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 | 1944 | Alton D. Lynch v. Clara Lynch | Hamilton | Divorce | East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 136 | 198 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1891 | Andrew J. Seydell v. Ida Dickinson Seydell | Shelby | Divorce |
Both married in New Haven, Ohio (Huron Co.), 1 June 1876. Moved to Tennessee in February 1888. Hon. L. H. Estes, Judge, Circuit Court of Memphis. |
West | Range: 83 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 329 | 22 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1947 | Annie Wilcox v. George Wilcox | Knox | Divorce | East | Range: 6 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 274 | 53 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1943 | Anna Beall v. John Alexander Beall | Hamilton | Divorce |
Also concerns custody of minor, Charles LaVerne Beall. Exhibits include receipts, canceled checks, etc. |
East | Range: 6 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 401 | 97 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1911 | Albert Chinn v. Fannie L. Chinn | Fayette | Divorce | West | Range: 80 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1062 | 11 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1937 | Alma Cash Davis v. Harold Cash | Hamilton | Divorce | East | Range: 8 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 938 | 1060 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1914 | Anna Parker v. Sid Parker | Lauderdale | Divorce |
Couple married in 1902 and separated in 1908. No children listed. |
West | Range: 79 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1335 | 33 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1888 | A. F. Smith v. Emma S. Smith | Wilson | Divorce |
The Complainant alleges that defendant committed repeated acts of adultery with one Jesse Everrett. She contracted a venereal disease which she passed to complainant. Defendant denies the affair and says that complainant committed adultery with Matilda Davis and that he contracted the venereal disease through Matilda or some other "lewd woman." |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 728 | 110 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1915 | Annie V. Scott v. Roy R. Scott | Weakley | Divorce |
Annie Scott alleges that her husband got drunk frequently, verbally abused her and accused her of adultery incessantly. He spent all his money on whiskey. She remained a faithful and dutiful wife until August, 1914 when she separated from him. |
West | Range: 79 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1494 | 38 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1928 | Augusta de St. Aubin v. Albert de St. Aubin | Shelby | Divorce |
Couple was married in New Orleans on July 31, 1917. Couple had on daughter, Dorothy May de St. Aubin who was born in in 1922. plaintiff claimed that defendant had illegally obtained a divorce from her in 1925 in Tipton County although he never lived there Plaintiff also claimed that defendant had married Nina O'Neill King in 1926. Plaintiff asked for an absolute divorce as well as custody of their daughter. Housed in 2 folders. |
West | Range: 77 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1944 | 338 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | Albert G. Whiteman v. Mary L. Whiteman | Davidson | Divorce | Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 37 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1917 | Alice Longworth v. Thomas E. Longworth | Davidson | Divorce |
Additional parties: William Longworth, W. B. Cook |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 82 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1814 | Archibald Sloan v. Leanna Cox | Jefferson | Divorce | East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 55 | 16 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1888 | Alice Julian v. Isaiah Julian | Knox | Divorce |
In this divorce case, Alice Julian claimed the dfnt. was cruel, abusive, did not work, did not provide for her, and was committing adultery. |
East | Range: 19 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1844 | 17 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1944 | Alice Hodges v. C. R. Hodges | Sevier | Divorce |
Exhibits include b&w photographs on card stock, correspondences, court documents. |
East | Range: 7 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 517 | 370 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1945 | Alonzo Abney v. Elsie Abney | Hamilton | Divorce | East | Range: 7 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 510 | 106 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1895 | Annie Lee Mathews v. John P. Mathews | Lincoln | Petition for Divorce |
Plaintiff, Annie Mathews, sued for divorce from the defendant, John Mathews, charging him with "ill treatment, adultery with one Lizzie Hatcher, col.," and frequent accusations against her of infidelity. The case discusses the character and occupation of Lizzie Hatcher as a prostitute and the nature of the defendant's relationship with her. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1081 | 45 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1916 | Andrew Swift v. Agnes Swift | Shelby | Petition for Divorce |
The parties were married in July 1913 and lived together until October 1913 when the defendant wilfully deserted the plaintiff without reasonable cause. The plaintiff states he provided the defendant with all amenities and treated her kindly. |
West | Range: 79 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1501 | 171 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Ann Harry v. J. W. Harry | Knox | Divorce |
Ann Harry was married to J.W. Harry for around thirty five years. They had four children. The plaintiff charged that her husband was committing adultery with one Emma Myers. The plaintiff was also seeking alimony. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1721 | 150 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1938 | Althea J. Webster v. William C. Webster | Knox | Divorce |
Plaintiff asks for a divorce from the defendant, alleging that he has, completely without cause, "turned her out of doors" & failed to provide for her. She also asks the court to order the def.. to pay her weekly alimony; she also wishes to recover from him attorney's fees & court costs. The Websters married in Barbourville, KY about seven years before. Althea Webster 69 years old; William C. Webster seventy. |
East | Range: 9 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1280 | 102 | 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 | 1922 | Arthur Hill v. Della Hill | Shelby | Divorce |
Couple was married on Sept. 3, 1913 and separated on March 13, 1922. Arthur Hill claimed that Della Hill was committing adultery. Includes printed "Statement of Case, Assignment of Errors, Brief and Argument" filed by Della Hill. |
West | Range: 78 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1706 | 250 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1935 | Alma Davis [Cash] v. Harold Davis et al. | Hamilton | Divorce |
Plaintiff is seeking a divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment. Plaintiff complains that the defendant has abandoned her and their only child Martha Ann. At the time of the suit, Martha Ann is in the custody of her paternal grandparents. It appears that in 1933, and after the original divorce proceedings, the plaintiff married Hueling Davis who is prominently associated with the Ryan Consolidated Petroleum Corporation. |
East | Range: 10 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1541 | 54 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1877 | Auston Hooper v. Annie Hooper | Hamilton | Divorce |
Incomplete case file. Plaintiff sued for divorce on the grounds that his wife committed adultry with (no first name given) Shoemaker and that she refused to live with him. He also claims that he believes that she is keeping a bawdy house and a place of prostitution. No children were mentioned nor was the wife's maiden name listed. |
East | Range: 20 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1600 | 7 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1874 | Benjamin R. High v. Mildred L. High | Sumner | Divorce |
Parties were married in 1866. Mildred claimed that Benjamin abandoned her in April 1873. They had two young children. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 30 | 60 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1845 | Benjamin P. Persons v. Polly Persons | Montgomery | Divorce |
Petition against divorce, as his wife Polly had filed for divorce in Clarksville. He claims she is abusive and violent and threatened to pour melted lead in his ear while he sleeps. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 387 | 12 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1919 | Bessie Drake Wilson v. Robert Morris Wilson, et al. | Davidson | Divorce |
This case comprises boxes MT 534, MT 535, MT 536, and MT 537. 15 folders. Additional Defendants: Albert Lee, Mrs. S. M. Wilson, Richard T. Wilson and Richard T. Wilson, Trustee of Robert Morris Wilson. This suit sought a divorce, an allowance of alimony, and the custody of the child of complainant and defendant. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 534 | 3 | 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 | 1926 | Bertie Toler Sutton v. Earnest W. Sutton | Shelby | Divorce |
Parties were married on December 26, 1912 in Heber Springs, Arkansas and moved to Memphis in November 1922. They had one child, Earnest W. Sutton, Jr. Plaintiff claims defendant abandoned her and was asking for a divorce. Defendant denies her claims of abandonment and claims she committed adultery with A. R. Jones. |
West | Range: 77 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1789 | 113 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1858 | Belridge Sadler v. Nelson Sadler | Jackson | Divorce |
Defendant is also sued for alimony. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 277 | 37 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1946 | C. Bert Osborne v. Lucille C. Osborne | Hamilton | Divorce |
Exhibits include garnishment form. |
East | Range: 7 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 537 | 156 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1936 | Cora Jarrett v. James Jarrett | Hawkins | Divorce | East | Range: 8 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 888 | 38 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1935 | Charles E. Williams v. Mattie L. Williams | Hamilton | Divorce | East | Range: 8 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 900 | 21 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1910 | Charles R. Lockett v. Dora Lockett | Tipton | Divorce |
The parties were a married couple but the plaintiff sued for divorce on grounds of desertion by the defendant, who claimed the plaintiff drove her away because of his abuse and physical threats. |
West | Range: 80 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1213 | 58 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1910 | Carrie R. Wolf v. Jacob F. Wolf | Shelby | Divorce | West | Range: 80 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1237 | 289 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1877 | Callie New v. C. B. New | Cannon | Divorce | Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 38 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1896 | Carrie Young, in error v. William Young, in error | Davidson | Divorce |
Originally William Young filed for divorce, citing adultery. Carrie Young answered denying the charge and filed her own cross bill citing adultery. The circuit judge held Carrie Young guilty of adultery. They were an African American couple. Wm Young was head waiter at the Duncan Hotel andalso ran a restaurant for African Americans on Cedar Street with is wife. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1094 | 185 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1946 | Carl Rowles v. Doris Rowles Reynolds | Hamilton | Divorce |
Case also involves child custody issues. 2 folders. |
East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 133 | 310 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1945 | Claude Crabtree v. Mary Catherine Crabtree | Hamilton | Divorce |
Exhibits: deed transfers. Additional folders for this case are in ET box #727 |
East | Range: 7 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 512 | 517 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1838 | Catherine J. Chunn, etc. v. Joseph S. Chunn | Jefferson | Petition for Divorce |
Additional Plaintiff: Philip H. Nelson as next friend. |
East | Range: 7 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 636 | 265 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1911 | Cella Starks v. Lovely Starks | Haywood | Divorce |
Cella was the wife & Lovely was the husband. |
West | Range: 80 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1249 | 16 | 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 | 1940 | Doll Pullom v. Larry Pullom | Hamilton | Divorce |
Exhibits include transfer deed, 3 handwritten letters. |
East | Range: 6 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 409 | 69 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1913 | Dona Watson v. Henry A. Watson | Obion | Divorce |
Couple is listed as having one three-year old child at the time of their divorce. |
West | Range: 79 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1306 | 28 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1919 | Daisy Kent v. J. F. Kent | Hardin | Divorce |
Couple married in Hardin Co., TN, 26 Dec. 1905. Plaintiff alleged defendant "throughout their married life was cruel and abusive, and his cruelty and abuse grew worse until the separation occurred." "He failed to properly provide for the petitioner." "He made accusations against her in connection with the preachers or ministers in charge of their services, too vulgar and indecent to set out in this petition." One child born out of marriage - Jack Kent, "now nine years of age." |
West | Range: 79 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1414 | 127 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1876 | Ed C. Doyle v. Eliza Dix | Davidson | Divorce |
Named plaintiff is brother-in-law of Leonara Dix, step- child of Eliza Dix. Doyle is responding on behalf of Leonara to Eliza Dix's cross-complaint against her in this divorce case. Eliza Dix claimed that John Dix fraudulently conveyed a tract of land and some railroad & steamship stocks days before their marriage on Oct. 23, 1875. The ct. was asked to attach this fraudulently conveyed property & issue an injunction. Dix claimed it was property acqr. by her efforts living as his wife prior to marriage. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 29 | 135 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1919 | E. B. Wilson v. Edna C. Wilson | Davidson | Divorce | Middle | Range: 21 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 135 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1944 | Emma G. Champion v. Walter C. Champion | Hamilton | Divorce |
Simple divorce decree, sent to appeal over an issue with re-taxation of mistakenly deposited funds by the clerk of the court. |
East | Range: 6 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 373 | 64 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1897 | Emily Belle Crutchfield v. Edgar H. Crutchfield | Lauderdale | Divorce | West | Range: 82 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 530 | 55 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1947 | Eva W. Jennings v. Archie Jennings | Claiborne | Divorce | East | Range: 7 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 580 | 127 | Order A Copy |