Tennessee Supreme Court Cases

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View Entry Year Case Name County Cause/Crime Case Description Division Location # Pages Order
View Entry 1895 C. D. Kiger v. State Rutherford Murder

Plaintiff in error was accused of murdering W. B. Smith (aka Buck) by stabbing him with a knife. Plaintiff was indebted to Smith and angry that Smith had been talking badly about him. Smith owned a store located on the east side of the public square in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and had a wife (Kate Smith) and two children. 2 folders.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1030 125 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 Johnson Gaines, (col.) v. State Robertson Murder, 1st degree

Case also involves Elsie Frey, "colored" who was also charged with the murder. The state alleged that Johnson Gaines "colored" assaulted Charley Smith with a "hickory stick" inflicting mortal wounds causing him to instantly die. The body was found in the Red River above Jackson, TN. He had been missing for 18 days when he was found. Exhibit: Excellent hand drawn map depicting distance between J. Gaines home and Lotta's home near the Jackson Ford on Red River. Map in M-17-21

 Middle Range: 36 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1083 58 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Ed Burton Rutherford Murder

The State charged Ed Burton with the August 1893 shooting and murder of William (Bud) Burns at a Mr. Jackson's picnic in Murfreesboro. Burns' brother testified that Bud was shot after dancing and calling a set at the picnic when he was standing by the lemonade stand. Other witnesses said Burns was drinking and had a knife out when words were exchanged between he and Burton.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1087 178 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Albert Levy Shelby Murder

Levy is accused of the murder of George Meacham by shooting him five times with a pistol in front of a considerable number of witnesses.

 West Range: 82 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 612 174 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Dink Cole Madison Murder

Defendant is accused of shooting and killing George Cole (identified as "col") "to the evil example of all others, and against the peace and dignity of the state."

 West Range: 82 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 632 58 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Mathew Calloway & Mary Walters Maury Murder

Mathew Callaway was charged with shooting and killing James Walters (aka Jim Walters). Jim's wife Mary Walters was charged with accessory before the fact. Jim's remains were found in a thicket 10 days after his disappearance and identified by his skull. This identification was controversial in court. At the time of the murder, Jim and Mary were living separately. Jim was described by witnesses as a "good natured and harmless." 2 folders.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 967 163 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Ambrose Fouch DeKalb Murder, 2nd degree

The State charged the defendant with the shooting death of Wilson Gregson during a party that the defendant threw at his house. Fouch claimed that Gregson, who was not invited, was drunk and disorderly and that Fouch was defending himself.

 Middle Range: 37 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1097 110 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Thomas B. Givens Grundy Murder

Charged with killing James Lockhart on March 23, 1894. Givens shot Lockhart at his blacksmith ship in Altamont. Housed in 2 folders.

 Middle Range: 37 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1095 221 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Edward Ryan Shelby Murder

Victim: Milton Reed No docket number, cover missing

 West Range: 82 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 462 680 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Andrew Baugh (col.) Williamson Murder

The State charged Baugh with the stabbing murder of Jacob Marton, "col[ored]." The circuit court sentenced Baugh to 15 years hard labor in the state penitentiary. Testimony from local African Americans that mentions geography where they lived and worked in Williamson County.

 Middle Range: 37 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1095 34 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Ed Burton Rutherford Murder

The State charged Ed Burton with the August 1893 shooting and murder of William (Bud) Burns at a Mr. Jackson's picnic in Murfreesboro. Burns' brother testified that Bud was shot after dancing and calling a set at the picnic when he was standing by the lemonade stand. Other witnesses said Burns was drinking and had a knife out when words were exchanged between he and Burton.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1087 178 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Albert Levy Shelby Murder West Range: 82 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 625 30 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 State v. Will Overton Davidson Murder

Def. was accused of shooting and killing Henry Howard (aka Babe) near Joe Williams' grocery store on 5th Street in East Nashville. Witnesses testified that the def. was angry with Howard for hitting his brother (James Overton). Def. testified that he shot Howard in self-defense. 2 folders.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1030 82 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 William Evans v. State Montgomery Murder

The State charged Evans with the shooting murder of Fan M. Weakley. Evans was the son-in-law of Weakley and at the time was involved in a divorce case with Weakley's daughter. The circuit court convicted Evans of 2nd degree murder and sentenced him to 10 years hard labor in the penitentiary a Nashville.

 Middle Range: 37 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1095 45 Order A Copy