Digital Victorian Periodical Poetry

Working-class poet. Born in Pathhead, Dysart, Fife. Attended local schools. In 1812 became wine and spirit merchant’s apprentice in Kirkaldy, and continued to educate himself in the evenings (particularly in languages). In 1817 worked as a clerk for a Kirkaldy ironmonger, and then two years later started his own ironmonger business. Married Ann Cumming in 1820. Began publishing his own poems as well as translations in Scottish periodicals and newspapers. Elected to the Kirkaldy Town Council board. Became editor of the Fife Herald from March 1838. Moved Tarvit Mill, near Cupar in Fife, in May 1838, and the town of Kirkaldy organized a testimonial dinner in his honour and presented him with a copy of the Encylcopedia Britannica. His Poetical Remains was published to raise funds for his family. Biographical information: David Vedder, Memoir of Robert Fraser, Poetical Remains of the Late Robert Fraser, G. S. Tullis, William Tait, and Simpkin, Marshall, & Co., 1839. (AC)