General Simon Fraser

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General Simon Fraser, born in Invernesshire, Scotland in 1729, began his military service in 1748, and distinguished himself over the years, serving as a Captain-Lieutenant in the Fraser Highlanders, and was promoted to Captain during the French and Indian War. In addition to serving in Canada, he also served in Germany, Ireland and Gibraltar.

In 1776 he accompanied his regiment to Canada, and, serving under General Burgoyne, he was given command of a brigade consisting of the 24th Regiment of Foot, grenadiers and light infantry. After his success at Trois Rivieres in June, he was given the rank of Brigadier General. His leadership was widely noted at the battle at Hubbardton, VT on July 7, 1777. He participated in the First and Second Battles of Saratoga. During the Second Battle, October 7th, he was mortally wounded, as legend has it, by American marksman, Timothy Murphy.

Baroness Riedesel, wife of the German commander, cared for him until his death on the morning of October 8, 1777. He requested to be buried on the battlefield at sunset, and this was done with only a few witnesses of his staff. The site of his grave has never been found, and in 1986, the Fraser Clan erected a small monument at the park's visitor center to honor him.