A son of Peter Fraser Sr. b 1789 in Fort Augustus, Invernesshire, Scotland. At age 18, he is a drummer in the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion, arriving in Quebec in 1807. Transferred to 49th Regiment of Foot in 1810 as Private. By 1813, he is a Sergeant, serving in the 49th Regiment of Foot, under General Vincent in the Niagara Frontier.

Many historians cite the Battle of Stoney Creek as a turning point in the War of 1812, when General Vincent, under pressure of his troops being annihilated, due to lack of ammunition, food and supplies, authorized a surprise night attack on the more than 2,000 American troops. At a crucial moment, Major Charles Plenderleath, Fraser’s commanding officer, called for volunteers to seize the American guns before they could be reloaded. Sergeant Alexander Fraser and his brother Peter, were the first to volunteer. In the mayhem that followed, Major Plenderleath was shot, and as Fraser was bandaging his wounds, the US General Chandler appeared, thinking he was among his own troops. Alexander Fraser seized the opportunity, took him prisoner and presented Chandler’s sword to Major Plenderleath. A few moments later, the US General Winder appeared, and again Fraser seized the moment and took him prisoner also, thus leaving the US troops without  their commanding officers.

The following day, Lieutenant James FitzGibbons stated in his report of the Battle of Stoney Creek:

“Generals Chandler and Winder were taken and secured. One of them in the act of presenting his pistol at a young man, Sergt. Fraser of the 49th Regiment, when the Sergt, raised his fusee and said, ‘If you stir, Sir, you die.’ The General took his word for it and threw down his pistol and sword, saying, ‘I am your prisoner.'”

On 13th July, 1813, The Commander of the Forces was pleased to make the following appointments:

“Assistant Sergeant Major Alexander Fraser, 49th Regiment, in consideration of his gallantry and good conduct, is appointed to act as Adjutant with the rank of Ensign in the New Brunswick Fencibles and is to proceed to join that Corps.”

On 24th June, 1815, Ensign Fraser was promoted to Lieutenant in the New Brunswick Fencible Infantry, and again, the records show he was advanced “without purchase.”

On 23rd February, 1816 Alexander Fraser  was released from the New Brunswick Fencibles on  half pay.

By 1820, the Alexander Fraser family was living in Drummond Township, Lanark County, a part of the Perth Military Settlement.  By 1823, Alexander had built, and was living in a fine stone house,(Annsfield), still in Drummond Township, with his wife Ann Earle, daughter of UEL,  Dr. Charles Earle.  Alexander Fraser  was very involved in the growth of the Perth Military Settlement, Justice of the Peace for some 30 years, he was active in local and provincial politics, and a Colonel in the Militia.

He is buried in the Old Burying Ground on Craig Street in Perth Ontario.

Author’s Comment

“I am not a descendant of Alexander Fraser, but my family is only the 3rd family to live in his house. I have lived here for 65 years, and during that time, have done extensive research on Alexander Fraser and his family. I feel he is most deserving of a commemorative plaque for his grave.”

[Graveside Team ed — Cemetery GPS coordinates approximate as no definitive location given.]