Artist. When a small child of nine Fraser’s parents died and he was raised by his older brother Frederick. In childhood his desire was to become a painter and it became his passion in life. But the profession, at that time was considered unworthy of a gentleman and no doubt his guardians felt it a sacrifice of money and time to allow the encouragements of talents in a questionable occupation. As a result he began the study of law and several years later in 1807 was admitted to the bar. He continued in that occupation for eleven years while still finding time to paint. In 1818 he began his public profession as an artist and the first miniature he produced was that of Nathaniel Russell, a leading merchant of Charleston. As a result of the widespread acclamation of that work orders poured in rapidly and he began to flourish as an artist. He is credited with painting more than 500 miniatures on ivory and over 150 paintings. Two of his most famous miniatures were that of General Lafayette and General William Davie, founder of the University of North Carolina and Governor of North Carolina.  His work is displayed in the Smithsonian Institute as well as other major art museums.  He was considered by many as one of the foremost painters of miniatures of the early 19th century. (bio by: Saratoga)