Alexander Fraser (abt. 1775 - 1865)

Born about 1775 in Longhowe Farm, Banffshire, Scotland

Ancestors

Descendants

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Biography

Birth

Birth:

Date: 1775-1776

Place: Longhowe Farm, Banffshire, Scotland

Occupation

Occupation: Sawyer, Farmer

Notes

After growing up on Dryburn farm, Alex married Jane Scott from neighbouring Upper Achenreath in 1793 when he was 18.

Jane and Alex would also be caring for Alex elderly father Alexander after Isobella Paterson's death. Alex and Jane both lived long lives and were parents to still another Alexander (1802 their oldest son who would become the fourth generation of Frasers to inherit and live at Dryburn.

Under the ancient Clan system the land belonged to the family, the clan. The Clan Chief administered the land the way a parent would tend to a family, with regard for the best interests of all. After the defeat of Culloden, the Clan chiefs were living an expensive life apart from their clan, and now regarded the land as their own. Those members of their families who had lived and worked the land for generations, were now considered tenants on the Chief's property. Unproductive and unprofitable tenants at that. The Chiefs determined to "Improve" the situation and, in a massive betrayal of their families and their duties as Clan Chiefs, the Highland Clearances were to begin during Alex long lifetime.

Sources

• Fraser, Barry. Clan Fraser of West Hill. Accessed 20 Feb 2017.

• Fraser, Barry. Frasers in Dryburn: The Early History of a Family. West Hill, Ontario: Stewart Publishing and Printing, 2002. pp 23-30.

• "Scotland Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VQ7W-565 : 2 January 2015), Alexr. Fraser in entry for James Fraser, 04 Dec 1803; citing BELLIE,MORAY,SCOTLAND, reference ; FHL microfilm 990,987.

Acknowledgements

• Fraser-2597 was created by Steve Armstrong through the import of Fraser.ged on May 27, 2015.
• Fraser-4326 was created by Heather Fraser through the import of Heather Dianne Fraser Family Tree.ged on Feb 19, 2017.