James B. Frazier
| James Beriah Frazier | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Frazier by Lloyd Branson
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| 28th Governor of Tennessee | |
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In office January 19, 1903 – March 21, 1905 |
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| Preceded by | Benton McMillin |
| Succeeded by | John I. Cox |
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United States Senator from Tennessee |
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In office March 21, 1905 – March 4, 1911 |
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| Preceded by | William B. Bate |
| Succeeded by | Luke Lea |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
October 18, 1856 Pikeville, Tennessee |
| Died | March 28, 1937 (aged 80) Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Resting place | Forest Hills Cemetery Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse(s) | Louise Keith (m. 1883) |
| Relations | James B. Frazier Jr. (son) |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Religion | Methodist |
James Beriah Frazier (October 18, 1856 – March 28, 1937) was an American politician who served as Governor of Tennessee from 1903 to 1905, and subsequently as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1905 to 1911. As governor, he reduced the state's debt and enacted mine safety regulations. The controversial manner in which he was elected to the U.S. Senate created a critical rift in the state's Democratic Party that lasted into the 1910s.
Frazier was born in Pikeville, Tennessee, the son of Thomas and Margaret (McReynolds) Frazier. In 1867, his family moved to Davidson County, where his father had been appointed to a criminal court judgeship. Frazier attended Franklin College near Nashville, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee in 1878. He was admitted to the bar in 1881, and moved to Chattanooga to practice law that same year.
Described by historian Zella Armstrong as "one of the greatest orators who ever lived in the Volunteer State," Frazier quickly rose to prominence in Chattanooga political circles. In 1894, he challenged incumbent Henry Snodgrass for the Democratic Party nomination for the 3rd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. While Frazier had wide support, Snodgrass had more support from the delegates at the party's convention, and won the nomination. Snodgrass was defeated by the Republican candidate, Foster V. Brown, in the general election, however, due in part to bitterness from Frazier's supporters.
During the 1900 presidential race, Frazier served as the state's at-large elector for the Democratic candidate, William Jennings Bryan. He canvassed across Tennessee on behalf of Bryan, gaining invaluable statewide political exposure.
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