John was educated in the parish school of Killearnan but moved to the parish school of Kilmarnock, where he was taught by his life-long friend and kinsman the Rev. Mr. Mackenzie. After attending the old Grammar School of Aberdeen, he took his Arts course in the University of King's College, Aberdeen and graduated M.A in 1849, before studying Divinity in Edinburgh under Chalmers. Years later, John no doubt influenced his father -in- law, Robert Macfie, to endow the Chalmers Lectureship in the New College, Edinburgh, whilst he superintended the business part.

During the intervals of his College sessions, John taught school at Coul near Alness. He was licensed by the Free Presbytery of Dingwell and assisted the Rev. David Campbell of Tarbet prior to being invited to Rosskeen where he began as Rev. David Carment's assistant in July 1852. John was ordained and inducted in October 1853 and remained in Roskeen for the rest of his life. His ministrations extended to almost every congregation in Easter Ross and he often officiated in all the Northern counties and Glasgow. He was frequently appointed by the church for special work as an Evangelistic Deputy in the North and West Highlands and Islands. John preached in both English and Gaelic on many of these occasions.

His influence with his father-in-law brought about the latter's endowment of £1000 to the Presbytery of Tain so that each minister in turn could holiday annually. The Sustenation Fund Committee and the Committee for the Highlands of the Church also benefited from his participation. Among his last labours, was the writing of a biographical sketch of his friend, Dr. Kennedy, for the last volume of the "Disruption Worthies". This, and also a short sketch of the life of his early friend M'Allan or Munro, the Tarbet catechist, are the only literary remains left by him.

Mr. Fraser was a well-informed and scholarly man, and withal a thorough gentleman in his feelings, habits, and manners. He was altogether a most genial and lovable person, always cheerful and happy, so that, somehow, one felt comfortable in his society. He loved young people and little children, and would play with his own, or others, when he had any leisure. As a friend he was most steadfast and sympathetic.

In person, Mr Fraser was powerfully built, with a frame capable of enduring great hardship, and performing an enormous amount of work.

from: Cameron, Rev. Alex, Memoir and Remains of the Rev. John H. Fraser M.A., Rosskeen,
Gavin Tait, Inverness, 1885.