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].
Use quotes for an exact search. ex. "J. W."
View Entry | Year | Case Name | County | Cause/Crime | Case Description | Division | Location | # Pages | Order |
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View Entry | 1878 | B. B. Swepson, et al. v. The Exchange & Deposit Bank, et al. | Knox | Unknown |
Add. Plaintiff: 1st National Bank of New York. Add. Defendant: unknown. |
East | Range: 6 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 463 | 6 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Dennis Gallagher, v. Isaac Joseph | Knox | Motion for a New Trial |
Plaintiff in error previously had a judgment rendered against him in favor of defendant for damages. Defendant claimed in previous case that the livestock of plaintiff in error destroyed his garden. Plaintiff in error filed this case for an appeal. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1633 | 67 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | David Nelson v. R. R. Walker, et al | Knox | Land and Title Dispute |
This case is concerning the ownership and rights to land left to the heirs of Elizah J. Walker, dec. after his passing in 1869. An injunction was previously filed on the land in question, preventing heirs from selling land. Additional Defendants: West Walker, Campbell Walker, P. W. Walker, A. L. Walker, Charity Walker, Elizabeth Walker, Thomas J. Walker, A. G. Griffith, C. H. Griffith, G. W. Gallagher, Sarah Gallagher |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1631 | 383 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad Company v. N. E. Scales | Knox | Damages |
Suing for $1,500 for striking & killing a mare, a horse, & a colt belonging to Scales. |
East | Range: 19 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1660 | 42 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Emma C. Roach v. Catherine Hacker, et al. | Knox | Injunction |
Plaintiff, formerly married to George A. Roach, purchased a plot of land after he ran away to live in KY. George was sued by many parties, one of them Catherine Hacker. Plaintiff's property was seized by the state to repay these judgements, however, Plaintiff sued to maintain ownership of her property, which at no point was ever owned or legally held by George. Additional defendants not named. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1630 | 87 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | E. A. Yost v. A. S. Hudinburg | Knox | Notes |
Plaintiff alleged that he received a judgment against defendant in 1865 for $829.35 for an unpaid note. This case was filed to enforce the previous judgment. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1630 | 60 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | G. W. Winston v. Nicholas Osborne | Knox | Unknown |
Case incomplete; brief, summons, and scrap only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 103 | 3 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | George R. Hazewell v. Dickson & Curtis et al. | Knox | Debt |
Incomplete casefile. Additional defendants unknown. This involves the sale of land to satisfy a previous decree. Said land was purchased in the name of J. H. Kirk but for the use of the plaintiff. |
East | Range: 6 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 467 | 6 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | George H. Ragsdale trustee et al. v. V. F. Gossett et al. | Knox | Debt |
Incomplete casefile. Additional plaintiffs unknown. Additional defendants: E. Kirby Smith and Bushrod Johnson. This suit involves a previous judgment and levy against the property of Joseph A. Mabry in favor of Smith and Johnson. The plaintiff complains that the property levied upon belongs to him and was purchased separately by Laura E. Mabry, Joseph A. Mabry having no ownership. |
East | Range: 7 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 623 | 68 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | H. D. See & Wife, et al.v. John Dawson, et al | Knox | Unknown |
File incomplete. Opinion only. Cause not stated, but involves the sale of town lots in Knoxville. Decree of the Chancellor affirmed. Under the Act of 25 Nov. 1871 a Registrar was entitled to 75 cents for the first 300 word & 10 cents for each additional 100 words. |
East | Range: 20 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1599 | 4 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | James Comfort v. M. L. Patterson | Knox | Promissory Note |
Comfort was court-appointed trustee of the Commercial Bank, which became insolvent in April 1877. The bank held a promissory note from Patterson for $1,000 & his accounts at the bank were insufficient to cover full payment of note. Patterson was also clerk of the chancery court. |
East | Range: 19 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1661 | 21 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | James Atkins, admr., et al. v. Abner G. Jackson, admr., et al. | Knox | Estate Dispute |
James Atkins of Hamilton Co., admr. of Capt. Joseph Jackson, dec. intestate, 14 Oct. 1878. Dispute among heirs on property in Grainger Co. (at Blain's Cross Roads), business in Knox (Lamar House), mercantile interests. Plaintiffs: James Atkins and his wife, Mary F. Akins. Defendants: heirs of Joseph Jackson including heirs of Abner G. Jackson (dec.), George J. Jackson (dec.), both sons of Capt. Joseph Jackson. |
East | Range: 20 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1593 | 117 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | James Cotton v. State | Knox | Appeal for New Trial |
This case was an appeal for a new trial. Plaintiff in error was previously convicted of carrying weapons illegally. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1633 | 29 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | J. B. Turley v. W. J. Hornsby, et al | Knox | Notes |
Plaintiff filed this claim for damages against defendants resulting from an unpaid note. Additional Defendants: W. B. Love, W. S. Geen, E. F. Wiley |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1633 | 19 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | John H. Carriger v. James S. Boyd, et al | Knox | Debt on Account |
Plaintiff kept a running account with the firm of defendants, J. M. Dailey & Co. Defendants were in the business of keeping and maintaining a livery stable. Plaintiff alleged that defendants intentionally placed erroneous charges on his account. Plaintiff also alleged that his mare was injured while being kept in the stable owned and operated by defendants. Additional Defendants: M. E. Thompson, J. M. Dailey |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1631 | 20 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | John W. Boyd, et al. v. Martha S. Boyd, et al. | Knox | Injunction |
Thomas Boyd died in 1876. His heirs: widow Martha S. Boyd, Roxie & Robert Gallagher, Anna & J. J. Hardin, Carrie Crookshank. Boyd married Martha following the death of his first wife. A life estate was established for Martha. Boyd had 195 acres that were distributed to the heirs, but the new deeds were disputed. An injunction was filed to prevent Boyd for suing for more support. |
East | Range: 5 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 17 | 133 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | John Hudson alias John H. Hudson v. State | Knox | Other |
Final Decree and Procedendo only. Cause of Action: Maintaining a Disorderly House. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 99 | 2 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | John Hudson, alias John H. Hutson v. State | Knox | Other |
Cause of action: Keeping a disorderly house. The pla. in error was accused of keeping an "ill-governed and disorderly house, bar room, or saloon," where men and women engaged in "drinking, tippling, swearing, blaggarding, quarrelling, and misbehaving." |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1643 | 23 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | John Jones v. A. R. Formwalt, et al. | Knox | Damages |
Defendants: Adam R. Formwalt and son, William Formwalt. Dispute over tract of land, East Knoxville, SE corner of Cumberland St.; breaking enclosure of property and allowing livestock to roam, annoying & distressing complainant and without consent of complainant. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1641 | 166 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | John McCollum v. State | Knox | Gaming |
The plaintiff in error was accused of playing a game of cards known as 5 up for money. This case was one of over one hundred cases for gaming being prosecuted against 18 men, including six cases against McCollum. This case may be related to two other cases of the same name located in ET 99 and 101. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1632 | 34 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Jeremiah Dotson v. Joseph Payne | Knox | Forcible Entry |
Plaintiff alleged that a judgment was render against him in favor of the defendant in a previous case. Plaintiff was forcibly removed from property in previous case, this file was an appeal of that case. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1631 | 20 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | John D. Brier, et al. v. Peter Staub, et al. | Knox | Land, Confirmation of Ownership |
Plaintiffs are the children of William H. Sneed, decd. The deceased deeded land for the building of a hospital to Plaintiffs. Defendants claim property as theirs, this case was filed to have ownership determined. Additional Plaintiff: Ann Brier. Additional Defendants: John W. Eldridge, Fannie L. Eldridge, Kate D. Jones, Jos. W. Sneed, Jas. W. Sneed, Thos. K. Sneed. Additional Defendants: John S. Van Gilder, W. A. Henderson. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1631 | 78 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | J. G. M. Ramsey Sr. v. O. P. Temple & M. L. Patterson | Knox | Debt |
Complex case involving several previous suits including; "Brownlow and Ross v. Lyon and Ramsey," which was decided by the Supreme Court of Tennessee. Plaintiff claims the defendants delayed an execution against J. A. and G. W. Mabry that was to be delivered to the Sheriff for collection. The funds sought to be recovered are currently in the custody of the court. Patterson is a Court Clerk and Master. Related documents located in ET 45 and ET 1681. |
East | Range: 7 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 623 | 34 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Lewis Scribner v. State | Knox | Other |
Cause of action: Buggery. Plaintiff in error is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a mare. There was some question as to whether the plaintiff is of sound mind. Plaintiff's mother,Harriet Scribner,testified that as a child the plaintiff had a large growth removed from his head, and has ever since displayed erratic behavior. Plaintiff and his mother are former slaves. |
East | Range: 20 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1624 | 41 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Michael Hoey (Naturalization) | Knox | Ex Parte Petition |
Originally from Ireland, Hoey is applying for U. S. citizenship. Case file is incomplete; application only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 76 | 2 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | N. Clapp v. H. R. Dunsmore & wife | Knox | Appeal for New Trial |
This is not a complete case file…it appears to be simply a memo. Dunsmore and wife obtained a judgement against Clapp in the circuit court for some sort of debt owed to them (amount not noted.) Clapp requested a new trial because he was not present during the first trial due to illness. His request was denied by the lower court and he is appealing that decision. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1644 | 30 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | N. E. Scales v. Patrick Kelley | Knox | Debt on Account |
This case was filed as an appeal from a previous case where plaintiff in error had a judgment rendered against him in favor of the defendant. Defendant was awarded a judgment of $363.00 for a debt on an account. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1631 | 66 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Nancy A. S. McCampbell v. W. E. & J. M. McCampbell admr. of Andrew McCampbell dec. | Knox | Estate Dispute |
Nancy A. S. McCampbell is the widow of Andrew McCampbell dec. She complains that the defendants, as administrators of her husband's estate, have refused to honor a note written to her by her husband in consideration of a portion of her separately held property. Casefile notes that Andrew McCampbell left a considerable estate after his death, some of which was left to his children from a previous marriage. |
East | Range: 7 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 623 | 41 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | O. G. Vanderhoof, et al v. J. W. Hindman | Knox | Debt |
Additional defendant: Lewis Godfrey. Defendants owed plaintiff $91.25, he sued to recoup payment. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1630 | 10 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Peter Staub v. Wilmot, Davis & Company | Knox | Debt on Account |
Staub was a partner of A. H. Hodge in firm A. H. Hodge & Co., but neither Hodge nor company were being sued. Partners in Wilmot, Davis & Co. were: Osee W. Wilmot, DeWitt C. Davis, William F. Doty, John McMurdie, William M. Haffee, Henry R. McElligott. For debt on account of $446.18. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1659 | 17 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Ross & Ross, exe. v. W. C. Kain & J. L. King | Knox | Unlawful Detainer |
Incomplete casefile. It appears that this suit was originally brought by James Ross against the defendants for the unlawful detainment of a house and lot located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Casefile notes that Kain was an Officer in the Confederate Army in the State of Virginia and was later charged with murder and held in prison for 12 months before being acquitted. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1643 | 40 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | State v. Elizabeth Rouscher | Knox | Liquor Violation |
Defendant's name spelled Rauscher on cover page but Rouscher within case documents. Defendant described as a "spinster." Claimed that she "unlawfully did sell, and tipple to a person to the jurors unknown within four miles of East Tennessee University an incorporated institution of learning in this State..." Also for selling liquor without a license. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 99 | 12 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | S. Tillman Jr., admr. of J. R. Cacke, dec. v. Joseph A. Mabry & Thos. O'Connor & David Nelson v. Joseph A. Mabry & Thos. O'Connor | Knox | Debt |
These cases were combined. Tillman initially lost a suit, but had the order reversed, meaning Mabry now owed him the penalty and court costs, which went unpaid. Mabry asserted his lack of ability to pay said debt. Tillman showed Mabry owned land enough to repay said debts - combined in this case. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1630 | 182 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | State v. G. W. Ross | Knox | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
Case incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 103 | 2 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | State v. Julia Eaton | Knox | Larceny |
Larceny of gold, silver coins, personal items of E. C. Camp, incident of 11 Jan. 1878. |
East | Range: 20 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1593 | 12 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Samuel Croft, et al v. W. C. Bailey | Knox | Land, Confirmation of Ownership |
This case is in regards to the ownership of a tract of land which was previously levied to pay a debt. Additional Plaintiffs: W. C. Turley, J. B. Turley |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1630 | 39 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | The Mechanics Savings Bank v. R. M. Staples | Knox | Debt |
The plaintiff brings suit against the defendant to collect debt due by note. The nature of the debt was unclear. This case appears to stem from "Carpenter, Ross & Lockett, et al. v. The Mechanics Savings Bank, et al." located in ET 1615. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1632 | 15 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Thomas Gilbert v. State | Knox | Appeal for New Trial |
Plaintiff in error was convicted of carrying weapons in a previous case. This case was file as an appeal for a new trial. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1633 | 20 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | The Coal Creek Mining & Manufacturing Co v. John Frater, et al | Knox | Land, Partition of |
A third party firm, Wiley and McEwen, leased a tract of coal lands to defendants. Tract of land bordered the property of plaintiff, who accused defendants of mining coal from their land. This case was filed to determine that boundary between properties. Additional Defendants: E. C. Camp, A. P. Temple |
East | Range: 7 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 643 | 203 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | V. H. Stern et al. v. J. W. Shute and Company | Knox | Land and Title Dispute |
The plaintiff's husband engaged in a series of failed business ventures. He used the money from his wife's inheritance and sold the title to her land. This was all done under what they claim was bad counsel. The plaintiff claims that the defendant company does not have rightful title to the tract of land. |
East | Range: 19 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1662 | 192 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | William R. Tuttle v. N. E. Scales | Knox | Damages |
Tuttle accused Scales of attacking him with a stick & his fists. Tuttle, a Knoxville metal works manufacturer, sued for damages related to his injuries following the dispute that occurred on Christmas Eve, 1878. Probably related to William R. Tuttle v. John Leighton in box ET 1630, another suit for damages due to assault & battery. |
East | Range: 5 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 23 | 11 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | W. R. [?] admr. v. H. C. Gillespie et al. | Knox | Unknown |
Incomplete casefile. Unable to clearly read case style due to torn page. Additional parties may include: Laura C. Gillespie, Overton Lea, Ella Lea, T. Webb, Rolfe S. Saunders, and Martha A. Saunders. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1645 | 6 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | W. R. Caswell, admr. of Jonathan Cocke v. H. (Henry) C. Gillespie & Wife, et al | Knox | Land and Title Dispute |
Laura C. Gillespie, wife of H. C. Gillespie & daughter of John Cocke, dec. Heirs of John Cocke sold 350 acres of farmland called Trafalgar to Rolfe S. Saunders & his wife, Martha for $15,000. Cause unclear, but appears to involve collection of an unpaid balance. Also, action to award Lea $10,000, in accordance with terms of Cocke's will. Mentioned: Ella (Cocke) Lea, wife of J. Overton Lea of Nashville & sister of Laura C. Gillespie; William E. Cocke, Jr., brother of John Cocke |
East | Range: 20 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1599 | 557 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | William R. Tuttle v. John Leighton | Knox | Damages |
Leighton sued Tuttle for $5,000 in damages after Tuttle beat, shook, and abused Leighton. Tuttle appealed, this was the appeal. Probably related to W. R. Tuttle v. N. E. Scales in box ET 23, another damages suit related to assault & battery. William Tuttle was the owner of the Knoxville Iron Company, & Leighton, the owner of Southern Steel Works in Chattanooga. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1630 | 47 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | William Ledgewood & wife, et al. v. Theodore Gault, exe. of John Gault, dec. | Knox | Wills, Contested |
Petitioners claim that John Gault left valuable land to heirs Mary Ledgewood, Martha Weaver, John Gault, Florence Gault, the children of hwas late son Robert, widow Patsy, and Theodore Gault. Plaintiffs claim John was feeble and infirm a few hours before his death and was "induced by persuasion and artifice" at that time to write a new will leaving most of his lands to defendant Theodore M. Gault. Plaintiffs claim that John signed this will while in "the very throes of death." Will attached. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1636 | 126 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | W. G. Hume, Cashier, et al. v. The Commercial Bank of Knoxville, et al | Knox | Other |
Additional Defts.: William L. Weller & Son; L. Oppenheimer & Co., et al. Plaintiffs creditors of the Commercial Bank which suspended operations on 4 April 1877. Plaintiffs showed that at the time of its suspension the bank had gross liabilities of over $140,000 against available assets of less than $10,000 & charge the bank officers with misuse of depositors' funds. They ask the court for a decree against the stockholders & to force an account of the bank's liabilities & assets. See ET 1672 and ET 1964. |
East | Range: 20 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1599 | 663 | Order A Copy |