John Fraser (abt. 1781 - bef. 1863)

Born about 1781 in Scotland

Descendants

Died before 27 May 1863 before about age 82 in Rogers Hill, Pictou, Nova Scotia

Biography

John was born about 1781. He was enumerated in the 'age 80-90' bracket in 1861.^[1] According to his son John's 1891 census stating parental birth location, he was born in Scotland.^[2]

On April 1, 1844, John Fraser Sr. deeded to John Fraser Jr. about 60 acres of his farm at Rogers Hill for £100.^[3] Three days later, John Fraser also deeded Kenneth Fraser about 60 acres of his farm at Rogers Hill for £100.^[4]

John married Jennet Fraser.^[5] It is unknown if she was the mother of some or all of his children. They had:

1. Kenneth,^[6] b. 1818 in Nova Scotia
2. John,^[7] b. abt 1826 in Nova Scotia
3. daughter (?), m. John Fraser (mentioned as son-in-law in first codicil to will)^[8]

John was a head of household for the 1861 census. His household contained four people, likely: himself, his wife, his son Kenneth, and Kenneth's wife.^[1] His son John was enumerated in a separate household.

John Fraser, farmer of Rogers Hill, made his will February 19, 1859, mentioned his wife Jennet and son Kenneth. He left Kenneth his homelot, reserving a room in the house for his wife. The wording of the will does not state that Kenneth was the son of Jennet.^[6] John made two codicils, both dated February 26, 1863. The first codicil named the Reverend George Roddick and son-in-law John Fraser as executors (though it seems Kenneth became executor of the estate).^[8] The second named John's son John Fraser, and granted him 15 acres along his farmlot.^[7]

Research Notes

There were a number of John Frasers living at Rogers Hill during this time. According to where John and Kenneth Fraser were in the 1879 llustrated Historical Atlas of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, his farm was located north east of Four Mile Brook, near the border of Rogers Hill and Dalhousie in whats now Millville^[9]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} 1861 Census of Canada, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Schedule No. 1 Return of the Living, Pictou, Polling District no. 6, Abstract no. 3, family "John Fraser", line 37. Digital images of microfilm. Library and Archives Canada, (http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
2. ↑ 1891 Census of Canada, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Schedule No. 1 Return of the Living, Dalhousie, p. 11, ED 39, Sub F, household 50, family "Fraser, John", lines 8-12. Digital images of microfilm. Library and Archives Canada, (http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/)
3. ↑ Pictou Co., Registry of Deeds, vol. 28, pp. 763.
4. ↑ Pictou Co., Registry of Deeds, vol. 28, pp. 762.
5. ↑ Pictou County, Nova Scotia registrar. "Deaths April Qr. 1871, Pictou Co., Rogers Hill" in [Quarterly] Registration of Deaths, Pictou County, 1869-1872, no. 11 "Janet Fraser". RG 32, Vol. 67, sheet. 57, Public Archives of Nova Scotia, Canada. Digital images of microfilm. FamilySearch, DGS film 007597242. Image courtesy of Nova Scotia Archives http://gov.ns.ca/nsarm/
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} Pictou County, Estate Papers, no. 834 "John Fraser", will of John Fraser.
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} Pictou County, Estate Papers, no. 834 "John Fraser", (2nd) Februray 26, 1863 Codicil of John Fraser.
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} Pictou County, Estate Papers, no. 834 "John Fraser", (1st) Februray 26, 1863 Codicil of John Fraser.
9. ↑ Illustrated Historical Atlas of Pictou County, Nova Scotia (Meacham, J.H. & Co., 1879), p. 36, Section no. 6.

• Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada. Registry of Deeds, Digital images of microfilm. FamilySearch, DGS film 008189488.
• Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Registry of Probate, Original Estate Papers. Digital images of microfilm. FamilySearch, DGS film 007503790 .