Simon Alexander Fraser
| Simon Fraser | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Simon Alexander Fraser 13 February 1845 Tasmania, Australia |
| Died |
17 April 1934 (aged 84) Mansfield, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation | Bagpiper, storeman, whipmaker |
| Spouse(s) | Florence MacMillan (1872–1934) |
| Children | 5 |
| Parent(s) |
Hugh Archibald Fraser (father) Mary Anderson |
| Relatives | Charles MacArthur |
Simon Alexander Fraser (13 February 1845 – 17 April 1934) was an Australian bagpiper, stockman, and whip-maker of Scottish descent.
Early life
Fraser was born on a boat in Australia, circa February 1845, the eldest of twelve children.[1] Fraser's father was Hugh Archibald Fraser, a Scottish emigrant of Australia in 1828.[1] There, he first lived at River Hunter Valley.[1] Working as a farmer, he lost most of his money within fifteen years, owing to bad crops, and heavy partying and betting.[1] It is claimed that Hugh had relations with Campbell of Lorn.[1] Fraser's mother, Mary Fraser (née Anderson) was bagpiper Charles MacArthur's granddaughter.[2]
Career and personal life
Fraser married Florence MacMillan in 1872.[3] They had five children, two of whom grew up to become successful bagpipers. Fraser did not pursue serious bagpiping until the age 40.[3] He was an entourage of bagpiper Peter Bruce; they had a close relationship, and Bruce left Fraser his pipes in his will.[3] In addition to the bagpipes, Fraser could play the violin and the flute.[4] Fraser also worked as a stock rider and a whipmaker.[5]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Ashgate, pp. 146–147
- ↑ Collinson, Francis M. (1975). The Bagpipe: The History of a Musical Instrument. Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 9780710079138.
- 1 2 3 Ashgate, p. 156
- ↑ Gillison, Joan Mary (1974). Colonial Doctor and His Town. Cyprus Books.
- ↑ Historical Studies. 20. 1982. p. 118.
- Bibliography
- The Highland Bagpipe: Music, History, Tradition. Ashgate. ISBN 9780754666691.