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 | 1931 | American Surety Company of New York v. Fidelity Bond & Mortgage Company | Shelby | Breach of Contract |
Exhibits only, more files in WT2073 and WT2069. American Surety Co. sued for $53,975.24 for non-completion of construction on the Grand Lodge in Memphis. Early receipts list Medical Arts Bldg. as the receiver of notes/payments. Files marked on cover "Plaintiff's Exhibits Exhibit "A-30"". Housed in 6 folders. Folders organized to create efficient stacking in box. |
West | Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2090 | 976 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Armour Slover v. Henry Nohsey and Hugh Schwab | Shelby | Personal Injuries |
Slover was hit by a truck, owned by Nohsey and Schwab, while crossing Union Street in Memphis on March 8, 1929. |
West | Range: 77 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 2060 | 273 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Audrey Farr v. John Farr | Roane | Divorce |
John Farr sued for a divorce from his wife Audrey. They had only been married for 5 years when he suspected her being with other men. She admitted to having intercourse with George Jackson and stated that he was the father of her youngest child. Plaintiff suing for custody of the other 2 children and for defendant to be restrained from selling or disposing of the household goods and furniture. |
East | Range: 9 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1291 | 76 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | A. G. Ivey & Effie Ivey v. O. S. Solomon & Mary Solomon | Knox | Debt |
The Solomon's were sued the Ivey's for $36.80 debt due by rent, light and water bill and plumbing repair. Court ruled in plaintiffs' favor for $3.80. Plaintiffs appealed. Dispute over $25, which the Iveys claimed was paid to Solomons to apply on a rental contract, whereas the Solomons claimed was paid as a bonus for removing the former tenant. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1358 | 46 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Alteman Bros. v. Pizitz Smolian Corp Stores | Hamilton | Debt on Account |
Alteman Bros. claims that Pizitz Smolian Corp Stores owes $453.60 on an account for goods, wares, and merchandise sold and delivered to them. |
East | Range: 10 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1443 | 68 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Allen Rhyne et al. v. Southern Railway Company et al. | Knox | Damages |
Truck plaintiff was driving was struck by a train owned and operated by plaintiffs. Plaintiff alleges negligence and seeks damages. Judgment for plaintiff, reversed on appeal. Additional Plaintiff: U. A. Rhyne. Additional Defendant: Charles O. Fraley. More of case can be found in box ET 1336. |
East | Range: 6 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 333 | 478 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | A. L. Bowman v. Home Insurance Company of New York | Decatur | Insurance Disputes |
Bowman had an insurance policy with the defendant for the loss by theft and fire of his automobile. The car was stolen but the insurance company refused to pay the claim. |
West | Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2036 | 74 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Annie Church by next friend T. J. Church v. E.C. Offinger et al. | Carter | Personal Injuries |
Additional defendants: Mrs. E.C. Offinger and East TN Limestone Quarries. Plaintiffs sued for $5000 damages for personal injuries. Annie Church worked for the Bemberg Plant and was being carried in passenger car when a large truck belonging to the defendant ran a red light and hit the car, inflicting her with permanent injuries to her head, face, and body. |
East | Range: 9 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1291 | 89 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Adam Bunch v. State | Anderson | Liquor, Sale of Illegal |
For selling liquor within 4 miles of a schoolhouse. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1315 | 53 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | American Bakeries Company v. James Owens | Hamilton | Negligence |
Owens sued the American Bakeries Co. for $5000 damages. Owens was driving towards Chattanooga on what was known as the Suck Creek Road or Cherokee Trail when the def. car came around a curve on the wrong side of the road at fast speed, colliding with plaintiff's car. Plaintiff suing for demolished car as well as for personal injuries, including 2 fractured ribs and 15 stitches on his left hand and wrist. Exhibits include 3 photographs of crash scene. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1366 | 138 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Bessie Dalehite v. National Funeral Home, et al. | Shelby | Damages |
Addtl dfnt: J. L. Carlisle. Pltf. sued for $50,000 in damages after she was hospitalized and unconscious for weeks after being struck by an ambulance owned/operated by dfnts. Pltf. was exiting a street car on Madison Ave. when the ambulance, responding to a call on Poplar Ave. recklessly drove around the streetcar, striking pltf. Ex. mat: personal medical history of hospitalization for Mrs. S. C. Dalehite following accident. In 3 folders. |
West | Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2107 | 559 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Bernice Johnson v. Sam Padawer, et al. | Shelby | Damages |
Addtl dfnts: Sarah Padawer, Wiley B. Brown, and Cora Brown. Pltf. was an invited guest to Brown residence at 1299 Adelaide St. in Memphis. Upon her arrival, going up the front steps, pltf. stepped through a porch step and was injured. Pltf. sued for $2K in damages. |
West | Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2101 | 162 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Blanche Pittman, et al. v. Meyer Sundock, et al. | Shelby | (unknown) |
Addtl pltfs: W. C. Pittman. Addtl dfnt: Mrs. Meyer Sundock. Pltf. was permanently and badly injured in an automobile accident with the dfnt. around Chelsea Avenue and Second Street in Memphis. She was pulled under the dfnts.' car, lacerating her face and body, breaking bones, dislocating joints, and impairing vision in her right eye. Ex. mat.: Photographs. In 3 folders. |
West | Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2097 | 449 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | B. I. Lewis, admr. v. Dr. S. F. Casenburg | Knox | Negligence |
Missing first volume. Plaintiff is the administrator of Mrs. Lucy Lewis dec., who was a patient of the defendant. The defendant is charged with negligence for carelessly burning the deceased on the front part of her body, which caused injury to her skin and internal organs while giving treatment. He was treating her for a skin condition and failed to properly diagnose her and therefore gave a too frequent and high intensity X-ray treatment. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1344 | 346 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Burrell Badgett v. State | Knox | Liquor Violation |
Plaintiff in error is charged with violating the Bone Dry law by transporting liquor into and within the state of Tennessee. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1355 | 13 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Burt Short v. George T. Suggs& Dorothy Catherine Suggs | Hamilton | Damages |
Pla. in error and several other people picked up Def. in error Dorothy, daughter of Def. George, at her home. The group was driving on the government road leading from Chattanooga to Ringgold when Pla. allowed another unexperienced driver to take the wheel of the car causing the car to turn over and greatly injure Def. Dorothy. Def. are seeking damages for injuries resulting from negligence. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1371 | 173 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Bill Castle v. State | Sullivan | Violation of Age of Consent |
Bill Castle was charged with violating the age of consent because of his relationship with one Lola Carter. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1372 | 92 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Birmingham and Northwestern Railroad Company v. Economy Cash Store | Dyer | Debt |
Debt due for damages to goods. |
West | Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2036 | 32 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Buford Cole v. State | Sevier | Assault, Felonious |
Pla. in error is accused of stabbing Charlie Dodgin with a pocket knife with intent to kill. Pla. in error, his wife, Otha Reagan, and Dodgin spent the night at Skiyuki Inn, which is described as a restaurant and soft drink stand. During the night, all of the parties consumed whiskey. After Pla. in error fell asleep, Dodgin and Pla.'s wife got into an argument and struck each other. Upon learning this, the Pla. in error went to Dodgin and stabbed him. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1325 | 37 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | B. P. Curtis et al. v. State ex rel. J. M. Moreland | Carter | Contested Election |
Incomplete case. Briefs, amendment, and stipulation only. Additional defendants: R.T. Johnson Jr. and C.J. Range. Moreland was a candidate for the office of Sheriff in the 1930 election. Moreland charged def. (election commissioners) with fraudulently altering the returns from the election in order to elect W.J. Fair, another candidate. Moreland sought mandamus to compel the def. to recount and certify the true result. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1333 | 178 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Bob Burkett v. State | Hamilton | Liquor Violation |
The defendant was charged with transporting more than one gallon of liquor that was more than 0.5% alcohol and selling it within four miles of a school. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1354 | 41 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Claude E. Perry v. Kentucky, Tennessee Light & Power Co. | Weakley | Damages |
Perry sought $50,000 in damages for his 17 year old son's (Dale Perry) death after he touched a supposed broken, or "dead" electric wire that was running through his property in Weakley County |
West | Range: 77 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 2056 | 360 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Clark Brothers v. Ruth Renegar Whittemore | Hamilton | Damages |
Ruth Whittemore sued Otis Brothers Furniture Company for $5000 damages. Defendant was the owner of a retail installment furniture house. Pla. sued def. whose agent entered her house while she was at work and took her living room furniture, causing her financial damage and loss to her credit standing and violated her right of privacy as well as humiliated her in front of the neighborhood. She charged that she did not buy said furniture from the defendant and so had no right to take it. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1309 | 74 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Callie Key, admr. of John Key, dec. v. Morris Bart, et al | Hamilton | Damages |
Additional Deft.: Herbert Brodey. Brodey son-in-law of Morris Bart. Plntff., widow of John Key, sued for $10,000 damages. States that on 27 Jan. 1930 her husband, an employee of the Dept. of Hwys & Pub. Works of the State of TN, was struck by a car driven by Bart as he was dumping & leveling chert on the road. He died about an hour later. Brodey had loaned Bart the car. Mentioned: Dora Mae Key, Millie Key & Ruby Bill Key, minor children of John & Callie Key. 2 Folders. Exhibits in Folder 2. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1315 | 167 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Couch-Jones Chevrolet Co. et al. v. Clyde Trew | Hamilton | Debt |
Additional plaintiffs: Newton Chevrolet & General Motors Acceptance Corporation. Debt dispute for $350 over unpaid bill and reparations after repossessing a car. Exhibits include contract of sale, notice of sale at public action and several letters regarding Trew is overdue on monthly payments. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1324 | 123 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Clarence Nelson v. C.R. Hardin | Hamilton | Negligence |
Hardin sued Nelson for $2500 damages caused by negligent driving. Hardin was crossing Rossville Boulevard, when the defendant carelessly and negligently ran his car into Hardin. Hardin suffered from painful lacerations and a shock to his nervous system, which prevented him from working. Hardin alleged that Nelson was driving over the speed limit and on the left side of the street. Court ruled in Hardin's favor for $2200 damages. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1336 | 127 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Chattanooga Finance Corporation v. J. S. Parker | Hamilton | Unlawful Seizure |
sued for the defendant unlawfully taking out of their possession and detaining from the defendant one Ford Roadster automobile. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1342 | 19 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Cora Tidwell v. Chattanooga Boiler & Tank Company | Hamilton | Workman's Compensation |
Tidwell's husband, W. R. Tidwell, entered into contract with defendant and was sent to Ohio; he suffered an accident during work from which he died. He made $22.50 a week and Tidwell was sued for compensation of $6.75 a week for a period of 400 weeks. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1347 | 80 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Charles Kennedy & Clarence Bridges v. State | Hamilton | Murder |
Plaintiffs appeal murder conviction in the death of Ed Hogue. Few details. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1372 | 15 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | C.W. Frye v. Southeastern Express Company | Shelby | Breach of Contract |
The plaintiff shipped one bird dog from Finger Tennessee to Fort Plain, New York. While the dog was in the possession of the defendant the dog was injured and by reason of such injury became worthless and thus breach its said contract. |
West | Range: 77 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 2063 | 38 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | C. C. Rogers and Mary Jones v. State | Henry | Liquor, Unlawful Transportation of | West | Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2045 | 53 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1931 | Charles S. Drane v. Ducks Quack Corp. | Shelby | Debt |
Drane sought $413.61 in debt for personal services given to Ducks Quack Corp. Ex: testimony of plaintiff |
West | Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2030 | 29 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | C. E. Rogers v. Independent Life Insurance Company | Hamilton | Defamation |
In 1930, the plaintiff was an agent of the defendant and had been for many years, writing insurance policies and collecting premiums. He made a weekly deposit of $2.00 to the defendant, intended to hold them safe from any misappropriation of money from premiums. When the plaintiff quit, the defendant had $140 belonging to the plaintiff, to be returned with interest. Plaintiff alleges the defendant falsely composed defamatory libel to prevent the plaintiff from collecting his funds and damaging his name. |
East | Range: 9 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1297 | 1189 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Cora Westfield v. Tennessee Electric Power Co. | Hamilton | Personal Injuries |
Westfield sued for $5000 damages for personal injuries. Plaintiff was getting off of the defendant's buses when the bus rolled forward and the plaintiff was knocked against the side of the bus, injuring her hip and wrenching her back. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1300 | 88 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | C. C. Gilley v. Tennessee, Alabama,& Georgia Railway Co. | Hamilton | Damages |
2 folders. Casefile also includes, "Maude Gilley v. Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway," and "Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway v. Allie Joe Gilley, Louise Gilley and Irene Gilley." C. C. Gilley was operating his automobile on Hooker road where the train tracks of the Def. cross the road. When he attempted to cross the tracks, his car hit by a train. Pla.'s wife and children who were also in the car were injured. Pla. claims Def. was negligent in its operation of it train cars. Diagram included. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1302 | 285 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Clyde Edward Hunt, by next friend Evans Hunt v. Blue Diamond Coal Company | Claiborne | Workman's Compensation |
Clyde, a minor, sued Def. for compensation, alleging he was injured while loading coal in Def.'s coal mine in Eagan, TN, on border of Claiborne & Campbell Counties, but didn't file suit until 3 yrs after injury, so suit dismissed. SC affirmed: time limit for suing not extended for minors. Clyde's dad worked in mine with him. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1307 | 22 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Charlie Ginn v. State | Hamilton | Manslaughter |
Pla. in error is accused of committing manslaughter against Otis Atkerson. Pla. in error was allegedly under the influence of alcohol while operating a vehicle. Atkerson was a passenger when Pla. in error lost control of said vehicle on Brainerd road causing it to crash and ejecting and killing Atkerson. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1330 | 27 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Cincinnati, New Orleans,& Texas Pacific Railway Co. v. Sarah Hicks admr. of Ben Hicks dec. | Scott | Damages |
Ben Hicks was killed after being struck by a rail car owned and operated by the Pla. in error. Def. in error believes that the rail car did not have a proper lookout, did not attempt to stop and did not blow a warning whistle to alert Mr. Hicks. Def. in error is seeking damages for negligence. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1334 | 84 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | City of Elizabethton v. Hugh Chambers | Carter | Ordinance Violation |
Defendant was charged with unlawfully operating an automobile in said city without a license tag, violating the city ordinance no. 178. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1355 | 48 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | C. C. Carr v. Physicians Mutual Health& Accident Insurance Company | Carter | Debt Dispute |
Carr sued the insurance company to recover on his policy. Carr was a physician stationed at Elizabethton. While Carr's policy was in effect, Carr became paralyzed in his feet, legs, and hands. Defendant paid him $479.92-the amount due him for March to May 1930. Defendant refused to make further payments that plaintiff was entitled to for May to September 1930. Plaintiff suing for $1826.61. Court ruled in pla. Favor for $1350 and an additional $100 per month as long as he was totally disabled. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1359 | 89 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Charlie Gregory v. State | Scott | Liquor, Unlawful Transportation of |
Plaintiff in error is accused of transporting liquor. The original case also included Lizzie Wyatt as a defendant. Wyatt runs a restaurant and lunch counter out of her home. Plaintiff in error claims he stopped at Wyatt's to get out of the rain when Wyatt gave him the keys to her cellar and asked him to lock it. While in the cellar, Plaintiff in error found and picked up a jar of whiskey. A constable who had been watching the house confronted and eventually arrested Gregory. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1355 | 26 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | City of Chattanooga, et al. v. Mabel Evatt by next friend C. M. Evatt | Hamilton | Injury |
Mabel, a minor, sued the city and the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Railway for negligently permitting an excavation to be open without barricades. She was the passenger in a car that plunged into the hole. Mabel was seriously injured and "rendered a cripple for life." Page count does not include numerous oversize street blueprints and a LARGE color-washed street map. Two photographs. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1365 | 360 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Dock Trusley v. State | Hamilton | Liquor, Unlawful Transportation of |
For transporting four 5-gallon cans of corn whiskey in his 1930 Oldsmobile Roadster cabriolet (which was wrecked running from the police). |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1843 | 85 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Dewey Metcalf v. State | Knox | Assault |
Plaintiff in error is accused of assaulting Walter P. Russell. Plaintiff and Russell were at the home of Ade Gray in Back Alley. Gray was intoxicated and the two were trying to get him to go to bed. The Plaintiff and Russell began arguing when Plaintiff allegedly cut Russell with a knife. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1376 | 34 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | D. F. Varnell & Lottie Varnell v. Chattanooga Sash & Millwork Company & Luther Byrd | Hamilton | Damages |
Varnell is sued the defendants for the damages of $2,500 for an automobile accident. Varnell claims that he and his wife were both physically injured when Byrd who works for Chattanooga Sash & Millwork collided with them. |
East | Range: 10 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1447 | 168 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Daisy Hall v. Willie Hall | Shelby | Divorce |
Willie and Daisy Hall (alias Daisy Robinson), married in 1930 in Memphis. Daisy accused Willie of cruel and inhuman treatment and said it would be unsafe for her to continue living with him. Willie alleged that Daisy was a bigamist, and the abuser, and said their marriage in 1930 was not legal. Daisy had one child, Sara Henry (born out of wedlock with another man who she never married), who was married at the time of this court case. 2 folders. |
Range: 77 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 2055 | 108 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1931 | Dolly Crane v. State | Hamilton | Liquor Violation |
Cause of action: Guilty of possessing liquor, $100, and cost-bond fixed at $250.00 and five days allowed to file motion for new trial. This file contains only transcript of case file. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1381 | 13 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Edward M. Kinney v. Parke, Austin & Lipscomb Inc. | Shelby | Debt |
Debt is for a set of "books about the war." Kinney stated that "Simon & Carmody, told him that for every ten sets they sold they would give a set away, stating that it would be an advertisement for their benefit." Kinney claimed that they gave him the set of books for free but asked him to sign the same contract as any other individual would sign if they were buying them. Parke, Austin & Lipscomb was a company in New York. |
West | Range: 77 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 2059 | 196 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | Earl Baker v. State | Cumberland | Larceny |
2 folders. Plaintiff is accused of stealing the personal property of Rufus Martin, Neal Martin, Victor Martin, and Francis Martin, including 2 steers, and 3 heifers. The Martins are siblings and in the cattle business together. Baker lives close to where the sibling's cattle are kept, described as Meadow Creek Falls. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1302 | 236 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | E. O. Guler v. Clary's Rent-A-Car System | Hamilton | Damages |
In 1930, the plaintiff was a passenger in one of the defendant's taxi-cabs. The cab operator and agent of the defendant, Jack Day, wrongfully and violently assaulted the plaintiff, striking him over the head with a pistol. The resulting injuries caused the plaintiff to miss work and compile significant medical bills. Plaintiff sued for damages in the sum of $5,000. |
East | Range: 10 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1329 | 93 | Order A Copy |