Edward Fraser

Sir Edward Cleather Fraser KCMG (1853 - 1927) was a rugby union international who represented England in 1875 and prominent Mauritius based businessman. Early life and career Edward Cleather Fraser was born on April 2, 1853, in Burnside, Mauritius. He was the son of James Fraser, who, alongside Hugh Hunter and George Ireland, had founded the General Merchants and factors, Hunter, Ireland & Co in Port Louis, Mauritius in 1850. On the retirement of Hugh Hunter in 1878 the firm became known as Ireland, Fraser & Co. Edward was educated at Blackheath Proprietary School and was at Merton College, Oxford from 1872 to 1875. Edward was a keen sportsman and, whilst at Oxford, as well as playing rugby union was also a keen racquets player winning a doubles trophy alongside the future FA Cup finalist Herbert Alleyne. Fraser and Alleyne were also both members of the Myrmidon Club. After graduating, Fraser returned to Mauritius in 1876 to work in his father's business and upon his father's retirement in 1878, became a partner. In May 1882, he married Mary Josephine Howie in Mauritius. In 1902, Fraser became a Member of the Council of the Government of Mauritius and in 1912 was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. He was also the island's consul for Sweden, a director the Bank of Mauritius, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Railway Board and he became President of the Meteorological Society.