Tennessee Supreme Court Cases
Order Cases Online
The files located in the Tennessee Supreme Court Cases represent an especially valuable resource for historical and genealogical research at the Tennessee State Library and Archives [TSLA].
Tennessee Supreme Court Cases
Use quotes for an exact search. ex. "J. W."
| View Entry | Year | Case Name | County | Cause/Crime | Case Description | Division | Location | # Pages | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Entry | 1819 | Augustine Jenkins v. Elizabeth Gilliand | Cocke | Land and Title Dispute |
Deposition only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 61 | 6 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1928 | Arthur Talley v. Helen Dalton, by next friend Oscar Dalton | Cocke | Unknown |
Case file is incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 80 | 1 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | Arthur Davis v. Robert C. Gordon | Cocke | Unknown | East | Range: 7 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 736 | 2 | Order A Copy | ||
| View Entry | 1865 | Alexander E. Smith v. Conrad Eisenhower | Cocke | Other |
The Confederate Eisenhower (also spelled Icenhour) forcibly took a "rifle gun" from Union sympathizer Smith during the Civil War. Smith was asking for compensation. Governor Isham Harris mentioned in transcript. Case has its roots in the March 19, 1862, order of Tennessee's "Rebel Legislature" to confiscate arms from Union sympathizers. See also State v. Brotherton and Boyer (1866), Box ET 1139. |
East | Range: 9 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1132 | 6 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1864 | Alex Stuart v. Joseph Hill | Cocke | Debt Dispute |
The plaintiff claims that the defendant owes him money and that this money must be of the "currency of the country" and not in confederate notes. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1203 | 14 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1871 | A. Walker, admr. of John Swatzel, dec. v. William B. Wall | Cocke | Debt on Account |
Debt including court costs, $18.75. John Swatzel, dec. c. Jan. 1869. |
East | Range: 9 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1241 | 36 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | Andrew Ramsey and H. P. Darby v. John M. Jones | Cocke | Petitions for Certiorari |
Defendant sued the plaintiffs, business partners under the firm name of Ramsey and Darby, and received judgment for the payment of several notes. Plaintiffs complained that although they paid the judgment in full, their property was still levied upon. |
East | Range: 19 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1681 | 43 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1932 | Al Taylor v. State | Cocke | Violation of Age of Consent |
Taylor was married with six children when he was convicted of violating Vege McAlister when she was 12-13. Their relations began in 1929 and ended in 1931 when her people learned of it. Taylor admitted to intercourse, but not to paternity of Vege's child. Counsel (former governor) Ben Hooper charged that she was a "bawd, lewd, or kept female" who also had relations with Hugh Hance and Carl Taylor. Lawyers also argued Vege's identity based on different spellings of her name, e.g., "Verge McAllister." |
East | Range: 10 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1413 | 208 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1860 | Ashby Wood v. State | Cocke | Extortion |
Wood was a constable in Cocke County. During a suit involving W. H. Fine, Fine & Wood gthered at Robert Mantooth's house. They argued about whether or not Wood was entitled to commissions as a constable. Fine said no, Wood said yes. Finally Wood told Fine to hand over the money to him, which was outside his obligations as constable, & ethically questionable. |
East | Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 9 | 33 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1890 | Andrew Mantooth v. East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railway Co. | Cocke | Damages |
Sued for $200 damages for loss of a mule that was run over by the railway. |
East | Range: 19 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1806 | 50 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1941 | Bessie Palmer et. al. v. Harve Sams & the Cocke County Board of Education | Cocke | Injury and Damages |
Additional Plaintiffs: Evelyn Palmer by next friend Ed Shaver, Dovie Shaver by next friend Fate Ottinger. Cause of Action: School bus driver had an accident while plaintiffs were passengers. |
East | Range: 5 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 170 | 319 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1827 | Benjamin Davis v. Abner Harrison | Cocke | Damages |
Plaintiff sued for damages after defendant ejected him from land he was leasing. |
East | Range: 7 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 670 | 16 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1886 | B. Henderson v. Sol. Clark | Cocke | Replevin |
Replevin of a "Gray Mare." Additional case materials in ET 1912 (Range 19, Section A, Shelf 3). |
East | Range: 9 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1913 | 17 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1926 | Branson Fine v. State | Cocke | Murder |
Final Decree only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 72 | 1 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1916 | C. E. Dawson v. Flint Ray | Cocke | Election Dispute |
Case involves charges of fraud. Case file incomplete; brief only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 67 | 45 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1935 | Cleona Hooper v. State | Cocke | Murder |
Victim: Ed Brown |
East | Range: 8 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 900 | 47 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1938 | Clinton Reed & Robert Holt v. State | Cocke | Other |
Cause of Action: Attempt to Commit Robbery. Defendants appealed their conviction of attempt to commit robbery of $800 from Mrs. A. J. Holdway, a 71-year-old woman, at Mrs. Holdway's home on a Sunday evening. Exhibits include 2 bullets located in ET Oversize 29. |
East | Range: 9 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1117 | 333 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1867 | Charles M. Miller v. William McSween | Cocke | Debt |
Miller sued McSween for $350 debt owed him and unjustly detained from him to his damage $500. Court ruled in favor of plaintiff for $350 debt with $136 interest. Defendant appealed. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1195 | 17 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1924 | Creed Proffitt v. Leland Spence | Cocke | Unknown |
Final Decree only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 97 | 1 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1935 | Clementine Dennis v. John C. Holder et al. | Cocke | Damages |
Additional Defendant: Hugh R. Holder, partner with J. C. Holder in John C. Holder & Co. Plaintiff sued for $10,000 damages, charging them with the negligent & malicious handling of the body of her husband, Jack Dennis, who died at Tacoma Hospital & Sanitarium 1 Aug. 1929. Plaintiff alleges defendants took Dennis's body without her knowledge or permission, & left it unattended in their ambulance while they attended a dance. |
East | Range: 8 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 903 | 115 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1936 | Carmack Woods v. State | Cocke | Murder |
Woods guilty of second degree murder of Tip [Tep?] Lovell. Testimony: Jim Crook Freshour, Creed Gregg, Beech Hicks, Walter Hayes, Eula Holt, M/M Joe Heritage, Mrs. Tep Lovell, Joe Shelton, Jalia Swatzel, Josephine Padgett, Jessie Lee Wood & Tom Wood. Prosecution was assisted by former Gov. Ben Hooper. Bulk of case could not be removed from binder. |
East | Range: 8 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 957 | 205 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1889 | Daniel Layman, in error v. State | Cocke | Liquor Violation |
The State charged Layman with selling liquor within four miles of a school |
East | Range: 19 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1838 | 61 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1836 | Don Lea v. Enoch Netherton | Cocke | Land and Title Dispute | East | Range: 7 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 676 | 36 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1814 | Daniel Lamott, surviving partner v. William Lillard& Elizabeth Huff& Abraham Huff, admr. Of Peter Huff, dec. | Cocke | Debt |
Lamott, surviving partner of the firm Calhoun & Lamott, sued defendants for $20,000 debt. |
East | Range: 9 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1250 | 37 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1811 | David Stewart v. William Cocke et al. | Cocke | Land and Title Dispute |
Additional Defendants: John Hall and John Cocke. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 52 | 47 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1936 | Donald Cody v. Lute Harrison | Cocke | Damages |
Donald Cody is sued Lute Harrison for damages to his automobile. He claims that his truck was struck my Lute Harrison's car when it was being driven by Mrs. Lute Harrison. He is seeking under $500 for the damages. |
East | Range: 8 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 915 | 217 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1869 | Drury Dawson v. Anderson Susong | Cocke | Replevin |
Plaintiff claimed ownership of a mule in possession of defendant. |
East | Range: 9 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1237 | 30 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1821 | Elizabeth Gilleland, admr. of John Gilleland, et al. v. Augustine Jenkins | Cocke | Land and Title Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: Suwellen Gilleland, Ellina Gilleland, Elizabeth Gilleland, and Sarah Gilleland (minors). |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 62 | 194 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1926 | Estill Dover v. State | Cocke | Assault with Intent to Kill |
Order only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 68 | 1 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1830 | Elizabeth & Lennard Huff v. John Allen et al | Cocke | Wills, Contested |
Deceased: Joseph Huff. Add. Defendants: Margaret Huff Allen, John & Charity Huff Smith, James & Linda Huff Ellington, Joseph Padget, William & Polly Huff Gilliland, Joseph Huff. |
East | Range: 7 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 670 | 24 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1937 | Edd Ray v. State | Cocke | Theft |
Victim: Standard Products Company |
East | Range: 8 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1000 | 151 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1932 | East Tennessee Iron & Metal Co. v. Pasadena Supply Company | Cocke | Breach of Warranty |
Case regards the alleged warranty on a secondhand 2-drum hoist left over after completion of the Waterville Dam. A. Glazer and Philip Chasen (Chazen) were partners in the iron and metal company that dealt in the loading and unloading of scrap metal. Exhibits include two ETI & M drafts payable to Pasadena Supply Co. and drawn on an account at The City National Bank, Knoxville. Check includes a nice engraving of the bank. Brass clasps hold checks on page 4. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1458 | 147 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1811 | Edward Gray & William Garrett v. Andrew Russell & Alexander Hamilton | Cocke | Debt Dispute |
Additional defendant: John McKim. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 54 | 41 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1928 | Elbert Sutton v. State | Cocke | Liquor Violation |
Plaintiff is appealing the charge that he possessed and transported liquor illegally. Case is incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 20 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1694 | 1 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1928 | Edgar Webb& Edom Sisk v. State | Cocke | Liquor Violation |
Plaintiff is appealing the charge that he manufactured liquor illegally. Case is incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 84 | 1 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1935 | Enloe Denton v. State | Cocke | Murder |
Victim: Vernon Ball |
East | Range: 8 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 836 | 595 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1896 | East Tennessee, Virgina and Georgia Railway Co. v. Tobe Wright | Cocke | Personal Injuries |
The plaintiff was seeking damages from the railway in the sum of ten thousand dollars. The plaintiff worked for the railway when he was injured. His right arm was crushed between two cars. 2 folders. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1730 | 220 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1867 | Elijah Buckner v. Milly Evans | Cocke | Replevin |
The defendant unlawfully detained from the plaintiff a bay mare. Milly alternatively spelled Milley. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1197 | 25 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1861 | Ernest Stelzner v. Robert S. Roadman & Athen McGinty | Cocke | Trespass |
Roadman & McGinty sued Stelzner for trespass to their damage $2000. Plaintiffs hired Stelzner as a tanner, believing him to be experienced and skilled since he claimed to have worked in largest and best tanneries in Germany. Turned out that Stelzner knew nothing of the trade and carrying on a tanyard. Due to his lack of knowledge, he damaged, ruined, and destroyed a number of hides and leather. Plaintiffs suing him from fraudulently deceiving them and damages. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1209 | 72 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1872 | Elias Sisk v. Isaiah Butler, et al. | Cocke | Trespass |
Additional defendants: Isaac Templin, Jefferson Denton, and F.G. McGaha. Sisk sued defendants for breaking and entering, carrying away 1 ox and 1 red heifer, and detaining them to his damage $500.00. See also ET 1654. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1212 | 56 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | Early Crain and J. Carver v. State | Cocke | Adultery |
The State was seeking a judgment for Crain and Carver who were caught having sexual intercourse and not being married. |
East | Range: 19 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1680 | 15 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1926 | F. S. Huff v. Department of Highway& Public Works of the State of Tennessee | Cocke | Unknown |
Order only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 68 | 1 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1936 | Gona Dorsey v. Wayne Waters, supt., et al. | Cocke | Election Dispute |
Additional Defendants: Hobert Ford, C. W. Scott, J. H. Huff, J. G. Ford, J. H. Holt, and June Holdway. |
East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 125 | 165 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1944 | G. D. Lett v. J. E. Grizzard, et al. | Cocke | Injury and Damages |
Regarding an automobile accident. Additional Defendant: Ernest Julian. |
East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 125 | 185 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1937 | George Roberts v. State | Cocke | Larceny |
George Roberts is accused of helping to steal some chickens. He claims he took no part in the theft, but it was his companions. George also claims he did not know the chickens were stolen |
East | Range: 9 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1042 | 58 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1844 | Gillette & Franklin v. William C. Roadman | Cocke | Ejectment |
This is an appeal. Original 1840 case saw John Gillette & Lawson D. Franklin defendants in an ejectment case. The Franklins were charged with breaking and entering, ejectment and damages of $400. The 200 acre tract in dispute is on the French Broad river. Said tract granted to Peter Fine from State of North Carolina in 1787. |
East | Range: 9 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1129 | 16 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1868 | G. B. Netherton, admr. Of Wilson McMahan, dec. v. Jacob Tyson, Jefferson Denton & Russell Jenkins | Cocke | Debt |
Wilson McMahan had sold and delivered to defendants 2700 pounds of beef. Defendants promised to pay 15 cents per pound but did not pay McMahan in his lifetime nor Netherton, despite many requests, to the plaintiff's damage $500. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1189 | 95 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1928 | G. W. Ramsey v. State | Cocke | Liquor Violation |
Plaintiff is appealing the charge that he manufactured liquor illegally. Case is incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 20 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1694 | 1 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1929 | Horace Hayse v. State | Cocke | Larceny, Grand |
Case file is incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 80 | 2 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1928 | Harriett Southerland v. State | Cocke | Liquor Violation |
Plaintiff is appealing the charge that he sold liquor illegally. Case is incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 84 | 1 | Order A Copy |