Wilber J. (Wilber John) Fraser

Wilber J. Fraser was an American agricultural writer and dairy specialist whose books grew out of hands-on work in farm education. University of Illinois archival records identify him as Wilber John Fraser, born in 1869, and note that he earned his B.S. in 1893 and M.S. in 1902 before serving as a professor of dairy science from 1902 to 1937.

His writing focused on making agriculture more efficient and profitable. Catalogs and library records link him to a long list of practical publications on dairying, feeding, silos, milk production, calf raising, and farm management, including Profitable Farming and Life Management and Dairy Profit. He is also remembered for Economy of the Round Dairy Barn, a work that reflects his interest in the design and function of modern farm buildings.

Fraser's influence reached beyond his own books. A history of the American Dairy Science Association credits him with suggesting the creation of a permanent organization for dairy instructors and investigators in 1905, helping set the stage for what became a major professional association in the field. His surviving papers and photographs also show a wide curiosity about farming methods in the United States and Europe, especially dairying practices and agricultural buildings.