James B. Frazier Collection
The James B. Frazier Collection is divided into six major parts: correspondence files, newspaper clipping files, speech files, congressional files, miscellaneous files, and scrapbook files. The correspondence files contain letters, personal and official, from 1893 to 1914. Newspaper clippings span from 1890-1937 and concern Frazier's life. The speech files contain a complete text of Frazier's speeches, which are arranged chronologically, and various speeches made by Congressional figures. The congressional files contain bills, acts, and reports about important legislation and also claims and cases important to Frazier. The miscellaneous files contain miscellaneous correspondence, publications, diplomas received, honors, and commissions. The scrapbook files are devoted to scrapbooks of newspaper clippings,letters, and pictures of Frazier.
Dates
- 1880-1950
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
32 Linear Feet (32 boxes)
Abstract
This collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, speeches, congressional material, scrapbooks, and other papers documenting the life and career of James B. Frazier.
Biographical Note
James B. Frazier, regarded as one of the State's most eloquent and accomplished orators, was instrumental in Tennesse's political affairs in the early part of the 20th century. A native son, Frazier was born in Pikeville on Octoer 18, 1858, to Thomas Neil and Margaret M. Frazier. He attended Franklin College and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1878. Frazier embarked on a law career and was admitted to the bar in 1880. Frazier married Louise Douglas Keith in 1883 at Athens,Tennessee. The Fraziers established themselves in Chattanooga and had four children: Annie Keith, James B., Jr., Thomas A., and Louise. Frazier's successful law practice, of which he was a senior partner in Frazier and Coleman, carried him into the State's political spotlight. In 1902 Frazier was nominated for governor by acclamation and received the largest plurality of votes in the election since the Civil War. Frazier's success as governor was reaffirmed by being elected again in 1904. Frazier's administration was strictly business. He insisted upon a rigid economy and significantly reduced the State's debt. A strong advocate of public schools, Frazier did much to improve their status. Before his second term expired, Frazier was elected to fill the unexpired term of Senator William B. Bate, who died in office. Frazier's term in the Senate ended in 1910, and he returned to Chattanooga to practice law. A strong supporter of the Democratic party, Frazier died on March 28, 1937.
Arrangement
Collection consists of thirty-one boxes divided into six series: Correspondence Files; Newspaper Clippings Files; Speech Files; Congressional Files; Miscellaneous Files; and Scrapbook Files.
Previous Citation
This collection was previously listed as MS.0788.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository