John Fraser (frontiersman)

John Fraser
Born1721
DiedApril 16, 1773(1773-04-16) (aged 52)
Buried
Allegiance Great Britain
Branch British Army
RankChief of scouts, Adjutant of Virginia Forces, Lieutenant of British Army, Captain of guides
ConflictsFrench and Indian War

John Fraser (often incorrectly spelled Frazier, 1721 – 16 April 1773) was a fur trader licensed by the Province of Pennsylvania for its western frontier, an interpreter with Native Americans, a gunsmith, a guide and lieutenant in the British army, and a land speculator. He served in several British campaigns against the French and their allies in the vicinity of Fort Duquesne. Later in life he became a prominent landowner and was appointed justice of the peace, serving on the court until his death in 1773.

In 18th-century documents his surname is spelled three ways: Frazer, Frazier, and Fraser. Fraser is the common Scottish spelling of the name and is used by many of John Fraser's descendants. His wife is commonly known as Jane Frazier.