He was born at the manse of
Alness in
Ross-shire, where his father, the Rev. John Fraser (died 1711), was minister from 1696. The father was seized with
Alexander Shields in 1684, and was imprisoned in
Dunnottar Castle 18 May 1685. He with his wife was among the hundred persons who were made a present of to
George Scot of Pitlochie and shipped to
New Jersey. There Fraser was set at liberty; went to
New England, and preached as a licentiate at
Waterbury, Connecticut. He returned to Scotland at the
Glorious Revolution, was ordained, and settled first at
Glencorse (1691–5), and later at Alness. James Fraser, the son, was licensed by the presbytery of
Chanonry 6 November 1723, and ordained 17 February 1726, becoming minister of Alness. Fraser was a regular correspondent of
Robert Wodrow, to whom he suggested the preparation of his work on
witchcraft. He died 5 October 1769. His widow, Jean Macleod, died 13 March 1778. ==Works==