In one community at least in this state can it be said that the faithful performance of public duty is appreciated and rewarded. John Taylor Frater, of Brainerd, is serving his fourth term as county treasurer of Crow Wing County. Mr. Frater is of Scotch descent on both sides of the family line. His grandfather, George Frater, was born in Roxburghshire Scotland, and came to America in 1818, locating in Wood County, Virginia. Subsequently he removed to Harrison County, Ohio. His business was that of farming and stock raising. He was an ardent anti-slavery advocate, and active in what was known as the underground railroad service. No fugitive slave ever applied at his "station" without receiving shelter and assistance to the next place of safety. John Taylor, grandfather of the subject of this sketch on the other side of the family line, was also a native of Roxburghshire, Scotland, and came to America in 1819, settling in Livingston County, New York, but subsequently removed to Wood County, Virginia. Mr. Frater holds the good name of his ancestors in high respect, and takes just pride in their sturdy character and homely virtues. John Taylor Frater was born April 19, 1848, on a farm near Uniontown, Belmont County, Ohio. His early educational advantages were very meagre, consisting of a country school, and much of the time only three months in the year. The year 1869 he spent in the preparatory course in the Ohio Central College at Iberia, Ohio, but left there just when he got fairly started because of lack of means. Subsequently he took a course in bookkeeping in Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburgh. He first taught school in the winter of 1870 and 1871, by which he earned the first money he ever possessed as a result of his own efforts, and by this means accumulated about $400, which he spent on his education. In 1875 he went into a grocery business in Iberia, and continued it with moderate success for about five years. In 1881 Mr. Frater came to Minnesota, arriving in December, and locating at Brainerd, where he has been a resident since that time. He came West believing that there was better opportunity for young men here than in his native state. His first business connections were with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company as clerk for the chief road-master, and he was employed by the company until November 1, 1883, at which time to force of employees was greatly reduced. He then secured a situation as a bookkeeper and held it for five years, until June 1, 1889, when he was elected to the office of county treasurer, which position he has held continuously, having been elected four times, the last three elections without opposition. It is needless to say that Mr. Frater is a Republican, and is an active worker for his party's success. He has been honored by his fellow Republicans with numerous elections to important local and state conventions. Mr. Frater is president of the Republican League Club, has recently been elected chairman of the Republican county committee, is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias. He is not a member, but is an attendant and supporter of the Congregational church. Mr. Frater was married October 14, 1874, to Miss Julia A. V. Myers of Iberia Ohio. (Progressive Men of Minnesota, Edited by Marion D. Shutter, D. D., and J. S. McLain, M. A., The Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1897; p. 53)