East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1866-02-07
sketch Of the Life Of James Fraser.

at the Island Of st. Luce, and was
afterward pensioner of the Govern
ment. His mother spent her latter
years in the family of her son, where
she could receive those lilial attentions
that he would so readily bestow. Her
remains lie in a neighboring cemetery.
Mr.. Fraser when twenty-four years
Of age came TO America, stopping first
for time in Kingston, Canada. He
soon after removed to Detroit then in
the Territory of Michigan, and contin-
ued in business there for two years,
having his store on the corner of Ran
dolph and Woodbridge streets.
During his stay i'll Detroit, he pur-
chased a mill site near Clinton River,
in Oakland County. The idea he first
entertained, of erecting a mill there,
was abandoned
Soon after this he married, for his
second wife, Miss Elizabeth Busby, of
Detroit, lady of unu sual beauty and
more than ordinary personal attrac-
tons, and within very few months,
thereafter removed to Saginaw. He
came into the Valley by an Indian
trail, and conveyed his family and
goods on horseback. lie first settled
on the Tittabawassee River, and cleared
farm. He planted upon it an orch
ard that was long noted as the most
hourishing in this part of the State
With true Scotch feeling, he was
always averse to parting from that
farm, and held it until the clay upon
it came into such demand that the
selling of it seemed to be public
necessity. And it is noticeable fact,
that the same land has furnished the
material for the walls of the noble
edifice that is the best ornament of our
city, and is to be of vast convenience
to the travelling public. Let his name
be inscribed upon its outer wall, as the
ERASER HOUSE," there to remain as
long as the elements will permit. 1t
is indeed monument to his memory
AT the period last referred to, he
was engaged in the purchase of choice
lands from the Government. BY max
ing fortunate sales and reinvesting, lac
laid the foundation of his future sue
cess. In the years 1885 and 1886,
lands in good locations attained almost
fabulous prices. BY looking them up,
he was enabled to realize handsome
profits.
In 1886, he became one of the
original proprietors of the plat of
Lower Saginaw, and of what is known
as the Riley Reserve. When land
declined in price, on account Of the
reverse of lS37-3S, he bought in sew
eral of the shares, and in this way soon
became one of the largest owners of
the town plat and Of land in the
vicinity.
He manufactured lumber at the
mill formerly known as the Pomeroy
& Hopkins mill. and more latterly the
Fay mil Subsequently he had an
interest in the Catlin mill.
His attention having been called by
Cromwell Barney to site on the
Kawkawlin river, he purchased the
land of the Government, and erected
a mill to be run with water power
Afterwards, near the same spot, he
constructed steam mill, and shipped
thence large amount of lumber to
Chicago, where he had an interest in
a sale yard.
He succeeded Judge Riggs as Indian
Farmer, and this was the only Office
with any emolument that he was ever
induced to take. He performed its
duties satisfactorily TO the Govern
ment Mr.. Fraser had an unusual
aversion to appearing in any public
capacity. He was in this respect mod
est to a fault.
In lS4S, he again became a wild
over, with family Of seven children,
four of whom now survive him.
In 1850, he married Miss Susan
Moulton, of Wostport, Connecticut
10 her he has seemed most devotedly
attached. She is lady of admirable
character, and has indeed been to him
more than helpmate. She has been
as it were the sunshine of his latter
days. OF this marriage one daughter
survives him.
In 1857, he removed from Saginaw
City to Lower Saginaw. Here in his
commodious mansion he dispensed a
liberal hospitality.
While here he aided in the building
of the plank road toward Tuscola
County; also executed contract for
the State, by digging large ditch in
the direction of the Quanicassee river,
that drains considerable area of the
level land.
lie was efficient and influential in
efforts to induce the Legislature to
give Bay County favorable considera-
ton in divers public acts.
During the past year, for the con-
veniencc of his family, he changed his
residence to Westport, Connecticut,
continuing however to spend much of
his time in Bay City.
His sickness commenced with an
ordinary cold, grew into an attack of
typhoid Pneumonia, resulting in his
death on the 2sth of January ult.
The life and character of james
Fraser were remarkable in energy and
unfaltering perseverance. Possessed
of constitution of vigor and strength,
and fitted for endurance, he could un-
dergo great fatigue in any enterprise.
His energy aud thrift made him emf
nently successful in the acquisition of
property.
When he came to Saginaw, he
brought his effects upon the backs of
few ponies; then tho population of
what afterward became Saginaw coun-
ty, was so small as not to appear in
the census. When he left the valley,