**Cornelia Deaderick Glenn**
**Definition:**
Cornelia Deaderick Glenn (1854–1926) was an American socialite and the First Lady of Tennessee from 1905 to 1907, known primarily for her role as the wife of Governor James Beriah Frazier. She was active in social and charitable activities during her tenure as First Lady.
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## Cornelia Deaderick Glenn
Cornelia Deaderick Glenn was an American social figure who served as the First Lady of Tennessee during the early 20th century. Born into a prominent family, she became known for her contributions to social causes and her support of her husband, Governor James Beriah Frazier, during his administration from 1905 to 1907. Her life and work reflected the social and cultural expectations of women in the Southern United States during that era.
### Early Life and Family Background
Cornelia Deaderick was born in 1854 in Tennessee, into the influential Deaderick family, which had established roots in the state’s political and social circles. The Deadericks were known for their involvement in business, law, and public service, which positioned Cornelia within a network of prominent families in Tennessee. Details about her early education and upbringing are limited, but it is understood that she was raised in an environment that emphasized social responsibility and civic engagement.
### Marriage and Role as First Lady of Tennessee
In the late 19th century, Cornelia married James Beriah Frazier, a lawyer and politician who would later become the Governor of Tennessee. Their marriage united two well-established Tennessee families and further solidified their social standing. When Frazier was elected governor in 1904, Cornelia assumed the role of First Lady, a position that involved hosting official events, supporting charitable causes, and representing the state in various social functions.
As First Lady from 1905 to 1907, Cornelia Deaderick Glenn was noted for her grace and dedication to public service. She played a key role in organizing social gatherings at the Tennessee Governor’s Mansion, which served as important venues for political and social discourse. Her efforts helped to foster a sense of community and civic pride during a period of significant change in Tennessee’s political landscape.
### Social and Charitable Activities
Cornelia’s tenure as First Lady coincided with a time when women’s roles in public life were expanding, particularly in the areas of philanthropy and social reform. She was involved in various charitable organizations and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of women and children in Tennessee. Although specific records of her activities are scarce, it is known that she supported causes related to education, health, and social services.
Her work reflected the broader Progressive Era trends in the United States, where women of her social standing often took on leadership roles in voluntary associations and reform movements. Cornelia’s contributions helped to lay the groundwork for future advancements in social welfare programs within the state.
### Later Life and Legacy
After Governor Frazier’s term ended in 1907, Cornelia Deaderick Glenn continued to be active in Tennessee’s social circles. She remained a respected figure in the community until her death in 1926. While she did not hold public office herself, her influence as First Lady and her involvement in charitable work left a lasting impression on Tennessee’s social history.
Cornelia’s legacy is primarily tied to her role in supporting her husband’s political career and her participation in the social and philanthropic activities of her time. She exemplified the role of Southern women in the early 20th century who balanced family responsibilities with public service.
### Historical Context
Cornelia Deaderick Glenn’s life and work must be understood within the context of the post-Reconstruction South and the Progressive Era. Tennessee, like much of the South, was undergoing significant political, economic, and social changes during her lifetime. The role of women in society was evolving, with increasing opportunities for involvement in public life, particularly through charitable and reform organizations.
As First Lady, Cornelia represented the traditional values of Southern womanhood while also engaging with the emerging social issues of the day. Her activities reflected the expectations placed on women of her class to contribute to the betterment of society through non-political means.
### Conclusion
Cornelia Deaderick Glenn remains a notable figure in Tennessee’s history as the First Lady during a pivotal period in the state’s development. Her contributions to social and charitable causes, along with her support of Governor James Beriah Frazier, highlight the important role that women played behind the scenes in shaping public life in the early 20th century South. Though not widely documented, her life offers insight into the experiences of women in political families and the social dynamics of her era.
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**Meta Description:**
Cornelia Deaderick Glenn was the First Lady of Tennessee from 1905 to 1907, known for her social and charitable contributions during her husband’s governorship. Her life reflects the role of Southern women in public service during the early 20th century.