| Birth | 1780 Shetland Islands, Scotland |
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| Father | |||
| Mother | Catherine Fraser | ||
| Marriage | Rebecca Smith 1814 | ||
| Death | |||
| Children |
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Learn more about Mitchel in Letters From Home: Mitchell Fraser.
Mitchell Fraser came to New York City from Cullswick, Scotland, about 1805. After being "Pressed" into the Royal Navy, he joined the crew of the HMS Polyphemus as an Able Seaman. The Polyphemus captured an enemy ship and assigned Mitchell and others to sail that ship to port. That ship was subsequently captured by the French ship Ruby Man Of War on February 2, 1805 and Mitchell was thought to be dead. He did not die, however, and somehow found his way to Smithtown, Long Island, where he was taken in by the Smith family and ended up marrying their daughter, Rebecca Smith on June 16, 1814. They had a daughter, Catherine A. Fraser, born in 1816. Mitchell Fraser learned copper plating and worked in a shop on Pearl Street near Wall Street where be became acquainted with John Bolen. John Bolen’s son, John George Bolen, married Mitchell Fraser’s daughter, Catherine, in 1833. Smithtown, Long Island is named for the Smith family.
In the summer of 1829 is seems that Mitchell and daughter Catharine sailed from Manhatten to Southold, Long Island to visit the Smith family. Rebecca remained in Manhatten. Mitchell sent this letter to Rebecca.
Spelling modernized.
Mrs. Rebecca Fraser
85 Crosby Street New York Southold June 27th 1829 My Dear Rebecca Fraser, I take this opportunity to write a few lines to you in hopes that these few lines will find you in good health as we all are at present. We arrived safe up here on Wednesday at three o'clock. We had a rough passage up, Catharine was sea sick but she is well at present. I was quite unwell on Friday morning but I feel quite well at present. Mr. Smith and family is well at present and sends their love to you all. I wish you to write a few lines to me as soon as possible and let me know how you are coming. If you wish me to come home you must write to me and let me know. I do not know how long I shall stay. This is a fine country. I think it will do me good to stay here a while. Sis sends her love to Mother and you all. I have no more at present but remain your affectionate husband, M. Fraser When you write to me you will direct your letter Southold Long Island to the care of Joseph H. Smith | |||