MAJOR JOHN H. FRAINE. This gentleman occupies a prominent and influential position as a member of the North Dakota bar. He has an extensive practice in Grafton, North Dakota, and his practice has brought him in contact with the most learned members of the profession in the state, and he is recognized as a gentleman of broad ideas and excellent qualities. He has recently returned from the Spanish-American war with the rank of major, and during his service earned high honors for loyalty and bravery.
Our subject was born near Sheffield, Nottinghamshire, England, September 7, 1861, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Cook) Fraine,the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of England. His father was an ivory-worker and came to America in 1866 and settled in Brooklyn, and now resides in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Our subject is one of the four sons who grew to manhood, of whom one brother and our subject reside in North Dakota. Mr. Fraine was reared and educated in Springfield, Massachusetts, and remained in that state until 1878, and then spent some years in travel. He came to North Dakota in 1885 and settled at Grafton, where he finished reading law and was admitted to the bar in May, 1891. He at once began the practice of his profession and continued alone until January 1, 1893, when he formed a partnership with Judge Sauter, which existed until Judge Sauter was appointed district judge of the newly created seventh judicial circuit. Mr. Fraine gave his entire attention to the practice of law until the breaking out of the Spanish-American war, when he enlisted, April 26, 1898 as captain of Company C, First North Dakota Infantry. Prior to that he had been captain of Company C for five years as a member of the National Guard. He sailed for Manila in May, 1898, and served seventeen months, and was discharged with the rank of major of the First North Dakota, Second Battalion. During the service he participated in twenty-four engagements, including the battle of Manila, Santa Cruz, and was with General Lawton in three campaigns. He served with distinction and honor to himself and country. He has met with good success as an attorney and has an increasing practice.
Our subject was married, in 1882, to Miss Marian Robinson, a native of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Fraine are the parents of one son, named John R. Mr. Fraine is prominent in secret society circles, and holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Foresters. He is independent in political faith, and wields his influence for good local government.
Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota 1900 Page 221