Thomas Fraser (Upper Canada politician)

Thomas Fraser (1749 October 18, 1821) was a soldier and political figure in Upper Canada.

Thomas Fraser
MLA for Dundas
In office
1800–1804
Preceded byAlexander Campbell
Succeeded byJacob Weager
MLA for Glengarry County
In office
1812–1821
Preceded byWalter Butler Wilkinson (for Glengarry & Prescott)
Succeeded byJohn Macdonell
Personal details
Born1749
Stratherrick, Inverness, Scotland
DiedOctober 18, 1821
Matilda Township, Dundas County, Upper Canada
RelativesRichard Duncan Fraser (son)
Richard Duncan (brother-in-law)
OccupationMill owner, local official
Military service
AllegianceGreat Britain
Upper Canada
Branch/serviceBritish Army
Canadian militia
Years of service1777 - 1783
1812 - 1814
RankLieutenant
Colonel
UnitLoyal Rangers
Dundas County Militia
Battles/warsAmerican Revolution

War of 1812

He was born in Stratherrick, Inverness, Scotland in 1749. His family came to North America in 1767 and settled on the estate of Sir William Johnson in Tryon County, New York. In 1777, he and his brother were captured while trying to escape to Quebec. They escaped and joined Major-General John Burgoyne at Fort Edward. After the fall of Saratoga, they escaped north to Quebec. In 1779, they served as border guards at the Yamaska River and later became Lieutenants in Edward Jessup's Loyal Rangers.

In 1784, he settled in Edwardsburg Township, where he built a sawmill. In 1786, he became a justice of the peace and, in 1792, was appointed to the land board for Leeds and Grenville counties. He was also the first sheriff in the Johnstown District. He represented Dundas in the 2nd Parliament of Upper Canada and Glengarry in the 5th Parliament.

During the War of 1812, he commanded the Dundas County Militia, and was in command of all Canadian Militia at the Battle of Ogdensburg. After the war, he moved to Matilda Township in Dundas County. He was appointed to the Legislative Council for the province in 1815. He died in Matilda Township in 1821.

External references

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