BIOGRAPHY OF ELIADA PARRISH FRASER

He was born Tuesday, April 24, 1821, at Brockville, Township of Bastard, County of Leeds, Province of Ontario, Canada. He was the son of William Day and Susannah (Parrish) Fraser, who were born in Canada of Scotch, English and American ancestry.

He received only such education as could be acquired by attending evening school during the fall and spring months. No qualifications were required of a teacher beyond reading, writing, and mathematics as far as division. His remarkable memory enabled him to master in a few weeks the first rudiments of education, which in after years was an invaluable help in laying the foundation for success in the various branches of business in which he engaged.

In 1836 he moved with his parents to Wells Island in the St. Lawrence River. In 1841 his father and family emigrated to Oswego, New York. Eliada served with a cooperage company for a few weeks. His ready grasp of what was required of him, together with his methods, were such as to win the confidence of his employer. Owing to his judgment in selecting timber for use in the cooperage business, he secured a large contract in that line of work.

On May 2, 1848, he married Cynthia Jane Keyser, of Limerick, Jefferson County, New York. They came west in 1848 and located at Hartford, Washington County, Wisconsin. Mr. Fraser built and operated the first stave factory in Washington County, if not in the State of Wisconsin. It was in operation continuously until 1890.

In 1855 a branch of the La Crosse Railway (later called the “St. Paul and Hartford Line”) was being surveyed through the town and bought of Mr. Fraser the land on which the family residence stood, as well as adjoining lands. Eventually he sold the stave factory and moved to Woodland village. When the railroad reached that point, he engaged in mercantile business. Woodland being the nearest railroad station in that section, the farmers brought their grain and marketable produce to the village. Mr. Fraser bought it and shipped it to Milwaukee, and soon built up an extensive business, always paying fair prices and in many ways contributing to the prosperity of adjoining towns which had no railroad. He bought cord wood from the settlers which he sold to the railroad company.

After the death of his wife in 1866, he moved about from place to place–remaining for a year, then moving again.

He married in 1869 and conducted the Lake House Hotel in Briggsville, Wisconsin, for a few years. He sold out and went to Delton, same state. He had purchased a home and other property in the town.

He was called March 14, 1910, at the age of 90, after a week’s illness. His mind remained unclouded until he fell asleep and joined his loved ones in that land of eternal life. Rev. Mr. Irish, of Baraboo, conducted the services at the home. He spoke eloquently of the remarkable mental faculties of Mr. Fraser, of his stealthy way of doing good deeds, his hearty greeting, and cheery smile, ever ready for anyone he chanced to meet. He was lenient toward the erring and unfortunate, tolerant in his judgment, prudent in speech, and discreet in action. He was never heard to speak bitterly of anyone or known to listen to idle gossip.

He cherished a deep reverence and affection for the land of his birth, yet was a loyal citizen of the country of his adoption.

Children:

1. Eugene 5. Norma Elnora B 04 MAR 1857
2. Eva Grace D 14 DEC 1866
3. William C. 6. Chester A.
4. Ella J.