BERNARD FRAZER, COL. REAH FRAZER - Lancaster Co.
“A Biographical History of Lancaster Co. Being a History of
Early Settlers and Eminent Men of the County” by Alex. Harris, 1827
Lancaster, Pa.: Elias Barr & Co., 1872
Pg. 215, BERNARD FRAZER,was born in Dublin, Ireland, about 1755.When only 11 years old he left his father’s house for the purpose of coming to some friends in America, whom, it appears, he never found.Being well educated for a boy of his age, he found employment in a country store, owned by a family in Chester Co., named Witherow, with whom he had his home for several years.During this time he acquired a knowledge of surveying and scrivening.(pg. 216)In 1776 he volunteered in a Pa. regiment, and was present at Brandywine, where he received a bullet in his leg which lamed him for life, and which he carried with him to his grave.In 1786 he came to Strasburg, and was employed as a clerk in a store.Soon after this he married ELIZABETH, the daughter of PHILIP KESSLER, the result of which marriage was a numerous family.He died in 1817, and lies in the Lutheran churchyard at Strasburg.His widow died in 1855, age nearly 90 years.His sons, JOHN, SAMUEL and PHILIP, died while yet young men, leaving families.WARREN never was married, and died when about 25 years old. WILLIAM lived to be over 60, and left a family.Of his daughters, HANNAH died unmarried in 1845; and MARY, the wife of ALEX. H. HOOD, ESQ., died in 1851.Two of his daughters, ELIZABETH, the widow of CAPTAIN CHRISTIAN SHERTS, resides in Lancaster; and ANGELICA, a single lady, resides in Strasburg.
Pg. 217, COL. REAH FRAZER, was one of the leading lawyers of Lancaster, and a politician.He read law in the office of Amos Ellmaker, and was admitted a member of his profession in 1825.For many years he was the leading Democrat of Lancaster Co., and was known throughout Pa. as the “Lancaster War Horse.”He died Dec. 30, 1856.