The Oceanside Blade of last week contained this item:
"Rev. W. D. Frazee passed away Thursday, May 29, at an advanced age, at the home of his son I. J. Frazee, at Moosa. Rev. Frazee was a familiar figure in Oceanside in early days. He has been quite active for a person of his years until just recently. All will learn with regret of the death of one who was universally liked and respected for his many kindly traits and consistent life."
This brief item brought a pang of sorrow to our heart. We had known William Doniphan Frazee ever since the early '50's. In the later '50's he and Dr. William Craig, the father of this editor, were partners in the drug business in Indiana.
Mr. Frazee married in Winchester in that state, on his return from California a successful gold digger. He was a man of most generous impulses, freely and gladly giving away his substance, in some cases, to the impoverishment of his family. One notable instance we recall, was his gift of a magnificent museum to the Indiana state university, in which was included a splendid collection of land and marine shells and many rare and valuable books.
During the Civil War Mr. Frazee was closely and intimately connected with Governor Oliver . Morton, and to him, as much as to any one man, is due the defeat of the Morgan raid, and, probably, the secession of Indiana from the Union. His experiences with the Knights of the Golden Circle form and unwritten chapter of the history of the war that is of thrilling and absorbing interest.
Mr. Frazee came to California the last time about 1874 or '75, living first at San Bernardino, where he was well Known and universally loved. His wife "Aunt Rebecca," is buried in the old city cemetery. Of his children, three are yet living, two in San Diego County, and one in Arizona. Mr. Frazee was a pleasing and peculiar writer and had written much for apers and magazines, as well as several books. He was 78 or 79 years of age, and we do not believe he had an enemy on Earth. We know we have lost a good, kind and true friend, and his children a loving, devoted and indulgent father.
Scipio Craig, Editor of the Citrograph
Unfortunately, Scipio was not informed that buildings of Indiana State University were destroyed by a fire in 1888 with the loss of all contents. All of the valuable items W.D. donated must have been burned.
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