parents to this country in the spring of 1867, removing with them to O'Brien county and settled upon a homestead in Highland township. With the exception of a short residence in Larrabee, Cherokee county, Iowa, he has been a resident of this county since 1870. He was for some time engaged in the grain and stock buying business in Paullina, and was also engaged in the same business at Primghar. He was twice married and was the father of four children, all living. Others near of kin are his wife and mother; four brothers, Donald, John, William and Charles, and three sisters, Mrs. R. Dodge, Mrs. C. A. Watts and Mrs. M. C. Fairweather.

The funeral was conducted today from the home and the M. E. church in Primghar and the remains placed in the cemetery at the latter place.

A distinguishing characteristic of Mr. Fraser's life was his indomitable energy in all undertakings. The writer remembers him as a young man without education and teaching school in this county, keeping ahead of his work in the school room out of school hours. He was possessed of a bright intellect, and this with his great energy always brought him forward to public notice in all important public matters, and gave him a notable prestige in his personal business affairs.

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Paullina Times, 2 Mar 1899, p. 5

In speaking of the death of James Fraser, Jr., last week the Sutherland Courier pays the departed the following eulogy: "Mr. Fraser was well known in the southern end of the county and was highly respected. He had a bluff, decided way that sometimes was the cause of differences of opinion with others, but did not lessen the respect others had for him. He was a Republican in politics and a leading member of the party in Liberty township.