Family/Spouse: R.J. STEWART. R.J. died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Johnston Magill ("Jack") Fraser's "Spring Farm" was across the road from his father's farm "Illehee".

J.M. Fraser was known as "Jack" Fraser. Obituary in "The Daily Times" of Brampton, Ontario, Dec. 27, 1979:

FORMER CNE PRESIDENT DIES HERE AT AGE 75

Services were held today for one of Canada's top agriculturalists, known to many as "Mr. CNE". J.M. (Jack) Fraser died of cancer in Peel Memorial after a lengthy illness. He was 75.
Mr. Fraser was a top cattle breeder, held many positions in agricultural and community organizations, served in local politics and earned scores of honours.
He sat on the executive board of the Canadian National Exhibition for several years, and was CNE presiident in 1963 and 1964.
"Being named president of the CNE," he once said, "was the greatest honour I have ever had."
Another significant honour was achieved in November 1975 when he was named to the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. He also received a master breeder shield from the Holstein-Friesian Association of Canada, which he served as president in 1948 and 1949.
Born in Streetsville, he was the third generation of Frasers to farm in this area. After attending Churchville public school and Brampton high school, he purchased Spring Farm on Mississauga Road in 1928 at age 23, and through the years bred many renowned animals.
"Wherever you find Canadian Holsteins the world over, you will find pedigrees or cattle tracing back to Spring Farm," the Ontario Agricultural College said in 1974 when it awarded Mr. Fraser an OAC Centennial medal.
Mr. Fraser gained worldwide recognition as a judge at Holstein-Friesian shows, and judged competitions on four continents in countries like Mexico, Australia, England and Argentina.
"The Holstein," he said in 1975, "is the best breed in the world. I have been all over the world, and Canada has the best."
For at least 30 years, his herd was used extensively for the training of dairy cattle judging teams and for the teaching of agricultural students in general.
His herd won more premier breeder and exhibitor awards at the CNE than any other herd. In 1951 he won the premier breeder shield at the International Dairy Exposition in the U.S., despite entering only six head of cattle.
Among other awards were a plaque from the Agricultural Institute of Canada, the first given to a non-graduate of an agricultural college; a plaque for achievement in agriculture from former Ontario premier Leslie Frost; and an award from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.
He served as an executive and member of the board of directors of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, was president of the Brampton Fair Board, and was Peel's farmer of the year in 1977.
Mr. Fraser served on the former Chingacousy Township council for 12 years, including terms as reeve in 1946 and warden of Peel County in 1948. He also served on the board pf education and the Peel Memorial Hospital board, and was a director of the Halton and Peel Trust Company.
In addition he was president of the Peel Seed Growers' Cooperative, the Ontario Cattle Breeders, the Peel County Holstein-Friesian Club, and the Brampton curling club, where he received an honorary lifetime membership.
Mr. Fraser is survived by his wife, the former Bessie Steacy; sons Jack and James, both of Brampton, and daughters Betty June (Mrs. R.J. Stewart) of Bolton and Mary Lou (Mrs. J.H. Leach) of Kingsville. All four children are graduates of the Ontario Agricultural College.
He is also survived by brother Wils of Brampton, and sisters Kate (Mrs. Norman Laidlaw) of Norval and Mary (Mrs. James Steen) of Mississauga, as well as 12 grandchildren.
Services were to be held today at 2 P.M. at Huttonville United Church, with burial in Brampton Cemetery.

Johnston married Bessie STEACY on 5 Jun 1928 in Brampton, Ontario. Bessie (daughter of R Evans STEACY and Letitia E KEATING) was born on 20 Jun 1906 in Front of Leeds and Lansdowne, Ontario; died on 13 Apr 1985 in Brampton, Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary from the "Holstein Journal":

Mrs. Bessie Fraser, wife of the late J.M. Fraser of Spring Farm Holsteins, died at her home on the family farm, Brampton, Ont., on April 13th after a long illness. Born on June 20, 1906 at Lansdowne, she would have been 79 years old this summer. It was in 1927 that Jack and she purchased the farm across the road from his father's and established the Spring Farm herd which they would go on to build to world wide recognition with their family. She often travelled with Jack during his many judging assignments and during his year as National Holstein Association president in 1948, and gained many friends. She was a member of the Women's Institute and many times was a judge at Brampton Fair. A gracious lady who was devoted to her family, she was always a source of great support and encouragement to her husband. Mrs. Fraser was predeceased by her husband in 1979 and is survived by four children: Betty June (Mr. R.J. Stewart) of International Holsteins, Bolton; Mary Lou (Mrs. Dr. J.H. Leach), Kingsville; James D. of Spring Farm Holsteins, Brampton; and R. Jack of Fraeland Holsteins, Brampton, in addition to 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Notes:

Marriage witnesses: S. McClure Fraser and Ella Anthony

1911 census of Chingacousy Twp.:
William J. Fraser - head - b. Nov. 1869
Maud E. Fraser - wife - b. May 1887 [must be 1877 since her age was 34]
Kate G. Fraser - daughter - b. Dec. 1899
Thomas M. Fraser - son - b. Mar. 1901
John H. Fraser - son - b. Oct. 1903
Johnston M. Fraser - son - b. Aug., 1905
Jean L. Fraser - daughter - b. Aug., 1907
Mary M. Fraser - daughter - b. Jun., 1908
George W. Fraser - son - b. Feb. 1911
George Achurst - labourer - b. Nov. 1882
Mary Achurst - domestic - b. May 1881
Charles Spooner - labourer - b. July 1890.

The 1921 census for Chigacousy Twp. shows the family living next to the farm of William's brother Thomas McClure Fraser.

According to the book "From "Wolf's Den" to Huttonville", William John's farm was called "Illehee". It was on Lot 2 of Concession 4 West in Chingacousy Township, next to his father's farm. The farmhouse was built in 1911. The farm is now a golf driving range. Will Fraser strongly supported the building of a hospital in Brampton, and was elected to its first Board of Directors in 1921.

On 21 Oct. 1927, William John Fraser entered a declaration in Brampton regarding the birthdate of his brother James Johnston Fraser:

"Declaration-Province of Ontario, 21 October 1927 at Town of Brampton, County of Peel
By:William John Fraser (brother of James Johnston Fraser)
Brother filed Declaration of Birth to "correct" original entry in birth records.
Stated that: I, William John Fraser,of the Township of Chinquacousy, Peel County, Farmer, do solemnlly declare that I am the brother of the person.....3. I am five years senior to my brother James Johnston. 4. I was in the house at the time of the occurance and have clear recollection of the occurrance. 5. Our family Bible is in the possession of Mrs. Ella Passmore, 83 Brunswick Ave., Toronto and I have seen my brother's birth recorded as follows: James Johnston Fraser born 24 July 1876".

There is some confusion here, since James Johnston's birthdate recorded in the family bible was indeed July 24, 1875.

William married Ester Maude WILSON on 28 Dec 1898 in Churchville, Peel County, Ontario. Ester (daughter of George WILSON and Catherine MCCLURE) was born in May 1877 in Churchville, Ontario; died in UNKNOWN; was buried in Toronto Twp. No. 1 Churchville Cemetery plot 341. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

R married Letitia E KEATING. Letitia died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Residing in Churchville, Ont. in 1858. Halton County marriage register entry: "John Frazer, 26, Churchville, Ireland, s/o James and Elizabeth, married 7 Jan. 1858 Jane McGill, 21, Chingacousy, d/o James and Jane."

The names and birthdates of John's siblings, in the Fraser family bible (see under his father James Frazer), include his sister Sarah. Sarah's 1920 obituary, which includes her parents' names, says that she and her siblings were born in Tempo, County Fermanaugh. From this we may infer that John too was born in Tempo. Tempo is in the Parish of Inniskillen.

The book "From Wolf's Den" to Huttonville", compiled by the Huttonville Book Committee in 1996 summarizes the history of John Fraser and his family and descendants. He arrived in Canada from Enniskillen, in County Fermanagh, Ireland, at age 16 (ca. 1848), with two of his sisters. The Irish potato famine was at its height in 1848, and may have been the reason for his emigration.

John was a skilled carpenter, and built homes and barns in the Huttonville and Churchville areas.

The birthdates and death dates of the children of John Fraser and Jane McGill were taken from a Fraser family bible, transcribed by Lola Passmore.

1861 Toronto Twp. (Peel County) census listing:
John Fraser, 30, carpenter, b. Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist
Jane Fraser, 25, b. Canada West
James Fraser, 3, b. Canada West
Elizabeth Jane, 1, b. Canada West

1871 Chingacousy census:
John Fraser, 38, farmer, b. Ireland, Church of England
Jane Fraser, 32, b. Ontario
Elizabeth, 11, b. Ontario
Mary 8, b. Ontario
Sarah, 3, b. Ontario
William F., 1, b. Ontario

In birth record of Thomas McClure Fraser (1872), his name is John Frazer and his occupation is carpenter.

1881 Canada census for Chingacousy Twp., Peel County:
John Fraser age 49 b. Ireland Farmer Church of England
Jane Fraser age 46 b. Ontario Church of England
Eliza I. Fraser age 20 b. Ontario Church of England
Mary Fraser age 18 b. Ontario Church of England
Sareah [Sara Ella]] Fraser age 13 b. Ontario Church of England
William Fraser age 11 b. Ontario Church of England
Thomas Fraser age 9 b. Ontario Church of England
James Fraser age 6 b. Ontario Church of England
David Fraser age 4 b. Ontario Church of England
Fredrich Fraser age 2 b. Ontario Church of England

According to the wedding invitation for their daughter Ella, the Frasers' residence was "Maple Grove Farm", Huttonville. The 1877 Ontario atlas for Southern Chingacousy Twp. shows his 100-acre farm at Lot 3 in the 4th concession west, just southeast of Huttonville, and just northwest of Churchville, which was in Toronto Twp. Other farms nearby included many McClures, James Magill, several Laidlaws and Ostranders, as well as a Hunter. The farmhouse was demolished in 1990, and Fraser's farm is now part of the Lionhead Golf and Country Club.

Obituary in "Peel Banner", Aug. 16, 1895:
"The death of Mr. John Fraser last Wednesday morning has cast a shadow over the entire neighbourhood. He was only in bed a week but sank gradually every day. His cheerful face will be missed in this community for a long time. He has been almost a constant invalid for quite a few years, but was always cheerful and uncomplaining. Even when on his death-bed he tried to make himself as little trouble to anyone as he could possibly help. The sorrow-stricken family have the heart-felt sympathy of the entire neighbourhood in their hour of trouble. He leaves behind him the record of an honourable and upright life and an unblemished name."

Churchville Cemetery inscription:
"John Fraser, born Feb. 19, 1832, died Aug. 14, 1895
Jane Magill, born Feb. 3, 1836, died Dec. 12, 1922
James and Sarah Emily
They have gone and the years have received them,
If Jesus have called them away
They have gone to the Lord that redeemed them
From night to the splendour of day"

John married Jane MCGILL on 7 Jan 1858 in Halton County, Ontario. Jane (daughter of James MAGILL and Jane MCCLURE) was born on 3 Feb 1836 in 5th Concession W., Chingacousy Twp., Peel Co.; died on 12 Dec 1922 in 2nd Line W., Chingacousy Twp., Peel Co.; was buried in Churchville Cemetery, toronto Twp., No. 1. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Residing in Chingacousy Twp. in 1858.

In the birth record of Thomas McClure Fraser (1872) her maiden name is Jane Magill.

In a letter written to Marian (Passmore) Engel in 1981, Lola (Passmore) Falconer described her maternal grandmother, Jane (McGill) Fraser as "gentle and loving and had a good sense of humour". Lola remembered her as being a widow, always wearing black, including a black bonnet. "She was wrinkled, and her teeth were poor, but I thought she was lovely. And she "rustled" when she walked, because our Uncle Searle in Cleveland had given her a taffeta petticoat."

Lola's description continued: "When I was young Grandma lived sometimes at our home on the farm; sometimes at Aunt Mary's. But when Aunt Annie, Uncle Clure's wife, died and left him with five year old Hilda, Grandma went back to the old homestead which had gone to Uncle Clure [Thomas McClure Fraser]. It must have been difficult for her, I think. I can remember her good meals. She was famous for her strawberry shortcake. I also remember her houseplants flourishing in every window, and her garden flowers."

Extensive obituary in the Brampton Conservator, 14 Dec., 1922: "..was born on the 5th line west, Chingacousy [3 Feb. 1836] on the farm which her father cleared out of the virgin forest. James McGill and his wife came from Ireland to Canada, and stayed for a time with his friend, James McClure, and on the homestead where the [1922] McClure Reunion was held, his oldest child was born. At the time he was getting the settlement ready for his wife and little daughter, and he is said to have slept in the open at the root of a tree until he got a shelter ready. Mrs. Fraser, his second daughter, was the first child born on the homestead. Only one child of this family now survives, Mrs. James McClure, late of Brampton, who is over 70 years of age. Mrs. Fraser was educated at the famous 5th line school, attended by so many of the children of west Chingacousy pioneers. After her marriage she lived for a while in Churchville, afterwards removing tothe farm at lot 8, 4th line west, where her son, T.C. Fraser now resides. At the time of her death she was staying with her daughter, Mrs. J.H. Hunter, lot 11, 2nd line west, where she passed to a well-earned rest. Mrs. Fraser was a member of the Methodist church and for many years was connected with Huttonville church, valued and esteemed for her fine Christian character and sterling qualities. Her husband died 27 years ago, and she is survived by 8 children, W.J. and Edward, Huttonville; T.C. on the homestead, Dr. J.J., Toronto, and F.S., Cleveland; also by 3 daughters, Mrs. T.H. Reeve and Mrs. A.C. Passmore, Toronto; and Mrs. J.H. Hunter, Chingacousy. Mrs. Fraser was the oldest member of the McClure clan present at the reunion in June last, and it is rather singular that this week's Conservator should chronicle the death of two who were outstanding attendants at the reunion, Dr. W.P. McClure and Mrs. Fraser..."

George married Catherine MCCLURE. Catherine died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]