Fraser family - Papers, 1881-1921

PMB 1037

fonds

Canberra : Pacific Manuscripts Bureau, [19--]

441387

Microfilm : PMB 1037

microfilm reel 35 mm

Robert Mackenzie Fraser (1851-1921) was born in Scotland. In 1881 he was appointed by the Presbyterian Churches of Tasmania as their first missionary to the New Hebrides where he died at the Paton Memorial Hospital, Vila. He married twice and had eight children

The collection contains: 1. Letters and diary of Jessie Fraser, R.M. Fraser's first wife, 1881-1911 (typescript copies, compiled by Mary Cambell Polland). Consists mostly of letters and brief journals sent to her family in Scotland but includes letters by Fraser. Describe life on Epi and life as a missionary wife. 2. Diary by Ruth Fraser Davies, 1920-1921, Fraser's daughter from his second marriage. The diary was kept by Ruth Fraser when she accompanied her father to Burumba to help him complete some translations of the Scriptures into the local language. Describes domestic activities, the work of the church, details of ships which called or passed by and names of associates. 3. A chapter, "Two Hospitals" from the unpublished autobiography of Dr. Vernon Davies (Ruth's husband), entitled "Step-child of the Twentieth Century". Relates to Dr. Davies work at the Paton Memorial Hospital from 1920, local politics, characters and events

PMB (Australian National University. Pacific Manuscripts Bureau) ; 1037
Available for reference
Microfilm copy of originals held in private ownership