Hugh Fraser (Australian politician)

Hugh "Hughie" Fraser (1837 – 10 November 1900) was a politician of Scottish birth in the early days of the Colony of South Australia.

Hugh Fraser was born in Inverness, Scotland, a son of John Fraser (died 20 October 1882), emigrated to South Australia with four brothers in 1863, and went to work at the slate mines in Mintaro. He later started his own slate quarry, then moved to Adelaide to act as manager for the Delabole Slate Company, which he took over when it got into financial difficulties. He reversed the company's fortunes and later ran a marble masonry business on the corner of Franklin and Bentham Streets.

Fraser won the seat of West Adelaide in 1878 as a Protectionist, with W. K. Simms as his junior colleague. He was successful again in 1881, with C. C. Kingston as his running mate. This partnership again went to the polls in 1887, but Fraser was defeated by A. A. Fox, his stronger showing being overcome by a splitting of votes. He subsequently stood for the seat of Stanley, but failed; attributable said some, to the enmity the Press felt when the " wily, obstinate, pertinacious, rugged, blunt, eloquent Scotchman" spoke in favour of removing postage privileges that newspapers then enjoyed.

Fraser had a deep love for Scottish culture. He could recite much of Burns by heart, was one of the founders of the South Australian Caledonian Society, and held the office of Chief 1891–1892. He was a prominent Freemason and Oddfellow, and a member of other friendly societies. He was appointed Justice of the Peace.

Hugh married Jane Ann Ferrie (ca.1840 – 13 April 1892). He married again, to Mary Drummond on 1 February 1896. Children by his first marriage included

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