San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 995-996
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 12/25/2009
PHILIP BARRY FRASER
A brilliant and successful man who rose to a foremost position as a banker and financier was the late Philip Barry Fraser of Stockton. He was born in Montreal, Canada, October 12, 1841, of Scotch parentage, and received a good education in his native city.
After his school days were over, having become interested in the land of the Stars and Stripes he crossed over into New York State, where he studied telegraphy and followed that line of work in different cities in the East during the period of the Civil War until 1864, when he determined to come to California. In the summer of that year he crossed the plains with team and wagon, taking in what is now Yellowstone Park en route.
On his arrival in California he located in Stockton, where in due time he became manager for the Western Union. Here he established an enviable record for promptness, integrity and honest of purpose, so that when the First National Bank was started he was selected for the position of cashier. This he accepted and filled the place with exceptional credit and was retained in the position for many years. In 1889 he resigned and with two business friends he founded the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Stockton, being elected its first president and manager and guided the destiny of the institution with such ability it became one of the strong financial establishments of the city. He also gave much time to other local enterprises, assisting every worthy movement that had for its aim the improvement and building up of the city, giving freely of his time and means toward civic improvement and the betterment of the conditions and enhancing the happiness of its citizens. He continued as president and manager of the Farmers and Merchants Bank until his demise on July 2, 1910.
Mr. Fraser's first marriage occurred in Stockton, when he was united with Annette Parker, who passed away in 1897, leaving three children: Mrs. Mary Pitman, Alfred P. and James C. Fraser. Three years later, in 1900, he married again, being united with Mrs. Kittie L. Crawford, a native daughter of this city, the interesting and accomplished daughter of John and Margaret (Lenehan) Crofton, pioneers of Stockton, and the widow of Brooke C. Crawford. Mr. Fraser was prominent in fraternal circles, being a Knights Templar Mason and an Elk.
Mr. Fraser was a well-read and well-informed man in literature, civic and national questions, keeping abreast of the times. Having a retentive memory and being a ready talker, he was always an interesting conversationalist.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2011; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.