Tennessee Supreme Court Cases
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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
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| View Entry | Year | Case Name | County | Cause/Crime | Case Description | Division | Location | # Pages | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Entry | 1920 | A. E. Birdsong v. H. P. Hayes | Giles | Breach of Warranty |
other causes of action: fraud and deceit in the sale of a horse, and in action to his damage, under $500 dollars. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 391 | 55 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1876 | Bryant Dennis v. William J. Rainey et al. | Giles | Forcible Detainer |
Other defendants: Isaac H. Rainey and Hance H. Aymett. Dennis sued the defendants for forcible and unlawful entry and detainer onto a tract of land in Giles County. Dennis believed he was entitled to the land. Testimony of G. W. McGrew references the burning of the fence that enclosed the land in dispute by Gen. Hood's army during 1864. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 23a | 130 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1922 | Ben Allen Eslick v. State | Giles | Obstructing a Public Road/Road/Right of Way |
The plaintiff is appealing his conviction of obstructing a public road. He was charged with this as a result of leaving a wagon across the Pulaski and Brick Church Turnpike. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 400 | 64 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1866 | Ben Abernathy, Stephen Brown, Sol Brown & Ed Ezell (col.) | Giles | Larceny, Grand |
Verdict and judgment only. Case is incomplete. Sol Brown and Ed Ezell were found not guilty. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 726 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1921 | E. H. Alsup v. State | Giles | Murder |
Victim: A. W. Bullington 2 folders. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 468 | 600 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1865 | G. Turner v. State | Giles | Theft |
brief only; appeal of livestock theft; no date mentioned - cited an 1865 act; incomplete |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 302 | 8 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1859 | Giles County v. Gideon P. Ezell | Giles | Trespass and Damages | Middle | Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 277 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1873 | Louisville & Nashville Railroad Co. v. Martha Ann Hill | Giles | Damages for Wrongful Death |
Brief for the defendant in error only. In the original case file Hill sued the railroad for running over her and killing her husband, Lewis E. Hill. The court originally found in her favor, but the defendants moved for a new trial. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 25 | 20 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1873 | Progue Bryant v. State | Giles | Murder |
Plaintiff's aliases: Professor Bryant, Professor London. Murder of Alexander G. Steele. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 353 | 82 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1922 | Robert Thomas v. State | Giles | Child Support |
Robert Thomas is charged with unlawfully and willfully failing and refusing to provide for the support and maintenance of his two minor children. He claims he is not their father. Inez Gordon Thomas is the wife of the defendant and the mother of his two children. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 400 | 83 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1875 | State v. Owen Sullivan | Giles | Keeping a Bawdy House |
Actual charge is "Keeping a disorderly house." Sullivan ran a grocery on the road between Pulaski and Lawrenceburg on Richland Creek. His grocery reportedly attracted lewd women, and drunk, loud, swearing men. Many witnesses all described the same scene: drunken women allowing themselves to be handled inappropriately in public. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 13 | 40 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1876 | State v. Henry Atkinson (col.) | Giles | Murder |
Atkinson was charged with the murder of Lucius D. Suttle. He was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to hang. He appealed and asked for a new trial but was denied. His lawyer claimed it was manslaughter not murder. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 27a | 151 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1877 | State v. George Riggin | Giles | Breaking and Entering |
Additional accused: Mirabeau Clark, George Riggin and Abraham alias Abe Riggin. State claimed that the above men broke and entered Shadrick Kelburn dwelling house on February 20, 1875 and stole money. On the cover page "Escaped" is noted by the defendants name. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 32 | 90 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. Jack Griffis (col.), alias Jack Jones, alias Andrew Jones | Giles | Larceny, Grand |
Griffis was accused of stealing a cow valued at $25 from Margaret J. Morris. Each day Morris sent her cow out to pasture at McKissack place, but the cow was lost. It was a small brindle and was at the time giving milk. The cow was apparently captured and sold by a third party. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: c Shelf: Box Number: 1011 | 36 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. George Ballentine | Giles | Animal Cruelty | Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 37 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1918 | State v. J. D. Williams& Eddie James Alsup | Giles | Rape |
Victim: Emma Lambert. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 108 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1915 | State v. Will Ferguson | Giles | Liquor, Sale of Illegal | Middle | Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 118 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1920 | State v. Joe Surry Gardner | Giles | Larceny | Middle | Range: 21 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 144 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1866 | State v. Bryant Peden | Giles | Unknown |
Manuscript does not include the actual case file. The Defendant's crime might be Theft since his punishment is to pay the State thirty thousand dollars. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 280 | 16 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1873 | State v. Walker Ingram (col.) | Giles | Murder |
Murder in the first degree of Jack Nelson alias William Nelson (col.). |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 355 | 144 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Dee Duncan | Giles | Larceny |
The case lists Dee Duncan as "col." |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 367 | 2 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. James Elliot | Giles | Larceny |
The case lists James Elliot as "col." |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 367 | 2 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. Walker Ingram | Giles | Murder |
Verdict and sentence only. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. Wesley Roane | Giles | Larceny |
Charged with "petit larceny." Verdict and sentence only. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 8 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. Joseph Carter alias Phelps | Giles | Larceny |
Charged with petit larceny. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 3 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1932 | State v. John Ferguson | Giles | Defiling a Minor |
Opinion only. Giles County case found in East TN boxes. Cause of Action: Violating Age of Consent law. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 83 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1887 | State v. William Shrader | Giles | Attempted Murder |
Defendant took out his knife, threatened to kill and stabbed a man. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 731 | 20 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1889 | State v. Larkin Lancaster | Giles | Murder |
Lancaster charged with killing Jack Dixon, a 17 year old. Both the head and the legs were cut off. Legs and torso were put in sacks and found in a creek. The head was not found. A lot of emphasis placed on victim's clothing and scars to identify him. Dixon was African American. Court found Lancaster guilty and sentenced him to be hanged. Additional documents located in MT 897. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 785 | 182 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1875 | State v. General Grigsby | Giles | Murder |
Hon. William S. McLemore, Judge, Criminal Court of Maury, Williamson & Marshall Co. Joe H. Fussell, Attorney General. Robert A. Mitchell, Sheriff of Giles Co. Murder of Maggie McEwen and Martha Wagstaff by burning of their home. Jurors: Robert Chapman, Ira T. Haney, James Horne, Louis W. Potts, Robert C. Reed, William H. Lanier, James M. Wells, Beasley Cobb, Claude J. Woodring, Little Berry Catter, James D. Davenport, William P. Taylor. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 172 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. Marion Marks | Giles | Election Dispute |
Marks was indicted in criminal court in Giles County for multiple causes. An election as held at the county precinct 11 to elect the sheriff and constable, justice of the peace and Peace School director. Marks was accused of "misrepresenting the name on the ticket" or ballot, in order to fraudulently change the ballot. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 35 | 52 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. Arch Brown & Aaron Robertson alias Aaron Robinson, Aaron Robeson | Giles | Larceny |
Brown, identified as "colored" in the proceedings, was accused of stealing four hogs valued at $20 from George L. Hughey. Brown And Robinson were seen in the neighborhood driving along two black hogs. Later, the two advertised the hogs for sale. They were later found to be Hughley's hogs. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 35a | 64 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. John W. Reddick | Giles | Murder |
Charged with murder of Susan A. Reddick. Additional parties: Ellen Yokely, Dr. Fayette Matthews, J. B. Farley, Babe Lovell, Jeff Pinkerton, D. J. Rainey, John B. Dew, G. W. Erwin, Dr. Joe Dixon, John H. Thomas, George Dixon, Jeff Owens |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 38 | 53 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | State v. H. M. Stanley, et al. | Giles | Embezzlement |
Defendants: A.J. Reed, W.S. Ezell, Theo Westmoreland, Thomas J. Campbell, Cary Gilbert, Joseph S. Edmondson, G.W. McLaurine Stanley served as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Giles County. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 53 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | State v. W. W. Briggs, alias William Briggs | Giles | Murder |
Victim: John G. Ussery. See MT 38 for appeal. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 54 | 153 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | State v. Robert Short (col.) | Giles | Animal Cruelty |
Additional parties: Sandy G. Glasgow. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 61 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1915 | Solon W. Allen v. State | Giles | Murder |
Murder of J. B. Tate |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 99 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1915 | State v. Robert Gordon | Giles | Liquor, Sale of Illegal | Middle | Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 118 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1921 | State v. Leonard Cheatham | Giles | Liquor Violation | Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 170 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1860 | State v. George F. Rhodes | Giles | Rape |
Cause of Action: Attempted Rape. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 301 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1871 | State v. James Hendricks | Giles | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
Carrying a pistol |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 302 | 14 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Ben Collins | Giles | Larceny | Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 367 | 3 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Andrew Fleming | Giles | Burglary |
Cause of Action listed as "House Breaking". |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 367 | 3 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Amos Buford & Dick Buford | Giles | Larceny, Grand |
The case lists both Amos and Dick Buford as "col." |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 367 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Sam Givens | Giles | Larceny |
The case lists Sam Givens as "col." |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 367 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. A. P. Andrews alias W. A. Pitts alias W. A. Pitman | Giles | Theft |
Charged with horse stealing. Verdict and sentence only. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 3 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. Cab Mason alias Calvin Conley | Giles | Larceny |
Charged with "Petit Larceny." |
Middle | Range: 23 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. Calvin alias "Pony" Rhodes | Giles | Larceny, Grand |
Verdict and sentence only. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. George Washington | Giles | Larceny, Grand |
Verdict and sentence only. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. Henry Murry | Giles | Larceny, Grand |
Verdict and sentence only. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. John O. Conner alias John Lawson alias John Rossin | Giles | Theft |
Charged with horse stealing. Verdict and sentence only. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 8 | Order A Copy |