Frazers of America

Belle Deitsch, David Frazer, Mildred Boon Frazer.
Ethel Dougan, Susie Dougan, Florence Vanderloos, Maggie Johnson, Tillie Mikkelson.
James Morris Frazer, Elizabeth Frazer, James Maurice Frazer, John Frazer, Nellie Burns.

Over at Armagh, County of Ballymoyer, Ireland, fifty years ago a very important event in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Frazer of Utica, marked a very pleasant epoch in their life's journey - their wedding day. Mr. Frazer says the day was a propitious one for such an occasion with a balmy shower early in the morning, after which the sun came out causing the world to smile on everybody and everything. And so gladsome was the day every way that the bridegroom no doubt might have recalled the exultant exclamation of a famous Italian statesman when he led his fair bride to the altar, “The fairest ring in Venice I will give to grace my bride.” Their first wedding took place in the Episcopal church with a pleasing circle of friends to witness it.

But no less pleasing, propitious and happy was the golden anniversary of the above event which took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frazer in the suburbs of Utica on Wednesday of last week, March 7, When their children, grandchildren, old time neighbors, friends and relatives, some of them from far distant New York City, gathering for the purpose of appropriately and joyously celebrating this replica of the other event a half century ago ------- the Frazer home was beautifully decorated in the colors white and gold. A profusion of flowers, streamers, wedding bells, everywhere graced the home. The afternoon was devoted to an informal program comprised of reminiscent conversation, songs and recitations, the principal feature being a mock marriage ceremony. The Rev. Bruce W. Davis officiated, and the bridegroom for the second time publicly expressed his willingness “with all my worldly goods I thee endow” or as much of them as he saw fit to ......... promised to obey, or as she had always done, “just when she was so inclined.” It is said that the ardor with which the bridegroom kissed the bride at the conclusion of the ceremony proved to those present that their love had not lessened since he first led her to the altar, and that she would be always young and fair to him. Indeed, the bridegroom standing tall and straight in his full dress suit, and the bride in a beautiful gray silk, aided and abetted by the fragrance and beauty of the flowers on every side, combined in a scene that brought about the most happy comment from all.

Those directly assisting the celebrants in this second hymenial affair were: Mr. H. L. Rogers, best man; Mrs. Nellie Burns, bride's maid; Mrs. Maggie Johnston, matron of honor; Mrs. James B. Butter, ring bearer. The latter is from York and the wife of a former pastor of Utica.

Mr. James M. Frazer and Miss Elizabeth Dougan were married at the location heretofore mentioned. They came to Nebraska in 1883, and settled near Waco, moving to Utica later. By faithfully tilling the soil and with hard work and economy, they acquired a competency which now paves the way under the sunset of life for ease and comfort in their declining years. They assert, in looking backward over their married life that they have had sorrow, trials and disappointments which only carried that favorite quotation: “Into each life some rain must fall, some days must be dark and dreary,” - but through it all the happy sunshiney days have far outnumbered the dark ones. They were united in voicing the loving goodness of God. His wonderful kindness and care vouchsafed over them all their lives, and their hearts feel thankfulness to Him for it all.

It is not often a community observes a fiftieth anniversary when all the children of the celebrants are all located so near the old homestead, as are those of Mr. and Mrs. Frazer. The two sons, John and David, and the two daughters, Mrs. John Mikkelson and Mrs. G. E. Dietsch, live near Utica, and James jr. Is a resident of Lewiston. There is but one vacant chair, that of William who was accidentally killed in Colorado January 26, 1904.

The friends of Mr. and Mrs. Frazer are limited only to their acquaintances, and from these they are receiving many messages of good wishes .

And last but not least a bountiful and well appointed dinner was served the guests by the daughters and daughters-in-law of the happy couple at 6:30.

At a late hour the guests left leaving under the home tree their warmest congratulations on the present and past and best and hearty wishes for the future.

Mr. James Frazer was born at Newton, Hamilton Amah county, Ireland, December 28, 1860. He was married March 7, 1873, to Elizabeth Dougan. Seven children were born to this union, three preceding him in death. He came to America in 1882 and settled in Burlington, Iowa, for one year and then moved to York county near Waco. In 1894 he moved with his family to Utica where he remained until the end came on May 25, 1933 at the age of 82 years. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian church with interment in the Utica cemetery.

Elizabeth Dougan was born August 22, 1852 near Louisville, Kentucky and departed this life June 29, 1931 at the age seventy-eight years ten months and seven days.

When four years of age she with her parents removed from the place of her birth in Kentucky to a home near Newtown Hamilton in Armagh county Ireland. Here she grew to womanhood.

At the age of seventeen she was confirmed in the faith of the Episcopalian Church. Here too in the community and church life she met James M. Frazer. He was confirmed in the same church, on the same day with her.

On March 7, 1873 she was united in marriage to James M. Frazer by Rev. John Findley, Rector of the church of their confirmation. To this union were born seven children, five sons and two daughters, three of whom preceded her in death, William R., John A. And an infant son. In 1882 she moved with her husband and family from the homeland of their parents to America, settling first near Burlington, Iowa and eighteen months later coming to a farm near Waco. In 1894 they moved to this community where they have since resided.

After coming to Nebraska she and her husband joined the Episcopalian Church at York. After moving to this community they united with the Presbyterian Church here in which membership she has continued faithful.

Those left to mourn her passing are her husband James M. Frazer, Mrs. G. E. Dietsch, Mrs. John Mikkelson and David J. Frazer all of Utica, James M. Frazer, jr., of Lewiston, their husbands, wives, eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Nellie Burns of Colonia, New Jersey and other relatives together with a host of neighbors and friends.

She was a faithful and loving wife, a devoted self-sacrificing mother, a true friend and neighbor and she was a very patient sufferer. She has gone from her loved ones but her Christian character and influence will linger as an eternal heritage.

Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday at 1:30 and from the Presbyterian Church at 2:00. Rev. Hollingsworth of Lincoln had charge of the services. A quartette composed of Mr. Snare, Mr. Hannah, Mrs. Rogers and Mr. Kenner sang special selections and Mr. Hollingsworth sang a solo. The accompanist was Sarah Richmond.

The pallbearers were: Max Davis, Clifford Mikkelson, Lynn Bush, Johnny Frazer, Maurice Frazer and Loren Althouse.

Among those attending the funeral from out of town were : Rev. Sheppard of Humbolt, Rev. And Mrs. Hollingsworth of Lincoln, Mrs. Hirz and son of Plattsmouth, Harry Snare of Gretna, Mr. And Mrs. Will Hannah of Aurora, Mr. and Mrs. Max Davis of Omaha, Lynn Bush of Lewiston, Mildred Frazer and Mr. Smith of Omaha.

Mr. And Mrs. Max Davis of Omaha arrived here Tuesday for the funeral of Mrs. Davis' grandmother, Mrs. J. M. Frazer.

John lived in Victor and Cripple Creek, working as a gold miner, until 1909 when they returned to Nebraska and farmed. Raised registered Poland China hogs with brother, David, and operated a meat market in Utica With David.

By a premature explosion in the Chicken Hawk property of the Katinka company on Guyot Hill above Anaconda at 3:45 o'clock yesterday afternoon James McIntyre of Victor was blown almost into atoms, Reuben Peterson of Cripple Creek is lying at the point of death in the Red Cross hospital and John Frazer of Victor only escaped certain death by crawling on his hands and knees while injured to the station level 200 feet distant. The accident occurred at a point 250 feet south of the shaft on the 600 foot level.

So great was the concussion that parts of McIntyre's body were hurled against the foot wall of the drift fifteen feet away, where they were later found lying upon the prostrate form of Peterson. The terribly mutilated fragments of his body were later picked up in different parts of the drift. His right arm was blown off at the shoulder, and the hand separated from it. The trunk of the body and head with the exception of a mat of hair and a portion of the back was blown into atoms. Both legs were broken and in several places cut almost in two. Parts of his clothing, which was torn completely from the body, were also picked up here and there with parts of the body.

McIntyre had just finished loading his round of holes-eleven in number-and had received a signal from Frazer, who had finished loading five holes in a stope nine feet above, that all was in readiness to spit the fuse. With the signal McIntyre spit his first hole in the breast. Instantly the explosion occurred. Two theories are advanced for the accident, one that the fuse was a bad one, or that a spark had dropped from the spit fuse into one of the lifters, or lower holes.

From the manner in which McIntyre's body was mutilated it is evident that he was standing directly over the holes in the act of spitting the fuses, and that the rock struck him at an angle of about forty-five degrees at the waist line.

When the explosion occurred Frazer was thrown from a sprag in the stope nine feet above the point where McIntyre was standing. Five of the holes had already been spit and to remain there meant instant death. In falling he struck the floor of the drift head foremost, sustaining a deep cut in the scalp. His left leg had been rendered practically helpless by a bad bruise received in the fall, but he started to crawl towards safety. He had gone about 300 feet when a deafening report announced that the five shots spit by him had exploded. At the station level Frazer gave notice of the accident.

Peterson, who had been holding a torch for McIntyre and who was acting in the capacity of a machinist helper, was about twelve feet from the breast when the explosion occurred. The concussion threw his against the foot wall with such force that he was rendered unconscious. He was struck by several large pieces of rock one of which fractured his skull depressing it against the brain; another pierced his right side crushing two ribs against his right lung, which was badly lacerated; his right cheek bone was fractured, a deep cut was sustained on the forearm and the middle finger of the right hand was fractured.

He was picked up after parts of McIntyre's body, which had been thrown upon him, had been removed, and taken to the surface and conveyed to the Red Cross hospital in an ambulance. He arrived at the hospital at 5 o'clock and was immediately operated upon. Three square inches of skull was removed and a delicate operation of trephining resorted to in an attempt to save his life, but hope for recovery has been abandoned and the hospital authorities say that he cannot live the day through. After the operation he became partly conscious but was unable to speak.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, father and mother of the injured man, were at once notified and are now at his bedside. Peterson, who has been employed at the mine as a mucker, had been assisting McIntyre only since 10 o'clock yesterday morning when McIntyre's regular helper Richard Major of 124½ South Fourth Street, feeling sick, had gone home for the day.

McIntyre, it is learned, had intended to quit the mine Monday. McIntyre was 22 years old and was born at Valisca, Iowa where his father, mother, brother and four sisters reside. He also has a brother living at Omaha. All have been notified by wire of his death. He had been a resident of the district for the past 10 years, and had been employed at the Chicken Hawk about a week. He resided at 122 South Fourth Street. He was by many considered the best pistol shot in Colorado and had the distinction of winning the fifth highest award in the militia shoot at the world's fair at Chicago. He leaves a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. The body is at the Hall-Thompson undertaking rooms awaiting arrangements for the funeral. Coroner Thompson has decided that no inquest will be necessary.

Peterson resided with his mother and father at 147 East Golden Avenue, Cripple Creek. He is a member of F. O. Eagles No. 37 and of the Modern Woodmen of America.

John Alexander Frazer was born in County Armaugh, Ireland Aug. 30th, 1874. In May, 1882 he came with his parents to America, settling near Burlington, Iowa. The following spring the family removed to Waco, Nebr., and took up home life on a farm one and one half miles north of Waco. Here, John spent his early life and in 1894 moved with his parents to a farm one and one half miles northwest of Utica.

On June 24th 1903 he was united in marriage with Miss Mildred Boon. Four children were born to bless this union, all of which survive the husband and father. In early boyhood he with his parents united with the Episcopal Church at York, and later as a young man became a member of the Presbyterian Church of Utica, where his church interests and kindly sympathies continued until the end which came March 12th, 1926, at the age of 51 years, 6 months and 12 days. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife and four children, Laurine, Mildred, Johnnie and Berniece, his father and mother Mr. and Mrs. James M. Frazer, two sisters and two brothers. The sisters are Mrs. John Mikkelson and Mrs. Ed Dietsch of Utica and the brothers, David J. Frazer of Utica and James Frazer of Lewiston, Nebr., two brothers having preceded him to the life beyond.

There are none who knew John Frazer but realized that they had the friendship of him; he wished everyone well and harbored no ill feeling toward anyone and if he spoke an unkind word to anyone we have yet to hear it. He was scrupulously upright in his beliefs and ready to quietly and modestly defend any position he believed right.

He was respected, esteemed and loved by all who came within that inner circle which is denominated by friendship and there is probably no one that will be missed by so large a number of acquaintances and friends.

The services which were held at the Presbyterian Church Monday afternoon in Utica were attended by a large number of friends, who took this opportunity of showing their respect for this good neighbor and citizen.

Rev. T. R. Hollingsworth of Dunbar, a former pastor of Utica conducted the services assisted by Rev. Norlin of the M. E. Church. A quartet sang and Mrs. W. C. Kenner sang a solo. Interment was in the Utica cemetery. A host of friends extend sympathy to the bereaved family and loved ones.

We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who so kindly assisted us during our recent bereavement, also for the many beautiful floral offerings, and the many kind words of sympathy.

Miss Mildred Boon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Boon was born June 16, 1876, at Utica Nebr. She departed from this life Sept. 29, 1952, having attained the age of 76 years, 3 months and 13 days.

On June 24, 1903, she was united in marriage to John A. Frazer of Utica, Nebr., and resided in Victor and Cripple Creek, Colo., until moving to Waco, Nebr., and later to Utica, Nebr. In July,1939 she moved to Omaha, Nebr., where she resided until the time of her death.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Laurine Althouse of Surprise, Nebr., Mrs. Mildred Sample and Mrs. Berniece Bloom, Omaha, Nebr.; and one son, Johnnie B. Frazer, also of Omaha, Nebr.; one sister, Mrs. Hattie Jones, Lincoln Nebr.; one brother, Perry A. Boon of Utica, Nebr.; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of friends. Her husband, parents, three sisters and four brothers preceded her in death.

She was a charter member of Jesmard Rebekah Lodge No. 96, having been a member for 58 years, and a member of the Presbyterian Church of Utica, Nebr.

Services were held at the Presbyterian Church and burial was made in the Utica cemetery. Jesmard Rebekah Lodge No. 96 conducted the memorial services at the grave.

Isabelle (Belle) Frazer

born 26 July, 1876, Armagh, Ireland, died 24 December, 1942, Utica, Nebraska, U.S.A. Married 12 March, 1889, Utica, Nebraska, U.S.A., to George Edward Dietsch.

Isabelle, the daughter of James M. and Elizabeth Frazer was born in Ireland on July 26, 1876 near Armah, Ireland in what is now known as the Irish Free State. When a small girl in 1881 she came with her parents to the United States, landing in New York City/ Later the same year the family moved to Iowa and in 1882 came to Nebraska, locating on a farm two miles north of Waco. In 1892 the family moved to this community, residing on a farm northwest of Utica. Here she grew to young womanhood. In 1898 she united with the Utica Presbyterian Church, an act which wielded a profound influence throughout the rest of her life. On March 12, 1889 she was united in marriage with George Edward Dietsch, by Rev. Parker, pastor of her church. Together they established their farm home near the bridegrooms parents. A few years later they moved to their own farm. In 1929 she and her husband retired from the farm and removed to Utica into the new home they had planned and built. In this home they have lived and shared each other's joys and sorrows.

Belle, as she was known to her relatives and intimate friends, was kindly and sympathetic, pleasant in manner, deeply interested in her church, devoted top her home and always willing to assist those who sought her council or help. The hearty welcome, warm hand clasp and pleasant hospitality will ever remain as a cherished memory.

On the morning of Dec. 24, 1942, she was called away, at the age of 66 years, 4 months and 28 days. She leaves to regret her going her husband, George Edward Dietsch, one sister, Mrs. J. D. Mikkelson and two brothers, D. J. and J. M., all of Utica. Other relatives and many friends. Three brothers, John, William and an infant, also her father and mother having preceeded her.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Knauer officiating. Burial was in the Utica cemetery.

born 25 July, 1878, Armagh, Ireland, died 26 January, 1904, Victor, Colorado, U.S.A.

Willie died in the Colorado mine accident. He was unmarried and engaged to Lucia (Louie) Boon.

Victor, Col, Jan 27 (1904) - As a result of an accident that occurred about 3 o'clock yesterday morning in the Stratton Independence Mine, located near the center of the city, fifteen men are dead, and one other injured.

In the main shaft of the mine sixteen men were being hoisted in a cage from the sixth, seventh and eighth levels. When the cage reached the surface the engineer for some unexplained reason was unable to stop the engine and the cage with it's load of human freight was drawn up in the gallows frame, where it became lodged temporarily. The strain on the cable finally caused it to part, and the cage, released shot down the shaft with terrific speed. Two of the Occupants, L. P. Jackson and James Bulbeck, had become entangled in the timber rods near the top of the gallows frame. Jackson was crushed to death by the sheave wheel falling upon him, while Bulbeck had a marvelous escape from death but received painful injuries and was rescued from his perilous position. The other fourteen men were hurled to death down the 1,500 foot shaft.

to satisfy the public and friends of W. R. Frazer, in regard to how he came to his death, will say that it was an accident caused through the fault of the machinery. He had finished his day's work and was being hoisted out of the mine on the cage or elevator and when they were near the surface the engineer noticed that there was something wrong with the brakes and when they came to examine the engine the air brakes were broke and the steam clutch was froze. Whether the air brake was broke before or at the time of applying remains to be proven. At any rate when they reached the surface the engine got away or beyond control and pulled the cage into the sheave wheel which broke the cable, allowing the cargo of humanity to be hurled to the bottom of the shaft, a distance of 1,480 feet, where we found the body of our beloved brother.

He was baptised in the English Episcopal Church of which his parents were members, when he was an infant. He was a loving son, a true brother and a friend to everybody. Always a smile and a friendly word for all with whom he met.

He became a member of the Presbyterian Church of Utica, Neb., April 23, 1898. He still held his membership there at the time of his death in the accident at the Independence Mine in Victor, Colo., Jan.26, 1904.

The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church of Utica, Jan. 30, conducted by his pastor Rev. J. B. Cherry, who was assisted by Rev. I. C. Lemon. The large company who gathered at the funeral is evidence that the entire community sustains a severe loss in his death. He was a noble young man, loved by all who knew him. Even in the mining camp he was known and loved by all the small boys and girls, where he bore an untarnished name. His character was unsullied by a single disloyal act toward his Lord and Master. His cheerful courage to say no, to temptations, was an inspiration to many a broken and discouraged miner.

This is one of those events which lead people to question the present order of things in this world but meanwhile we may look to God for our comfort and consolation. We must look beyond the temporal to the eternal or our sorrow will only bring upon us utter desolation and eternal ruin.

He is an added treasure in Heaven, and “where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” Not only is our field of vision broader, but our field of world is widened by his going from us; we have here a new inspiration to live and labor.

The entire community mourns with the family whose hearts have been so sorely bereaved.

Then let us hearken to Him who said “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.

was born at Burlington, Iowa, November 24, 1882, and entered into rest may 29, 1969, Lincoln, Nebraska. He attained the age of 86 years, 6 months and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lelia. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Vivian (Lynn) Bush and Mrs. Lelia (Ivan) Helms; a brother, David; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Sunday, June 1, 3:30 p.m. at the Utica Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Gary Thompson, officiating. Organist, Mrs. Hazel McMillin.

Utica auditorium will be the scene of a happy gathering next Sunday, April 27, when Mr. and Mrs. Dave Frazer hold “open house” between 2:00 and 5:00 in honor of their Golden Wedding anniversary.

A noon dinner for the family and close friends, will be held at the hall, served by ladies of the Utica Grange. Mrs. Harold Kruse has recruited an orchestra to furnish dinner-music, and will serve as mistress of ceremonies for a brief program.

David Frazer and June E. Doyle, both natives of Waco, were married at Utica April 22, 1908, at the home of the bride's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Doyle.

Their attendants included Mr. and Mrs. John Mikkelson (Mathilda Frazer), Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Frazer (nee Lyle), George E. Dietsch, Mrs. Majors (nee Jessie Fox), now of California, Mrs. Veloura Beckford (nee Doyle) was accompanist.

The Frazers have a son, Dr. Maurice D. Frazer, radiologist with the Lincoln Clinic. Dr. and Mrs. Frazer have two daughters, Betty Lou and Patricia Jane. The Frazers daughter, Maxine, is with the World Insurance Co. at Denver.

The Frazers have lived the entire half century in the Utica community. Their first 8 years were spent on a farm a mile west of town, and the rest of the time at their present residence at the north edge of town.

A Utica man and a Grand Island man were killed Tuesday in separate Nebraska traffic accidents, the State Patrol said.

The patrol identified the victims as David Jerry Frazer, 93, Utica, and Vernon E. Kuta, 28, Grand Island.

The patrol said Frazer was killed in a car-truck accident in Utica on U.S. 34 Tuesday afternoon. Frazer pulled out from a driveway and was struck broadside by a semitrailer driven by Robert L. Schulz, 16, the patrol said.

The patrol said Kuta was killed Tuesday night in a one-vehicle accident 1'5 miles west of Hastings on a U.S. 281 bypass. Kuta was a passenger in a car driven by Roger Stevenson of Grand Island. The car struck a bridge abuttment, the patrol said..

THE FRAZER FAMILY.