My Genealogy Hound

NATHAN FRAZIER, farmer; P. O. Troy. Nathan Frazier was born Feb. 22, 1831, and was the son of Israel and Sarah (Smith) Frazier; his father died when Nathan was 18 months old, and his mother married John Deweese, in 1835; they moved to Darke Co., and Mr. Deweese bought a piece of woods, which, at that time, was called a farm. Deweese was a great hunter, and his time was spent in the chase with his dog and gun; while the boys (Deweese had three sons) did the clearing, and, in fact, all that was done. Game of all kinds was abundant, and deer and turkeys were often shot from the cabin window. His life was an oppressive one, and his mother persuaded him to return to his native county, which he did in the spring of 1845. His education had been wholly neglected until this time. He engaged with his brother-in-law, Solomon Kerns, and worked for him until the age of 21, when he was furnished a suit of clothes, and $100 in cash. In 1852, his brother John urged him to go with him to California, to which he consented, and they started, very soon after, for New York. Upon their arrival there, it was ascertained that they would have to stay ninety days before they could obtain passage, all the berths in out-going vessels having been taken. They stopped in New York one week, and, finally, concluded to return home, which was at once acted upon. Nathan’s ready cash was almost spent by the time of his arrival, and he again commenced work for Mr. Kerns. Afterward, he hired to another man, for $12.50 per month. A strong attachment had been formed by Nathan for Miss Eleanor Robbins, and they were subsequently married, on the 21st of April, 1850. They had neither home, cow, horse nor sheep, and only $75 in money; but in a small log cabin, which Nathan had built on his brother’s land, they commenced their married life. In 1857, he began farming and buying stock. Year by year he prospered, and, in 1865, he purchased the handsome farm upon which he now resides, and all the substantial improvements were made by him. The fine orchard, together with the large barns and granaries, make this one of the most desirable farms in the neighborhood. Five of the six children born to them are now living— Sarah E., Mary F., Emma B., Martha J., Charles W. and James E.; Sarah is the wife of Frederick W. Fowler, and resides on the Fowler farm; the other children are rapidly advancing in their studies, and are developing fine musical abilities. Their home is surrounded with comforts, and the courtesy shown to friends is a fitting tribute to the teaching of their estimable parents. From a wilderness, Mr. Frazier now beholds the fields of grain, where the forests once stood. His energy may be understood, when, for his tuition, he chopped wood for 25 cents per cord, during the noon time, and corded it after night, when he had finished his work for other men.