Tennessee Supreme Court Cases

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View Entry Year Case Name County Cause/Crime Case Description Division Location # Pages Order
View Entry 1846 Alfred H. Wynne, exe., of Elizabeth O. Spiers, dec. v. Charles Spiers Sumner Wills, Contested Middle Range: 32 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 222 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1845 Alexander Williams, Valentine Sevier, Betsy Gass, exe's of John Gass, dec. v. William & Margaret Ross, Henry B. &Elizabeth Ross, Sarah Gass, Alexander Gass, George M. Gass, heirs of John Gass, dec. Greene Wills, Contested

John Gass, was legislator for a number of years & married a younger woman following the death of first wife. Following an injury from a horse riding accident, his heirs accused him of being mentally feeble. They sued because they wanted to void his will.

 East Range: 5 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 17a 238 Order A Copy
View Entry 1879 A. B. Beech, et al. v. Alvin Williams, exe. of Martin S. Stockard Maury Wills, Contested

Additional Complainant: Sarah S. Beech and S. B. Stockard

 Middle Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 41 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1949 American Trust Banking Company v. Clay Williams et al. Hamilton Wills, Contested

Additional Defendants: Roger Williams, Clara Williams, Vance Wrinkle, Stacy Wrinkle. 6 Folders. Additional Box Number: 332. Case includes deed of trust, power of atty, letters, and death certificate.

 East Range: 6 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 330 1383 Order A Copy
View Entry 1941 Allie Warner et al. v. Beryl Booth, exe. of M. C. Blair, dec. Washington Wills, Contested

Exhibits include previous case documents, handwritten letters canceled checks, , Add. Plaintiffs: Sue Ferguson, Marx Henderson.

 East Range: 6 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 388 803 Order A Copy
View Entry 1941 Alice H. Barton v. S. S. Preston, exe. of Mary Lee Hall, dec. Washington Wills, Contested

Exhibits include handwritten letters and postcards, canceled check.

 East Range: 6 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 435 530 Order A Copy
View Entry 1894 A. S. Reeves Sr., et al. v. W. Hart Reeves, et al. Trousdale Wills, Contested

Additional defendants: A. S. Reeves Jr. Defendants, the minor sons of A. S. Reeves Sr. and Martha (Mittie) Reeves dec., brought suit contesting their mother's will. They complained that at the time the document in controversy was written, their mother was legally and mentally incompetent. Martha Reeves died in 1879.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1020 289 Order A Copy
View Entry 1877 Armitage Taylor v. A. A. & J. D. M. Hatcher Overton Wills, Contested Middle Range: 20 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 62 165 Order A Copy
View Entry 1860 Anthony Allen v. Martha Sloan et al. Davidson Wills, Contested

Additional Defendant: John H. Sloan. Dispute involves a debt and property.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 299 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1884 A. C. Bryan, et al. v. Robert Chaney, et al. Sumner Wills, Contested

Additional Defendant: Sallie Bryan. Additional Defendants: William Turley[?], Sophia Turley[?], Edmond Hardy, Elizabeth M. Hardy, James L. Perrin, Susan H. Perrin, William Perrin, Samuel Mitchell, Tabitha Mitchell. Sallie Bryan and A. C. Bryan brought this suit claiming to have the will of Hillary M. Chaney, dec. that gave them title to a farm in Sumner County.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 591 610 Order A Copy
View Entry 1840 Andrew Galbraith v. Robert Wright& others Hawkins Wills, Contested

Robert Wright and others believe that an "instrument of writing" presented as the last will and testament of Arthur W. Galbraith is not real and should not hold up in court. Arthur Galbraith was an infant at the time of death and could not have valid will Others listed in suit are Priscilla Wright, John Sprowl, Malinda Sprowl, James Watterson, and Sarah Watterson.

 East Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1169 16 Order A Copy
View Entry 1854 Benjamin Corn, et al. v. Belsey Willis & John Bostick Coffee Wills, Contested

Additional Plaintiffs: Elizabeth Corn, Mary Bostick, Lewis Bostick, Fonsk Bostick, Albert Bostick, Nancy Bostick, and Little Berry Bostick. Case also involves debt and property dispute, plus child custody issues.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 247 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 Bettie P. Franklin, exe. James Franklin, dec. v. Bessie F. Reed & husband Sumner Wills, Contested

James Franklin of Gallatin died 1891. Bessie Reed and husband petitioned the court claiming that J. Franklin's will (her father) was "executed when he was neither of sound mind or disposing memory" and "was illegally, improperly, and unduly influenced". The first cases in 1893 resulted in mistrials. In 1894 a final trial sided with the def. James Franklin owned "Kennesaw" a 300 acre horse farm. The large case contains rich historical details as told through 87 personal testimonies. Includes summaries.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1052 485 Order A Copy
View Entry 1846 Bryan Ward et al. v. John Y. Roper Sr. et al. Sumner Wills, Contested

Additional Plaintiffs: E. P. Lowe, Matthew H. Ward, exe. of John W. Ward, dec. Additional Defendants: John Y . Roper, Jr. The deceased was married to Mary E. Ward, daughter of the defendant. They had 2 children, Mary and John, both under 10. The dispute in this case seemed to be over the guardianship and education of the two children. This case is located in MT OV 1.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: Oversize 1 127 Order A Copy
View Entry 1839 Benjamin R. Strong, exe. of Joseph C. Strong, dec. v. Charles Ready & wife, et al. Knox Wills, Contested

Plaintiff also executor for Jane Strong, deceased. Others mentioned: Ann E. Strong, Joseph L. King (Ann's guardian), P. Dickenson, J.C. Moses, Jane Strong. Slaves mentioned in will. Exhibits includes statements of first distribution & second distribution of estate, calculations, & receipts.

 East Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 71 51 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 1874 Benjamin Trent v. J. E. Starnes et al. Hawkins Wills, Contested

Additional defendant: H. S. Rogers. Plaintiff is the brother of Jesse Trent dec. Plaintiff states that after the death of his brother, a document purporting to be his last will and testament was admitted to probate court at the instance of the defendants. Plaintiff is questioning the validity of said will and claims that undue influence was exerted upon his brother in order to obtain its execution.

 East Range: 20 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1601 74 Order A Copy
View Entry 1873 Catherine Perritt et al. v. George Martin et al. Lewis Wills, Contested

Lewis P. Totty and John B. Grey contested the will of Harrison Totty, dec., February 3, 1858. George W. Martin & Matilda Totty were the executors. He left the majority of his property to his widow, but requested the balance of his property be sold and proceeds divided up. He left Perritt $5, however she died on September 22, 1873 before the case could be heard.

 Middle Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 23 154 Order A Copy
View Entry 1869 Coatney Ann Hatcher & J. D. H. Hatcher v. Joseph Taylor et al. Overton Wills, Contested

Additional defendants: William Reader, M. J. Taylor; dispute of will of Harris Hatcher, deceased See possible related case in MT 62.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 341 137 Order A Copy
View Entry 1884 C. A. French, et al. v. Frederick Borden, et al. Lincoln Wills, Contested

Will of William Neeld. Additional plaintiffs: Oliva French (wife of C. A.), William P. Neeld, Rebecca Neeld, Lucy Neeld, Manning M. Dean, Ida Dean (wife of Manning), Thomas J. Carter, James N. Cooley, Hannah Neld, Robert E. Neld, James Borden, Hugh D. Neeld, Ada Carter, Walter Carter, Earnest Carter, George H. Bradshaw, Nancy Bradshaw (wife of George), Margaret Carter, and William F. Fleming. Additional defendants: Jessie Neeld, Eva Neeld, Bertha Neeld, Harry Neeld, Mary Neeld, etc.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 639 62 Order A Copy
View Entry 1856 Caroline Wade v. Robert Cantrell & John Tubb admr. of William Wade DeKalb Wills, Contested

Plaintiff is appealing a will dispute over her husband's property, including slaves.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 265 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1858 Calvin S. Brown, exe. of Caswell Martin v. Samuel H. Jones et al. Maury Wills, Contested

Additional Defendants: William Porter, William Voorhies, David Lowell, Jesse Wells, Alexander Wells, Benjamin Dowell, John Hamilton, William Garney, and Martin Eawin.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 269 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1860 Caroline A. Young v. T. T. Watson et al. White Wills, Contested

Additional Defendant: A. J. Gamble.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 297 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1947 Claudie Gregory v. Nellie Gregory Susong, exor. of Minnie Gregory, decd., et al. Greene Wills, Contested

Additional defendants: D. A. Gregory, exor. of Minnie Gregory, decd., Andrew D. Gregory, Albert A. Gregory, Remer Gregory, Gano Gregory, Ivan J. Gregory, Nellie K. Gregory (Susong).

 East Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 590 282 Order A Copy
View Entry 1894 C. R. Badoux, et al. v. E. F. Badoux, et al. Davidson Wills, Contested

Add pla. unknown. Add def: R. G. and W. H. Badoux. Defendants were the sons of Kate Badoux who died in 1891. Defendants complained that the last will and testament of their mother was executed under undue means and by improper influence. Defendants stated that their mother was insane at the end of her life and spent time in the Cincinnati Sanitarium. Her illness was described as chronic dementia with mental impairment. Casefile notes that Ms. Badoux was originally from Lorraine, France. 2 folders.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 969 502 Order A Copy
View Entry 1939 Dock Fowler v. Mary Hampton, et al. Bradley Wills, Contested

Plaintiff suing as executor of estate of Belle Fowler, dec. Add. Defendants: Nancy Holder, Irene Hicks, Paulene Hixson, Henry Hagler, Jewell Morton.

 East Range: 7 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 635 23 Order A Copy
View Entry 1942 Dorothy McKinney Bussell v. Kenneth McKinney, exe. of A. J. McKinney, dec., et al. Loudon Wills, Contested

Additional Defendant: Mrs. Otzie McKinney. Exhibits: ledger.

 East Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 586 464 Order A Copy
View Entry 1882 D. W. Knight et al. v. James P. Adkisson et al. Cheatham Wills, Contested

Additional Complainant: A. Nork (?) Additional parties: Margaret R. Knight

 Middle Range: 20 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 54 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1877 Delphy Ann Small v. William Allen, exe. of William Travis, dec, et al. Stewart Wills, Contested

Additional Defendants: Coleman Travis, J. M. Travis, William Allen, Mary Allen, E. T. Bogart, William Man, Frances Man.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 565 114 Order A Copy
View Entry 1887 Dr. Edward N. Franklin v. Dr. John W. Franklin Sumner Wills, Contested

2 folders. John A. Franklin (dec.) left a will that divided his estate among his heirs in which E.N. Franklin is named as trustee. Bill filed over the authenticity of the hand-written will.

 Middle Range: 35 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 751 422 Order A Copy
View Entry 1917 Emma Nimmerfall, et al. v. M. E. Link, exe. Davidson Wills, Contested

Link is exe. of the estate of Mrs. Mary Kiber, deceased.

 Middle Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 114 2 Order A Copy
View Entry 1948 Edna Miller, et al. v. Lena Smith, et al. Campbell Wills, Contested

Additional defendants: Myrie McNeely. Additional Plaintiffs: Ulys Lineart. Two folders.

 East Range: 5 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 192 484 Order A Copy
View Entry 1854 Eliza Ann Hammer & Anna Hammer v. Samuel A. Hammer Maury Wills, Contested

Anna Hammer was a minor and daughter of plaintiff and was suing by next of friend W. H. Anthony. Austin W. Hammer, deceased and husband of Eliza Ann Hammer left his estate to his wife and daughter. The defendant was the executor and writer of the will that was being contested.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: Oversize 3 213 Order A Copy
View Entry 1927 Ed Hackworth et al. v. Willie Hackworth et al. Knox Wills, Contested

Add. Plaintiffs: Ed Hackworth, Bertha Gallaher, S. C. Calloway, William Calloway, Ellison Calloway, Carrie Blanche Calloway, Jno. R. Cox, Blair Hackworth. Add. Defendant: Annie Hackworth.

 East Range: 6 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 399 266 Order A Copy
View Entry 1947 Ed Haynes v. John Wayne Mullins et al. Union Wills, Contested

Deceased: Magge Haynes. Exhibits include promissory notes, correspondences, will. Add. Defendants: Ernest K. Mullins.

 East Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 589 299 Order A Copy
View Entry 1830 Elizabeth & Lennard Huff v. John Allen et al Cocke Wills, Contested

Deceased: Joseph Huff. Add. Defendants: Margaret Huff Allen, John & Charity Huff Smith, James & Linda Huff Ellington, Joseph Padget, William & Polly Huff Gilliland, Joseph Huff.

 East Range: 7 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 670 24 Order A Copy
View Entry 1936 Ellen Anderson Wright et al.v. Nell Wright Carpenter et al Hamilton Wills, Contested

Exhibits include correspondences. Deceased: Sydney B Wright.

 East Range: 7 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 769 385 Order A Copy
View Entry 1885 E. F. Tucker v. W. G. McDonald Wilson Wills, Contested

Over will of Samuel King McDonald, dec.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 637 62 Order A Copy
View Entry 1845 Elizabeth Thurston v. John Summnerford, et al. Lincoln Wills, Contested

Other defendants: John Roach.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 219 17 Order A Copy
View Entry 1851 Edward A. Mosley, et al. v. Samuel E. Gilliland& Matt Marshall Lincoln Wills, Contested

Additional Plaintiffs: James and Ann Finch. Case deals with a competing wills concerning slaves.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 232 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1916 Ellen McCline et al.v. McMurray Ridley et al Davidson Wills, Contested

Additional parties: Hanna Merritt, Bettie Merritt Nichols, Robert Nichols, Jesse Morgan, John Robert Nichols, Mary Ellen Nichols, William Henry Nichols Ellen Merritt, Mary Merritt, Susie Frierson. This case involves a former slave and raises the question of the legitimacy of her three children who were born in slavery.

 Middle Range: 21 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 163 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1860 Elizabeth J. Barton v. William Barton et al. Cannon Wills, Contested

Additional Defendants: James Taylor and wife Elizabeth and Joseph Ramsey and wife Hannah. Dispute involves debt, land, and slaves.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 313 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1822 Esom Graves v. Reuben Graves White Wills, Contested

Property includes a slave.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 335 23 Order A Copy
View Entry 1850 Elijah D. Robbins, et al. v. David C. Lewis Franklin Wills, Contested

other plaintiffs: Mary E. B. Robbins

 Middle Range: 33 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 388 88 Order A Copy
View Entry 1939 Edd & Phoebe Peters v. W. H. Popejoy Union Wills, Contested East Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 607 228 Order A Copy
View Entry 1906 Edward D. Rapp, exe. of Jacob Storz, dec. v. Frederick Jabob Storz & Sophia Baltt Storz Shelby Wills, Contested West Range: 80 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1033 472 Order A Copy
View Entry 1886 Frank T. Reid v. George A. Reid et al. Davidson Wills, Contested

Other defendants: Sophia Reid Chappell & A. R. Chappell; Bessie Reid, Eliza Reid, & Mariah Reid, minors under the guardianship of George B. Guild. The parties involved disagree whether a will entered into evidence is, in fact, the last will written by the deceased John Reid. Both docket numbers 11711 and 11911 appear on this case. Another case in the same box (Murray v. Cunningham) is marked 11910,11911.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 613 84 Order A Copy
View Entry 1860 Francis H. Gordon v. Alice Gordon et al. Wilson Wills, Contested

Additional material in MT 755. Additional Defendants: George Gordon, John Bowen, Mary Bowen, Milley Bowen, William Givens, John Bowen and wife Frances, Sarah Gordon, William Minton and wife Matilda, Matthew Gordon, James Gordon, John Bilbo and wife Sarah, John H. Gordon,Mary Gordon, Henry Givens and wife Elizabeth, Bythella Gordon, Jane Gordon, Williamella Gordon, William Moores and wife Nancy, Alice Moores, William W. Moores, Mary Wallis, Leonidas Wallis, and R. Gordon. Disputes of debt, land, and slaves.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 295 551 Order A Copy
View Entry 1875 Felix R. Smith, admr. of Jesse Smith dec. et al. v. J.D. Smith et al. Davidson Wills, Contested

Additional Plaintiff: Ezekial Smith. Last will and testament of Jesse Smith.

 Middle Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 358 148 Order A Copy
View Entry 1850 Ford v. Ford Johnson Wills, Contested

Landmark case describing basic civil rights of slaves. The significant decision by the Tennessee Supreme Court concerning the legal right of slaves to bring suit. The Supreme Court remanded the case for retrial and Justice Nathan Green wrote the court's opinion declaring slaves possessed "many rights which are inherent in man."

 East Range: 6 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 258 216 Order A Copy

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