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One of the leading citizens
of Wetaskiwin is John E. Fraser, who has been city clerk and treasurer
since August, 1918. He is a native of Scotland, and was born in
Edinburgh, in 1868, a son of Daniel M. and Jane (Guthrie) Fraser. Both
were born in Scotland and the father is still residing in Edinburgh.
John E. Fraser's mother died in 1912. For many years the father was
engaged in the wholesale saddlery and manufacturing business and he
achieved substantial success in life. He is now living retired and has
the confidence and respect of all who know him. Daniel M. Fraser is a
stanch supporter of the Conservative party and fraternally he is
identified with the Masons. His religious faith is manifest in his
membership in the Presbyterian church. To Mr. and Mrs. Fraser eight
children were born, John E., whose name introduces this review, being
the oldest member of the family, seven of whom are living.
The public schools of
Edinburgh afforded John E. Fraser his preliminary education and in due
time he entered a normal training school. He remained in his native
country for some time after putting his textbooks aside and in 1910 came
to Canada and located at Edmonton, working in the post office there and
in a real estate office. Subsequently he accepted a position as cashier
in an implement house, and later went to the south side city assessor's
office at Strathcona and when that office was taken over in amalgamation
with Edmonton he was put in charge of the office as assistant assessor,
so serving for seven years. In 1918 he came to Wetaskiwin to take charge
of this citys' affairs and as city clerk and treasurer he has been a
dominant factor in the development and improvement of this community. He
pays strict attention to the many duties imposed upon him and his
efficiency and ease of manner have won for him universal confidence and
respect.
In 1902 Mr. Fraser was
married to Miss Georgia M. Edgar, who was also born in Edinburgh, where
she taught school for some time prior to her marriage. To their union
three children have been born: Tan, who is twenty years of age, and an
accountant with the Canadian Bank of Commerce; Allan, fifteen years of
age; and Gordon, thirteen years of age. Mrs. Fraser is a woman of high
intellectual attainments and she possesses a charming and magnetic
personality. She takes an active interest in all local affairs and is
the only woman member of the Wetaskiwin public school board. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Fraser are zealous workers in the interest of the Presbyterian
church, and they are active members of the Order of the Eastern Star.
In politics Mr. Fraser
follows an independent course. Fraternally he is identified with the
Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and was treasurer of Acacia Lodge at
Strathcona, and secretary of lodge No. 15 of Wetaskiwin. He was vice
president of the St. Andrew's Society at Edmonton for two years and he
is president of the Association of Alberta Urban Municipal
Secretary-Treasurers. He devotes the greater part of his time and
attention to his official duties and well merits the success he has
achieved and the position accorded him among the leading citizens of
this district. |
