Kingsport Times, Kingsport Tennessee,
September 23, 1927

By JOHN M. OLIVER

Staff Col-respondent

GATE CITY, Va., Sept. 23—Attended by a throng estimated variously at between two and three thousand persons-testifying to the popularity of the two men and the interest that has been aroused over the killings, final rites for Creed and Will Frazier, father and son, who met death at the hands of John Barnett three miles west of Clinchport, Va. Tuesday afternoon, were said yesterday afternoon at the home of Creed Frazier, near Daniel Boone Yard, about four miles west of Gate City.  In separate loftings, the bodies of the two men were lowered into the same grave on a hillside several hundred yards from the Frazier home.

     The crowd at the funeral was considered the largest to ever attend a funeral in this section. Nearly 1,000 automobiles, forming a line approximately two miles long, were parked on either side of the road in the vicinity of the home. Many of the residents of the surrounding community came afoot. There were people from throughout Scott, Lee and Wise Counties, Va., and Sullivan County, Tenn.

     In charge of the services were Rev. Jas. Gilley, of Bulls Gap, Tenn., Rev. J. B. Craft, of Gate City, Rev. C. Palmer and Rev. Horton.

Caskets Opened

     The two caskets in which reposed the bodies of the two men were placed on the veranda of the Frazier home while the immense throng passed by and took final views of the victims of Barnett’s gun.  Approximately an hour was required for the long line to pass by and still there were some who did not view the remains.

     At the close of the services, the caskets were carried to the grave on the hill where they were interred.  Both caskets were banked with a profusion of floral offerings, the final tributes of friends of the dead men.

     Creed Frazier was 48 years of age.  From 1920 to 1924, sheriff of Scott County, he had established a reputation as a fearless officer and respectable citizen. He leaves a widow and three sons, as follows: John Henry Frazier, 24 years of age, Roy Frazier 21, and Howard Frazier, 16; also six brothers and three sisters, as follows George M. Frazier, police sergeant at Kingsport; Mahon, Henry, James, John and Milo Frazier, Mrs. M P. Carter, Mrs. Charles Sloan, and Mrs. Clint Craft, all of this section.

     Will Frazier was 26 years of age.  He leaves a widow and five children the eldest of which is six years.

Barnett in Jail

     Barnett, the confessed slayer of the two, awaits further action in the county jail here. His attorney has not as yet been named. Commonwealth's Attorney H. C. L. Richmond announced yesterday, that the state desires no preliminary hearing but that is the privilege of the defense.  W. Coleman and S. H. Bond, local attorneys, have been appointed to assist in the prosecution. It was indicated that Barnett not be would not be allowed the privilege of making bond.

     It is possible that the case will be called in the next session of Circuit Court which begins October 10. It was stated here yesterday that the first week of the session will be taken up with civil cases, with felony cases starting on October 17.

     D u e to the profound grief of the Frazier families and the feeling which has not entirely subsided, further action will be held off until next week.  Barnett is being held in a secure cell of the jail but no special guard, is being kept over him. Sheriff Palmer commented on Barnett's excellent behavior.  He is 29 years of, age, married and has two children. His father, Tom Barnett, is making arrangements for a defense attorney in the case.