James William Fraser was born in London in or about 1795. He is probably the James William Fraser, son of George and Janet Fraser, who was christened at Old Jewry Presbyterian Church on 19 April 1795.

He appears on the 1851 census, living at Powderham Castle in Devon with his wife, Frances. He described himself as ‘Gentleman (late cotton merchant)’. In 1861, he and his wife were living at 8A, Palace Gardens in Paddington. This time he described himself as a landed proprietor. In 1871, they were still at the same address. They had seven servants to run their household, including a butler and a footman.

James William Fraser died in September ¼ of 1875; his death was registered in the district of Kensington.

The carte comes from an album that was probably compiled by Margaret Tootal. Various inscriptions in the album suggest she was the daughter of James and Jane Kennedy, and sister of Eliza Banff, only I can't find a Margaret Tootal on any census.