[2] In 1869 he retired from the business of John Frazer & Co, with his former client, and Ewan's future brother-in-law, James Watson, joining the partnership.

[5][6] In 1862–1863, he was one of four prominent new shareholders that reformed the company operating the Fitzroy Iron Works at Mittagong.

[2][4] He was a member of the Royal Society of New South Wales,[2] and was a supporter of the University of Sydney, giving it debentures worth £2,000, to fund two bursaries, in 1870.

[10] In 1881, he built a country retreat, at Springwood, Silva Plana, designed by Varney Parkes, on a landscaped site of 14 hectares (35 acres) that is now partly occupied by a retirement village.

[1][12] In accordance with an offer that he made before his death, two elaborate sandstone drinking fountains were presented to the City of Sydney in his name.

[17][18] The cedar of Lebanon in the churchyard was grown from a seed brought from the Middle East, by Frazer's widow, Elizabeth, in 1896.