Early Life
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.
Read more about this topic: James B. Frazier
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