Tennessee Supreme Court Cases

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View Entry Year Case Name County Cause/Crime Case Description Division Location # Pages Order
View Entry 1930 Banks Grocery Co. v. Indemnity Insurance Co. of North America Shelby Insurance Claims and Policies

Pltf. carried a "mercantile safe burglary" insurance policy with the dfnt. After pltf. was burgled, dfnt. refused to issue payment

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2024 131 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Cora A. Jones v. Mrs. L. D. Whitaker, et al. Shelby Land, Confirmation of Ownership

Addtl dfnt: Bank of Commerce & Trust Company. Jones and Whitaker both bought lots from Samuel R. Waters and Wife, M. Waters. Jones asserted she bought a lot of land from the Joneses about three months before they sold the same lot to Whitaker. Jones sued to confirm ownership. In 2 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2087 258 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Childress Realty Co. v. J. C. Ford, et al. Shelby Fraud

Addtl dfnts: Mrs. J. C. Ford, Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Bond, H. J. Holmes, and Harry S. Orr. Pltf. was a recognized real estate agency, and had secured the properties of Dfnts. Ford and Bond. After assessing the needs of both parties, pltf. suggested a property trade. After suggestion of trade, Bond withdrew offer and instead went through rival realty agency, Holmes Realty Co., to secure purchase, as Orr and Holmes are personal friends of Bond. Pltf. sued for commissions lost from the trade/sale. In 3 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2020 480 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 C. R. Royce v. Early Stratton Company Shelby Damages

The Early Stratton Company, acting as Royce's attorney and agent, "maliciously and willfully" sent out an original attachment against Royce; plaintiffs bank account was levied for several days and large orders and shipments of cotton were discommoded; credit was impaired and reputation brought into question; $50,000 in damages; Exs: notices back and forth between Royce and Stratton

 West Range: 77 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1991 338 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 C. H. Artman v. Bluff City Delivery Co. Shelby Damages

Artman employed by the Memphis Street Railway Co as an operator; Bluff City delivery truck "unexpectedly and negligently" turned onto McLemore Ave and collided with Artman's street car; front end of street car crushed; leg crushed and Artman hospitalized; $25,000 in damages; Ex: photo of street where wreck occurred

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2054 427 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 City of Memphis v. Joseph H. Trice Shelby Wrongful Death

8 folders. Joseph H. Trice was the administrator of the estate of Marion Ray Trice, his 7 year old son. Joseph sued the City of Memphis for $25,000 "for the death by drowning of the said Marion Ray Trice on March 24, 1928 in the ravine on the west side of Delaware street just north of West Colorado Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee." According to the case materials, Marion fell into one of the city drains and drowned "in a bayou near its entrance into the Mississippi River." Oversize maps at M-17-19

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2053 1125 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Dr. W. N. Pistole v. Hoyt R. Perry Shelby Debt Settlement

Pltf. sued to recover $100 due for services rendered to a "Miss Perry". Dfnt. claimed he wasn't liable, but pltf. had dfnt.'s signature on document promising to cover payment. Dfnt. appeal included.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2019 28 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Dean Paine & Co. v. H. Y . Britton Jr. Shelby Fraudulent Conveyance

H.Y Britton Jr. and his brother, A. H. Britton entered into a written contract with J. H. Parnell to buy a certain property in the City of Memphis- 2241 Madison Ave., for $6750.00. Britton inspected the property shortly afterward and took Parnell upon his word regarding the property lines. He later found out that Parnell had misrepresented the property lines and had perpetrated a fraud. The suit was originally brought in the Chancery Court asking for a rescission and cancellation of the deed and mortgage.

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2049 50 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Erwin Hicks Motor Co. v. Lester M. Poppenheimer Shelby Debt on Account

Pltfs. sued to recover $603.34 due for the remaining debt on an automobile (Nash Coupe 325, Serial R77066) purchased by dfnt. and 10% attorney fees. Ex. mat.: notes, buyer's statement, and notices of sale.

 West Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2086 87 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 E. L. Bruce Company v. U. S. Fidelity and Guaranty Company Shelby Breach of Contract

E. L. Bruce Company sued U. S. Fidelity and Guaranty Company for $3564.74 plus interest due to breach of contract . The defendant was a surety and bonding business that guaranteed the performance of a contract of N.F. Sweeney for logging timber for the plaintiff. However, Sweeney abandoned his contract and failed to finish his job.

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2037 197 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Edward Loving v. Miss Mollie Welch Shelby Debt for Rent

Pltf. sued to recover $66.50 for unpaid rent and the use of electric fan.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2019 31 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Falls Manufacturing Co. v. W. W. Barbour, et al Shelby Forgery

Pltf. sued after it was discovered a bill of lading issued by the Illinois Central RR Co. was fictitious and a forgery. Due to an Act of Congress, pltf. is entitled to recover the cost of the 6 bales of cotton initially "purchased" from dfnt., $597.66. Ex. Mat.: Copy of bill of lading, letters, telegrams, and notes. Addtl dfnt.: W. W. Barbour & Co. Housed in 2 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2020 259 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Henry Loring Clark v. Gramm Motors Inc. Shelby Debt for Wages

Pltf. sued to recover debt owed to him for salary unpaid between January and February 1929 while working as agent for the dfnt. corporation.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2018 223 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 H. N. Howe, et al. v. Kaucher, Hodges, & Co., et al. Shelby Debt for Wages

Addtl pltf: R. L. Rolfe. Addtl dfnts: George C. Kaucher, E. G. Hodges, The Baptist Memorial Hospital, Fidelity Bank & Trust Co., and F. M. Robertson. Dfnt. co. was engaged in business as general contractors. Pltfs. sued dfnts. to pay for the labor used in constructing the Physician's and Surgeon's Building for the hospital. Pltfs. asserted they are owed $3,550 for work done under the employment of dfnts.

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2029 146 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Isse Jay Scharff v. The Travelers Protective Association of America Shelby Insurance Claims and Policies

Plaintiff was a resident of Mississippi. Plaintiff claimed that he had an insurance policy through the defendant and that they refused to pay his $1250 claim for the loss of an eye. Eye was injured after an altercation with Alonzo Clifton Drewery. Numrous exhibits are included in the main case file. Housed in 2 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2023 528 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 J. A. Goodwin v. Herman F. Haisch, Trustee Grump and Trezevant Inc. Memphis Bond and Mortgage Company Shelby Debt, Balance on

The defendant Herman F. Haisch was contracted to build a duplex house on a lot of ground belonging to the complainant. By terms of the contract, the defendant was to pay the complainant $4,585. The duplex was completed but the complainant claimed that the defendant refused to pay the balance owed to him. Exhibit: log book. Note: 2 Folders

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2055 228 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 James H. Adams & wife Minnie E. Adams v. Shelby County Shelby Damages

The Adams sued for damages in the amount of $3000. Plaintiffs owned property in the Eppy White Subdivision in Memphis that they operated as a plant nursery. Plaintiffs claimed that Memphis and the State widened Poplar Avenue, taking a 25 foot wide strip of their lot without compensation to them for the land. Plaintiffs also claimed that some of their plants were destroyed in the process of constructing the road. Housed in 2 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 2076 245 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 John J. Lombardi v. Hunter Wilson Shelby Debt

Wilson sought $100 in legal fees for divorce case of Lombardi and wife

 West Range: 77 Section: 6 Shelf: Box Number: 2025 68 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 J. McDonnell, et al. v. Gertrude Amo, et al. Shelby Debt on Account

Addtl pltf: McDonnell Construction Co. Addtl dfnt: R. G. Amo and S. M. Williamson & Co. The dfnts. contracted with pltf. to build a two-story duplex on the northeast corner of N. Parkway & Stonewall Streets in Memphis. Pltf. asserted dfnts. Continually added extras to the building during the construction, raising the end price.After an exchange of credit, bounced check, promises of increased payment, and a claim of cash payment, pltf. sued to recover $9,161.34. Exhibits: receipts, etc. Estimate in WTOV6

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2023 960 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 L. J. Mathis v. Indemnity Insurance Company of North America Shelby Insurance Disputes

Plaintiff sued the defendant for $1650, the value of an automobile ("special six" Nash roadster) that was destroyed as the result of a collision with a train. Exhibits: receipt, insurance policies, photographs

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1998 131 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Lottie E. Skeen, admr. of the estate of John A. Hamlett v. Frank May Shelby Damages for Wrongful Death

Skeen sued to recover $25,000 in damages resulting in death after May struck Hamlett on Summer Ave. between Hillcrest and Malcom Streets in Memphis on May 25, 1927. Hamlett, as a result of the injuries sustained, was rendered unconscious, received bruises cuts, and lacerations to his body, paralyzed his body, and caused "as a direct and proximate result his mind became deranged". Hamlett died on July 8, 1927 from said injuries. Case asserted a woman was driving at the time, but is not named in the suit.

 West Range: 77 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1990 276 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Lee Hoffman v. State Shelby Liquor Violation

The case stated that the Deputy Sheriff of Shelby County had a search warrant for a "One-story frame pig stand and tourists cottages…being the premises occupied by Bungalow City Tourist Camp." While no intoxicating liquor was found in the pig stand or cottages, the deputy sheriff did find "29 pints of white corn whiskey and 12 pints of red corn whiskey" in a "field about 75 or 100 feet south of the premises." Hoffman operated the tourist camp with his wife on property rented from James Carrigan.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2006 130 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Lucia Gattuso, admr. v. Yellow Cab Company Shelby Damages for Wrongful Death

Gattuso is admr. of the estate of Petrina Gattuso, dec. The decedent was killed when she was struck by an automobile owned/operated by dfnt. around Fourth & Butler Streets in Memphis. Gattuso sued for $25,000 in damages. Petrina was 7 at the time of the accident. Housed in 2 folders. Additional files in WT1133.

 West Range: 77 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1992 300 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 M. L. Jones, et al. v. R. M. Hammond, for use. Shelby Compensation

Hammond for use of: J. P. M. Hammer & W. L. Castleberry. Jones, et al: Will A. Hall - individually - and both as Jones & Hall. Titled as appeal of Jones, but case originated with Hammond as pltf. Hammond sued for $2250 - his commission for the sale of 600 acres in Mound City, Crittenden County, AR to Charles G. Smith, for Ridgeway Farms. Hammond assigned Hammer and Castleberry all rights to commissions from Jones & Hall, thus sued for their use. Ex. mat: contract, letters, and notes.

 West Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2089 186 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Marie B. Sessum v. Ben L. Sessum Shelby Divorce

Pltf. filed for divorce citing multiple instances and events for cause, namely: an affair with Mrs. Barrenger at Braun's Hotel, an assault and potential rape of a "colored servant girl" (Louise Fabb), threats of killing pltf. and self, and a physical attack in March of 1927. The couple had adopted a child, Alfred Benjamin Sessum, of whom she sought custody. Alimony case included.

 West Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2089 145 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Mrs. Lula E. Pittman v. Missouri State Life Ins. Co. Shelby Insurance Claims and Policies

Ex. mat: various insurance documents ,photocopies of ins. docs., and photocopies of notes/letters. Pltf. sued to recover the insurance payout on a policy held by James E. Pittman (her husband). Oversize exhibit of insurance policy located in WT OV 7. 3 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2088 490 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 P & B Transfer & Storage Co. Inc. v. Elsie Lane Shelby Damages

Though not listed in the title, addtl dfnts: the Graham Paper Co., Inc. and J. C. Felsenthal. Pltf. sued for $25,000 in damages after she fell through a poor lit, open, and unattended elevator shaft. Falling to the floor below. Housed in 4 envelopes. Oversized map of building and an envelope that contained a photograph (Ex. B). Located in M-17-20.

 West Range: 77 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 2085 918 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Paul L. Horne v. Julian Rothchild, et al. Shelby Usury

Addtl dfnt.: Mrs. Rebecca Rothchild. Rothchild is variously spelled as Rothschild. Horne is variously spelled as Horn. Horn sued to recover an usurious interest charge from dfnts. Appeals included.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2019 96 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Phoenix Insurance Company of Hartford v. Fidelity & Deposit Company of Maryland Shelby Bond

Phoenix Insurance employed on S. L. Hobbs; Fidelity & Deposit executed and delivered to him an surety bond, agreeing to indemnity and protest as against any loss which it might "suffer through any act of embezzlement or larceny" with a penalty of $1000; Hobbs defaulted on bond and Phoenix Insurance lost $397.46; Ex A: copy of bond

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2030 110 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Producers & Refiners Corp. of Tennessee v. Harry Smith, et al. Shelby Debt Settlement

Addtl dfnt.: Mrs. Nellie Smith. Pltfs. sued to recover $1,304 from dfnts., as per the outstanding promissory note from dfnts. to pltfs.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2018 58 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 R. J. Ruffin, et al. v. Gas Research Co., et al. Shelby Debt for Wages

Addtl pltf.: Roy Zearing. Addtl dfnt.: Forest Products Chemical Company. Pltfs. sued to recover the balance on salary due per contract, and for "anticipated profits" had the dfnts. not breached said contract. Pltfs. were to promote the sale of Domesti-Gas in the Memphis region. The company breached contract by not providing the agreed upon education and instruction on equipment knowledge, plant construction, and equipment service. Housed in 2 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2018 271 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Shelby Roth Tire Company v. W. W. Gent Shelby Debt

A judgment was rendered against W. W. Gent for $99.95 in the court of J. H. McCorkle, Justice of the Peace for Shelby County.

 West Range: 77 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 2057 19 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 T. B. Edgington, et al. v. C. T. Hornbrook, et al. Shelby Compensation

Addtl pltfs: Hugh N. Edgington and Jesse Edington. Addtl dfnts: Crystal Malone, J. W. Malone, and Thomas B. Collier. Ex. mat.: letters, notes, requests, deposition of F. J. Rice in case of Hornbrook v. Collier. Pltfs. as Edgington & Edgington, received a a mortgage from dfnts. on a plot of land in Memphis. Pltfs. filed a bill on the land compelling Collier to pay all back and future taxes and sell to Hornbrook. Hornbrook sold to Collier. Pltfs. sued for $3K compensation and foreclosure. In 2 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2089 289 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 T. B. Passmore v. Memphis Commercial Appeal Shelby Damages

Passmore sought $50,000 in actual and punitive damages for the Commercial Appeal's "malicious, wanton and libelous action" on July 16, 1927; story written about Passmore and previous case was false and not factual Ex A: clipping from the Commercial Appeal

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2030 162 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 The Buckeye Cotton Oil Co. v. J. W. Skinner Shelby Debt on Account

Pltf. contracted with dfnt. (a dairy operator) for the purchase of high quality, dry cotton seed, known as "prime seed". Prices for shipments would vary on quality. Pltf. asserted due to quality of shipments during the cotton season of 1925-1926, they overpaid dfnt. by $838.04, and sued to recover the said amount.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2029 235 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 T. W. Williams v. Chapman & Dewey Lumber Company Shelby Breach of Contract

T. W. Williams is a resident of Bulloch County, GA. On March 18, 1929, the defendant made a proposition in writing to buy certain piling from complainant. Complainant sued defendant for breach of contract involving 2000 pieces of pine piling to be shipped to defendant at Register, GA.

 West Range: 77 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 2066 390 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Union Railway Company v. Remedial Finance Company Shelby Property Damage

The suit is to recover $500 for damage to an automobile, owned by the Remedial Finance Company and driven by Ellis Bowling. On February 20, 1926, the automobile was crossing train tracks when an engine of the Union Railway Company backed into the car. The "automobile was dragged a considerable distance, totally demolished and rendered valueless."

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2052 190 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 Will D. Lee v. J. A. Tonnahill, et al. Shelby Gambling

Addtl dfnts: Alabama Confection Company and Alabama Mint Company. Lee, as chief of the Memphis Police Dept., sued dfnts for violating TN's gambling laws. Pltf. discovered 27 slot machines within the city limits (names of bus. owners and addresses included in transcript) who claimed dfnt. as agent working for the benefit of himself and co-defendants. Slot machines were "Jennings Machines" and labeled as property of the dfnt. companies.

 West Range: 77 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 2020 81 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 William A. Brown and C. B. Schoolfield v. H. M. Wilson Shelby Debt

Debt was for $486 dollars for painting a house on Lewis Street in Memphis. Additional plaintiff: D. H. Potts.

 West Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2038 143 Order A Copy