We know precious little of John, the fourth child of Douglas and Kate Fraser. John's marriage to Jennie Bentley was childless, and he died at age 50.An obituary published in the horsemen's journal The Canadian Sportsman (on Monday, November 20, 1933 in Woodstock, Ontario) gives a little insight into this "Down East" Fraser. (Note: photos have been added.)
"Smiling" Johnny Fraser Passes On
On November 8th hundreds paid tribute to one of Ridgetown's most beloved citizens, John B. Fraser, who died at that town on Monday, November 6th after two weeks' illness.
The service in the Erie Street United Church was largely attended by local residents and friends from many parts of southwestern Ontario. Rev. E. J. Roulston of Erie Street United Church, of which Mr. Fraser was a member, conducted the services, following which the cortege proceeded to Blenheim where interment took place in Evergreen Cemetery. Johnny Fraser was born in Huron County fifty years ago and before devoting all his time to the track he farmed in South Howard township.
Those surviving besides his wife are his mother, Mrs. Douglas Fraser of Wroxeter, Ont., two sisters, Mrs. J. Lovell, Wroxeter, and Miss Annabelle of La Riviere, Man., also five brothers, Alex. of Harwich, Peter and Gordon of Pilot Mound, Man., William of Ridgetown and Douglas of Elrose, Sask.
Given as a last respect the flowers were many and beautiful. There were a great number of wreaths among which were four large floral horseshoes one being given by the horsemen about Ridgetown, Messrs. C. E. Scarlett, William Merrifield, Dr. W. J. Bannister, Percy Gosnell, Frank Mickel, Charlie Hall, Thomas H. White, A. J. Silcox, N. A. Roszell, R. B. Fisher, William Cudmore and Abe Ritchie. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in Ridgetown and the funeral sermon by Rev. E. J. Roulston was one that would touch the hearts of all horsemen, good and indifferent.
Johnny Fraser was a good clean sport and in his work always bore a smile, win or lose, and he was always ready and willing to come back and try again. It is saying but little to state that Canada has lost a very valuable horseman.
On October 11th at Ridgetown Fair, Johnny Fraser drove Billy Hugo, owned by William Fraser and N. A. Roszell, to a five heat victory to beat Ginger Grattan, the fourth heat being paced in 2.10 over a half-mile track which is some ninety odd feet over the mile. He won twenty-three races during the 1933 season with such horses as Billy Hugo, Black Patch, Miss Grattan Bars and others. In the winning of twenty-three races in the 1933 season we believe this is a Canadian record, tied only by Danny Laughton of Appin.
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| Black Patch (owned by John Fraser and G. Knight) looking regal and proud. |
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| John's brother Will tears up the track with pacer Billy Hugo, 1934 |
