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 | 1933 | Arch Pass, et al. v. Andrew Jones, et al. | Knox | Damages |
Additional defendant: Henry R. Gibson. Additional plaintiff: Mabel Pass. Plaintiff sued for $10,000 in damages when his wife was injured on the steps of a building that Jones was supposed to have fixed. See also ET 1459. |
East | Range: 10 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1418 | 123 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Alice Tollierson v. Tennessee Electric Power Company | Hamilton | Damages |
Plntff. sued deft. for $5000 damages. States that on 28 May 1931, as she was attempting to disembark from the street car on which she had been riding, she was seriously injured when the rush of boarding passengers caused her to lose her balance & fall from the steps to the ground. She charges the deft. with negligence in not providing handrails & in not instructing its employees to wait until all passengers have disembarked before permitting boarding to begin. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1462 | 58 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Alvin Ship, Trustee, et al. v. L. P. Rarick et al. | Hamilton | Taxation Disputes |
Plaintiff's name also spelled Shipp. Additional defendants: wife, J. H. Rarick. Additional plaintiff: Ohio Casualty Co. Defendants offered to pay plaintiff $23.35 for state and county taxes on property in said county. Plaintiff refused and demanded additional penalty of 7% on $23.35. Defendants objected to penalty and therefore plaintiff threatened to issue a distress warrant. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1460 | 85 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Alvin Shipp, Trustee of Hamilton County v. L. P. Rarick, et al. | Hamilton | Tax Collection |
This case was instituted for the purpose of collecting $1.88 penalties which had been paid under protest to the plaintiff, Alvin Shipp- the county trustee. A question was raised as to whether the deputy trustee was entitled to demand and receive 7% commission, 25¢ receipt fee when he collected taxes on defendant Rarick on 27 April 1932. Additional defendant: Mrs. J. H. Rarick, wife of defendant. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1463 | 46 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Auto Sales & Service Company v. Mrs. I. E. Shupe | Carter | Damages |
Plntff. alleges that on 29 Feb. 1931 the car driven by Mrs. Shupe collided with its car, which was being driven by Elmer Bowman & Matt Carr. Plntff. Is sued for $450 for damages to its car. There were 3 other lawsuits involved in this case. Bowman sued the deft. for personal injury; Carr sued for damage to his clothing & other damage. Mrs. Shupe sued for $10,000 for personal injury. Bowman & Carr's suits were heard in a Justice of the Peace Court. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1475 | 76 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | All States Life Insurance Company v. Irene Cook | Hamilton | Insurance Claims and Policies |
Defendant in error, wife of Moss Cook dec, aka Boss, alleges that the plaintiff in error has refused to pay the amount due under a life insurance policy held in her husband’s name. Said policy was taken out through Moss's employer, the United States Pipe and Foundry Company. Moss became permanently disabled and died in 1933 from bronchial issues. Exhibit material includes correspondence and insurance policy certificate and information. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1501 | 136 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | American Glanzstoff Company v. Marvin E. Carden | Carter | Workman's Compensation |
Mr. Carden alleges he was treating silk fabric with ammonia in a textile factory when he was overcome with the fumes, causing him to pass out, and hit his head on equipment. Most witnesses testify that the defendant seems "crazy" since the accident, however others testify that Carden had substantial drinking problem. Rather than injured from work, they suggest the injury was the result of drunken carelessness. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1503 | 35 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | A. W. Jackson v. A. C. Hollis | Hamilton | Replevin |
Plaintiff alleged that defendant, who was the deputy sheriff, illegally seized his vehicle. Exhibit: Deed of trust for automobile |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1521 | 35 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Annie Mae Thomas v. State | Hamilton | Assault |
Annie Mae Thomas, alias Jones. Plaintiff in error is accused of assaulting Ora Byrd with a knife. Details of assault are unknown. Plaintiff's petition for parole notes that pla. is 18 years old, has never before been charged with a crime, and has worked one job for, "one of our best families" for four years. |
East | Range: 10 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1552 | 15 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Avondale Farms Creamery Inc. et al. v. Leo Keith | Knox | Petitions for Certiorari |
Add. Pla: H. L. Finnessey and Ed Ghormley. This case evolved from a previous case where the pla. had a warrant issue against the def. for embezzling money and attempting to defraud the Avondale Farms Creamery. Defendant was a delivery truck driver and a review of his delivery book allegedly found several changed entries. The def. filed a cross bill seeking damages for humiliation and damage to his reputation. Exhibit materials include delivery and accounting records. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1472 | 393 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Albert Smith, Jr. v. Emmett Ramey | Sullivan | Debt |
Smith swore a warrant against Ramey for "Debt due to damage to Plaintiff's automobile caused by the negligent driving of the defendant [sic], in a sum under $500.00." Exhibit is a receipt for repairs made by a Kingsport Chevrolet dealer, W. A. [name torn off]. Court of origin identified as Law Court. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1488 | 39 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | A. F. Porzelius v. R. J. Cook | Hamilton | Damages |
A. F. Porzelius was driving down a highway in Murfreesboro and needed to make a u-turn. He signaled and began to turn slowly. At that moment, R. J. Cook appeared and struck Porzelius' car with his own. Porzelius sued for damages to his car and his person. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1504 | 118 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Arthur Workman v. State | Knox | Murder |
Plaintiff in error is accused of shooting and murdering Riley McWhorter. Testimony suggests that the plaintiff was carrying on a romantic relationship with Frances McWhorter, the wife of the deceased. Plaintiff lived at 2007 Luther Street in Knoxville. |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1520 | 152 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | B. Lichter, admr. v. William White & Company, Inc. | Shelby | Damages |
Pltf. was admr. of the estate of Julia Lichter. Addtl dfnts: J. D., Nannie, B. Belle, Hulda, and Nelsina Rollins; Letitia G., W. H., W. L., and L. R. Embrey; Mary H., J. W. Humphreys; W. A., E. C., and C. E. Bell; Maggie C. Skinner; Rosa Rooks; Eva May Heckman; Effie B. Bowles; and Agnes M. Compton. Ex. mat: letters of administration, will, letter, etc. Pltf. sued for $20K damages after Julia fell through the steps of a rental at 511 S. Cox St (Memphis) and eventually died from her injuries. 2 folders. |
West | Range: 77 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 2127 | 276 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Bristol Motor Company, Inc. v. C. G. Hicks | Sullivan | Damages |
Debt on damages to automobile, $100, due to automobile collision (a Buick Brougham sedan) in Bristol, Tenn., 2 April 1932. Defendant operated his vehicle at a speed in excess of 20 miles/hour, struck and damaged plaintiff's parked automobile. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1450 | 41 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Ben B. Heiskell v. American Service Corporation, et al. | Hamilton | Damages |
Frank Cotter, sales mgr. of American Service Corporation was accused of berating at gunpoint, and violently beating Heiskell, a man employed by the company to deliver ice and collect payment from customers. Cotter |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1487 | 154 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Bill Prince & George Smythe v. State | Hamilton | Liquor Violation |
The pair were found guilty of violating Prohibition. They were fined $150 each. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1506 | 19 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Blackwood Coal & Coke Co. v. O. T. Austin, et al. | Carter | Debt, Balance on |
O. T. Austin is accused of not paying bills for coal bought from Blackwood Coal at wholesale prices for the purpose of reselling at retail. Further, Blackwood accuses Austin of turning his assets over to his mother so he could not be held financially responsible to pay these bills. |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1527 | 350 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Bill Hayle v. State | Hamilton | Murder |
Bill Hayle is accused of killing eighteen year old Charlie Stewart, shooting him with a single barrel shotgun. Hayle testified that Stewart was a young bootlegger with a temper who employed foul language. The night of the shooting he was verbally ass- faulting Hayle and his wife, while brandishing a knife. Witnesses testified that Hayle suffers mental illness caused by pelagra. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1505 | 220 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | B. V. Miller v. Commercial Credit Co. | Shelby | Debt Settlement |
Pltf. sued for $500 debt, after the dfnts. failed to meet the provisions of the conditional sales statute (section 3666 of Shannon's Code), by failing to advertise plaintiff's car for sale within ten days of repossessing the same. |
West | Range: 77 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 2134 | 57 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Boyce Bailey v. Grace Bailey | Blount | Divorce |
Grace charged her husband with being almost continuously "drunk and carousing" since their marriage eighteen years ago. She suffered much anxiety, worry, and trouble during that time. Grace testified that Boyce sometimes had been violent; further, he "often had assaulted her and wickedly abused her." He often "flew into a rage and unmercifully beat her" after she corrected their two children (June and Jean) for a minor infraction. It also was sworn that Boyce kept company with lewd women. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1506 | 60 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Burnette Moore v. State | Hamilton | Liquor Violation |
Plaintiff in error, alias Ether Moore, is accused of unlawfully receiving liquor. Police searched plaintiff's home at 874 E. 4th Street in Chattanooga and found several containers of whiskey. Plaintiff's husband, Charlie Moore, had previously been arrested on the same charge. |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1522 | 122 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Bristol Grocery Company v. R. B. Moreland & M. B. Moreland Department Store | Knox | Debt |
The plaintiff claims that the defendant had a balance of $125.14 that had not been paid and was past due. Exhibit: Ledger, lists and checks |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1532 | 120 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Bessie Fridell v. City of Chattanooga | Hamilton | Damages |
Fridell sues for $5000 in damages after a wooden swingset owned by the city, in a city park, toppled down on her head. She was severely injured, her teeth damaged, and she lost a portion of her scalp. The cases cited as precedent state that municipalities are not liable in such cases. |
East | Range: 10 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1563 | 23 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Beecher Lawson v. State | McMinn | Robbery |
Plaintiff is accused of robbing Emmet Robinson of $25. Bills Stoops and Loyd Hagler were originally charged along with plaintiff. Robinson owns and operates a filling station in McMinn County and was tending to the station when the plaintiff, Stoops, and Hagler allegedly pulled in acting as if they were getting gas. The men then allegedly hit Robinson with a pistol and demanded money. |
East | Range: 10 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1552 | 177 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | C. B. Glenn v. Rose L. Fletcher et al. | Hamilton | Contract Dispute and Damages |
Please do not pull. Case in very poor condition. Cross & Hatfield partnership mentioned. Case concerns contract over building a hotel on Market Street in Chattanooga. |
East | Range: 9 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1082 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Chattanooga Traction Company v. Mrs. Dollie Lee | Hamilton | Negligence |
Lee sued the defendant for $2000 damages. Lee was a passenger on one of defendant's street cars in Chattanooga. When she attempted to get off at Pineville stop, the step was not in its usual position, causing her to fall to the ground. Plaintiff suing defendant for negligence in operating said street car while said step was defective. Court ruled in plaintiff's favor for $1000. Defendant appealed. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1385 | 107 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | C. H. Harvey v. Peter E. Blow, et al. | Knox | Other |
"This is a suit originally brought by C.H. Harvey against Knox Co. Road Commission to prevent the relocation and straightening of a public road through the lands of said Harvey." Very large case in multiple folders. |
East | Range: 10 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1433 | 641 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Railway Company v. R. W. Johnson | Hamilton | Injury and Damages |
Johnson brought suit against the railroad for damages to his automobile and for personal injuries received in a crossing accident in the village of Red Bank. He charged that he was injured because of the railroad's negligence in operating the train and that the train did not signal its approach to the crossing. Johnson's doctor testified to the severity of Johnson's injuries. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1461 | 58 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Chattanooga Boiler & Tank Co. v. Mrs. Rose Foster, et al. | Hamilton | Wrongful Death |
Mrs. Foster sued on behalf of her husband, Rufus N. Foster, who fell from a ladder while under the employment of Chattanooga Boiler & Tank Co. Housed in 2 folders. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1491 | 181 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | C. W. Yeary v. State | Hancock | Murder |
C. W. Yeary was accused of shooting an killing Obie Herrell. Herrell and friends came to Yeary's store at night and were causing trouble including verbally abusing Yeary and his wife. Yeary sentenced to 20 years for second degree murder. Appeals made, and governor petitioned for a pardon. 2 folders. |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1527 | 283 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | C. B. Ryan v. C. S. Reeder et al | Knox | Damages |
The defendants are stock holders in Lynnhurst-Resthaven Cemetery and purchased land. An audit of the company showed that they were deeply in debt. The plaintiff purchased stock from defendants, obtained control and investigated the situation. The plaintiff claims that the defendants did not fulfill their duties and that their mismanagement caused great harm and damage to the company. |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1532 | 76 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Charles Bowling, admr. v. Missouri State Life Insurance Company | Carter | Unknown |
Exhibit materials only. re: Charles Bowling, admr. v. Missouri State Life Insurance Co. Charles Bowling was admr. of Ruth Bowling Graham, dec. 23 June 1929. Ruth Bowling Graham had been an employee of American Glanzstoff Corp., Elizabethton. Defendants: Charles Bowling and wife, Emma Bowling. Exhibits include photostats of correspondences, time sheets, and canceled checks. |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1535 | 94 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Charles K Pickel, admr. v. McMinn County Farmers Fire Insurance Co. | McMinn | Insurance Claims and Policies |
Pickel seeks $1300 payment for a fire that destroyed his house and the contents therein. Deposition includes description of all household items, with Pickel explaining what each was used for. Excellent description of household of this era. The insurance company argues that the house actually belonged to Pickel's mother. |
East | Range: 10 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1556 | 129 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | City of Knoxville v. Frank P. Bowen | Knox | Damages |
Defendant in error is sued for damages related to a fall caused by a hole in sidewalk at 829 South Gay Street in Knoxville. Defendant complains that the plaintiff in error has negligently failed to keep up and repair the sidewalk leading to his fall. Exhibit materials include x-rays of the defendant’s leg and ankle, correspondence between the plaintiff and defendant, and a photograph and diagram of the sidewalk in controversy. 2 folders |
East | Range: 10 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1552 | 167 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | City Coal Company v. Tom W. Ireland | Hamilton | Debt |
Case used as a test case for multiple coal customers with large, outstanding bills. Ireland, and others named in similar suits were unable or unwilling to pay their coal bills. City Coal sued to recover the amount due them, plus court costs. Bills advertise that this company's coal does not produce clinkers. |
East | Range: 10 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1563 | 108 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Carrie Virginia McGregor v. Blue Bird Coaches Inc., et al. | Shelby | Damages |
Add. dfnts: W. H. Starnes and Oscar McCormick. Pltf. sued to recover $1,000 in damages after she was injured during a collision between a Blue Bird bus coach and an ice truck owned W. H. Starnes, and operated by McCormick. 3 folders. |
West | Range: 76 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 2179 | 564 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Clay Wilder v. Frank Bryan | Grainger | Negligence |
The defendant recklessly, unlawfully, negligently and in utter disregard for the rights of the plaintiff and other traveling public, left his truck parked across the highway after dark without any light or lights upon said truck. The plaintiff ran into the truck. |
East | Range: 10 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1441 | 52 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | City Water Co. v. Ray Crow et al. | Hamilton | Damages |
Additional Defendant in error: Mrs. Ray Crow. Defendant in error is seeking damages against the plaintiff in error for failing to supply water to 408 Lake Ave, by contract until April 22, 1932. Case file includes; “Ordinance to Provide for a Supply of Water for the City of Rossville," "Rules and Regulations of the City Water Co.," a 1923 plat map of Rossville, Georgia, a city water contract, and correspondence. |
East | Range: 10 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1440 | 129 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Cumberland Trust Company v. Schumacher's Department Store | Knox | Debt for Rent |
"Plea of debt due by Rent from Dec. 15, 1931 to Feb. 10, 1932 for premises at 319 - Wall Ave., Knoxville, Tennessee, under Five Hundred ($500) Dollars." Exhibits include ledger sheets, cancelled checks, correspondences. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1452 | 127 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Carl Moyers, et al. v. State | Jefferson | Larceny |
Other plaintiffs: Claude Brooks; Leonard Cox. For stealing 12 Rhode Island (Red) chickens from C. M. Creswell. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1463 | 31 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Cumberland Grocery Company, et al. v. Carrie Carroll | Anderson | Injury and Damages |
Other plaintiffs: Manard Henegar. Henegar was delivery driver for grocery co. He left his truck parked at night on Dixie Highway obstructing road. Truck did not have lights on. Carroll's husband, Dewey Carroll, was riding in car driven by Gerald Brummett. Lights from oncoming car caused Brummett to be unable to see truck parked in road. He was unable to avoid hitting truck & Dewey Carroll was killed in accident. Carrie Carroll was suing for $20,000. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1483 | 204 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Charley Wright v. State | Campbell | Murder |
Plaintiff in error is accused of murdering Sophia Hatmaker, wife of John Higgins (it appears they were separated). Plaintiff in error and Sophia Hatmaker were involved in a romantic relationship, but, according to Sophia's mother, Sophia had recently ended the relationship. Case file notes plaintiff in error is the brother of Dewey Wright and son of Henry Wright. |
East | Range: 10 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1457 | 106 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | City of Chattanooga & Ray Bryan Chief of Police v. State Ex rel John Henry Jones | Hamilton | Habeas Corpus |
Defendant claims he is being held without cause due to a governor’s warrant issued in Georgia for the charge of burglary. Defendant denies the charge and is seeking release. Exhibit materials include the original governor's warrant. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1486 | 25 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Chattanooga Baseball Company v. Wallace C. Bathman | Hamilton | Personal Injuries |
Bathman sued the Chattanooga Baseball Co. for $3,000 in personal damages sustained when he was hit in the ankle by baseball. Despite securing grand stand seats, plaintiff was forced to sit in temporary seating around the outfield. Housed in 2 folders. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1491 | 146 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Clayton Johnson v. State | Hamilton | Extortion |
Plaintiff in error is accused of extorting money from Earl Harpe through the threat of violence. According to Harpe, the plaintiff in error approached him while he was waiting on the corner of Seventh and Market streets for a street car to go home. Plaintiff in error allegedly motioned that he had a pistol, told Harpe that he had been looking to kill him, and demanded $50. Plaintiff in error further stated that he had a gang stationed in a car with machine guns watching over them. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1501 | 56 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Cambria Coal Company v. Malinda Davis | Anderson | Workman's Compensation |
Malinda Davis is sued Cambria Coal Company on behalf of herself and her children for Workman's Compensation benefits as a result of her husband Nasthan Davis' death who was killed on Oct. 28, 1932 while employed by the company. She sues for $5000.00 |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1519 | 132 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Claude Cook v. State | Hamilton | Motion for a New Trial |
This case file is a petition for a new trial in a case where plaintiff was convicted of drunk driving. |
East | Range: 10 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1555 | 10 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Dee Gross v. State | Hawkins | Breaking and Entering |
Add. Cause of action: Larceny. Plaintiff in error was originally a co-defendant with James Ward and is accused of burglarizing the home of Avery Abshire. Plaintiff in error is described as ignorant, uneducated, and having spent time in a penitentiary. Plaintiff in error initially admitted to the burglary but, according to police, was under the influence of alcohol. When he became sober again, plaintiff in error denied the crime. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1501 | 42 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1933 | Dave Fox v. State | Knox | Larceny |
Plaintiff in error was originally tried with Clyde King and Bill Lyle. Plaintiff is accused of participating in the burglary of Luther T. Watson's home located at 604 Emoriland Boulevard. Plaintiff lives at 112 W. Cumberland Ave in Knoxville. Plaintiff claims he only drove King and Lyle to Watson's home and did not know they were committing a crime. |
East | Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1520 | 34 | Order A Copy |