The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-12-19
The Em1nent Jurist Dies Full Of
Years ard Honors

Ex.Judpe Thomas Boone Fsaser disd at
his bone in this city Wednesday night,
December 18th, after an illress of only
fes dsys duration. While it was koown
that be was unwell and cophued 10
bis room, few Of his friends knew that ols
illaess was of serious character aod the an
noupcemert of his death came this morning
with the snddness of the wholly unexpected
1t is true that be had been 10 failing neaith
for Several years, but up 10 few days pc
tcre bis death he was able 10 be 10 o's once
and attend to his practice. The immediate
cause of bis death was congestion OF tue Drain
and spine brought 90 by severe cold
Judge Fraser was native OF Snnter Corn-
ty. son of the late Cap; l.. Fraser, OF
the Carter's Crossing aeighhofbood, erd vas
| born ia October, 1925. He attended tee
South Carolina College and vas graduated
| with hooors in the class Ct ls45. he studied
law and was admitted TO she bar in lS47 and
immedis,ely opeped au ofilce 10 this city. He
! Continued in the active practice of bis profess
sion until he was elected judge 10 1873, apc
af,e- his retirement from :be bench 10 1894
, be resumed practice.
He was one OF the founders and the hrst
editor Of The Black River Waterman, after.
| wards The Sumter Watcbmap, established IN
April, 1850. He retained an interest in the
paper for several ye2rs, but eslred fcon the
editofship in 1852.
His public services began 10 1858 when be
was elected to the house of representatives.
He served four successive terms until 1904.
He was chairman of the county democratic
| party from 1858 to 1877 and managed the
canpaign in this county 10 the eventful year
! e
but Judge Fraser was the fret TO publicly
suggest the nomioation Of Gen. Hampton for
the povernorship iu 1876, he having publish
ed N open letter making the suggestion 10
! The rroe Sou1hron, and calling ou toe white
men Of the State to make strsishtout hRot
! for democratic, white mans government soo
the redemption of the Stste.
| In 1917 he was elected TO the State Senate
to fll a vacancy and 10 1918 he was reelected,
| but did not serve out bis term, being elected
| to Judge Of the Third Judicial Circuit tc sue
ceed Juoge Shaw 10 December 1878 he
served continuously in this capacity until
Dec. 1894. His record 90 the beech IS Known
of all men and when be was retired the bar
Of the State and all Others who hooor feariess-
ness, ability and oprightness resented ois dis-
| placement.
Durlug the war be served as qaarteruaAs'er
| of the Ninth Regiment until the regiment was
disbapded ct the organization CT the army
| in Virginia.
Be was member of the Constitutional
Convention of 1925. serving ss cbairnsu OF
the committee oo Style spd Revision
OF Judge Fraser man and as citizen
and as pablo Official, bui little need De
said, for his work speaks for bin. Through.
out long life be has filled important and re-
sporsiole positions and his name is wrat;en
IN large letters iu the history of Snmter and
ef the State His life was long ADD fu'i OF
well nerited Donors and it was one OF use
fulnees to his county aod State.
BE leaves four children, Thomaa Fraser,
Jr., Eco of this city. Rev. A. n. F'aser, OF
Stannton, Va, Mrs A S Mclver and Mrs.
.. NJ. Young.