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 | 1945 | A. J. Fair, et al. v. City of Elizabethton | Carter | Election Dispute |
Pl's: Ralph & Robert L. Perry, S. B. Hale, L. K. Kenney, R. Ledford, Earl Belvins, Lexie C. Moss, R. M. Erwin, Fred T. & William Taylor, & all residents of Elizabethton. Defs: R. B. Moreland, P. P. Bain, M. W. Snell, S. G. Myers. The city held a vote for a "beer referendum" deemed a "straw vote," that incurred many fees due to advertisements & other expenses. The plaintiff sued to ify the vote, & to prevent any further taxes or fees being imposed. |
East | Range: 5 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 15 | 97 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | A. J. Barton, et al. v. L. Lett, et al. | Weakley | Election Dispute |
Election issues involving the town of Greenfield and its' municipal election of 1891. |
West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 365 | 16 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1895 | Alexander N. Moore v. W. H. Caldwell | Obion | Contested Election | West | Range: 82 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 623 | 155 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1938 | Alan S. Kelly v. W. M. Ables, County Judge | Marion | Election Dispute |
Kelly wanted a vote on a school-building bond issue declared invalid because (a) no election was held at 11 of 29 polling places in the county and (b) omitted from the ballot were instructions to mark the appropriate square opposite the question. Exhibits include official ballot, newspaper clipping reporting election results by precinct, and letter from the regional director of the [Public Works Administration] which built airports, dams, schools, warships & bridges during the Depression. |
East | Range: 9 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1116 | 48 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1872 | A. K. Rhineheart et al. v. George A. Cate et al. | Election Dispute |
Case originated in James County. Too many additional plaintiffs and defendants to name. Surnames include Watkins, Priddy, Talley, Anderson, Clouse, Johnson, Eldridge, Dickson, Webb, Conner, Curney, Haring, Servis, Hunter, Gerald, Regal, Mathis, and Fitzgerald. After the formation of James County, a vote was held to establish the location of the county seat. Plaintiffs complain that defendants, wishing to establish the James County seat in Ooltewah instead of Harrison, withheld 64 lawful votes. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1213 | 37 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1894 | Alex N. Moore v. W. H. Caldwell | Obion | Election Dispute |
Both Moore and Caldwell were candidates for County Judge in an August 1894 election. Caldwell received more votes than Moore. Moore argues that the ballots that were used for Caldwell were not valid and should not be counted. The ballots that are in question have been presented as evidence in this case. They were with the case in a separate bag. The bag and the said ballots are in their own folder in Box 595 and have been labeled as such. Case files are in multiple folders. |
West | Range: 82 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 595 | 523 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | Boring v. Griffith | Contested Election |
Incomplete case file; brief for defendant. Concerns an election for sheriff. |
East | Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 6 | 2 | Order A Copy | ||
View Entry | 1909 | C. C. Ogilvie et al.v. James Brett Jr. et al. | Shelby | Election Dispute |
Additional defendants: A. B. Carter, T. O. Vinton, O. I. Kruger, G. B. Malone, C. J. Haase, P. H. Pehlan, W. C. Edmondson. A. B. Carter, T. O. Vinton and James Brett Jr. constitute the Board of Election Commissioners of Shelby County, Tennessee. Additional Plaintiffs: E. A. Neeley and J. M. Steen (included upon amendment). Suit concerns the election for members of the Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools. |
West | Range: 80 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1146 | 186 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1885 | C. H. Slack, et al. v. the Mayor & Aldermen of the City of Bristol | Sullivan | Election Dispute |
Case incomplete: briefs only. Case concerns the South Atlantic and Ohio Railroad Company and John M. Bailey. Case of action: the validity of a referendum held by the city about the construction of railroad. Also see ET 1878 for additional case pages. |
East | Range: 9 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1086 | 246 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1937 | Dr. A. W. Lewis v. Dr. H. P. Hyde, et al | Polk | Contested Election |
Dr. Lewis was elected jail physician of Polk county, before his term was up, Dr. Hyde was elected to replace him by and approved by W. V. Davis. Dr. Lewis says the election was unlawful Additional Defendant: W. V. Davis, County Judge |
East | Range: 8 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1028 | 92 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1921 | Dr. D. W. Bolton et al. v. Miss Charl Williams et al. | Shelby | Election Dispute |
Additional plaintiffs: Mr. B. L. Weller. Additional defendants: J. L. Powell, J. H. Aycock, W. B. Klinke, S. Y. Wilson, and George McSweyn. Case concerns the Elementary School Board of Shelby County. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 469 | 162 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1942 | Earl A. Wilkerson v. J. A. Cathcart, et al. | Blount | Election Dispute |
Wilkerson sued Cathcart, G. E. Garner, & Charles A. Reed; all parties in the suit having run for Justice of the Peace. There was an error in tallying of the votes, & Wilkerson filed a petition to have a recount. |
East | Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 7 | 60 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1842 | Elisha Thomason v. Joseph Rich, Chairman | Grainger | Election Dispute |
Elisha Thomason was the county sheriff, but failed to collect taxes and fines as required by his office. Thomason sued for the right to remain in office while fees were collected. |
East | Range: 5 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 21 | 5 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1939 | Edwin E. White, et al. v. C. S. Tollett, et al. | Cumberland | Election Dispute |
"Motion to Dissolve Injunction and on Amendments." Folders of this case are in multiple boxes: ET box # 709, ET 711, and ET 713. Additional Plaintiffs: B. L. Duncan, Abram Nightingale, H. M. Randall, J. V. Wright, Mrs. J. S. Bowden, C. C. Haun, J. O. Griffin, George Brookhart, Harry Sabine, Eugene Smathers, A. H. Hall, W. M. Victry, Emma F. Dodge, Elizabeth Fletcher, etc. |
East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 135 | 233 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1909 | Edward H. Crump v. James H. Malone et al. | Shelby | Election Dispute |
Defendant James H. Malone is mayor of Memphis and former member Legislative Council. Additional defendants: John T. Walsh, E. G. Henning, H.T. Bruce. Crump served as mayor of Memphis 3 two year terms. Influential in politics for nearly fifty years. Edward Crump was officially elected Mayor of Memphis in Nov. 1909. He beat out J. J. Williams who went to the Legislative Council and contested the election of Crump. Crump charging that Legis. council. has no authority to determine outcome of election. |
Middle | Range: 34 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 715 | 288 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1938 | E. S. Underwood v. John Huffaker et al | Sevier | Election Dispute |
Underwood elected to school board in August 1936 election (opponent: Huffaker). Underwood elected chairman, succeeded by Watson. Soon after, dispute arose over Underwood's decision to resign, then withdraw resignation. Huffaker appointed his replacement. Add. Def. John N. Watson, Chmn of County Bd of Educ; Theron H. Hodges, Cty Superintendent of Schools; K. I. Ownby, Buford A. Townsend, W. E. Branam, Dr. B. B. Montgomery & Edgar White, Mbrs of Cty Bd of Educ. |
East | Range: 9 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1268 | 62 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1934 | F. C. Wilson et al. v. Sam B. Wilson et al. | Hamilton | Election Dispute |
Additional plaintiffs: W. M. Mewton, C. R. Hickey. H. E. Hoodenpyle, W. C. Thurman, J. M. Johnson. Additional defendants: John B. Smith and James M. Layne. Defendants are on the Education Board of Sequatchie County. Case deals with the general school law as found in Chapter 113 of the General Assembly if 1925. Both parties claim to be duly elected to the board in question. |
East | Range: 8 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 806 | 40 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1938 | F. H. Foust v. B. F. Alexander et al. | Anderson | Election Dispute |
Additional defendants: Laura Gamble, S.E. Brock, Harve Elkins, Harve Williams, and Cal Wade. def.'s Alexander, Gamble and Brock were Board of Election Commissioners of Anderson County. They held a special election to elect a Justice of the Peace. Foust suing for decree disqualifying the votes of residents of Norris in said election because the property belonged to the TN Valley Authority and was within the jurisdiction of the U.S. government, and therefore its people were not Tennessee residents. |
East | Range: 9 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1290 | 154 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1947 | H. F. O'Neil v. The Morgan County Election Commissioner | Morgan | Election Dispute |
Election concerned changes to the laws pertaining to liquor violations. |
East | Range: 6 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 290 | 131 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1891 | I. N. Snowden, J. F. Frank, & John L. Wellford v. E. J. Carrington, George H. Herbers,& George Haszinger | Shelby | Election Dispute | West | Range: 83 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 327 | 41 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1883 | John G. Combs et al.v. John W. Stumph et al | McNairy | Election Dispute |
Concerns a vote to select the county seat. Includes lists of voters and numerous depositions. Additional complainants: George W. Morley, Sidney Plunk, & J. T. Wilkinson. Primary defendant was Chairman of the County Court. Additional defendants include M. M. Demmery, Jno. G. Gooch, P. A. Brown, W. W. Massey, J. H. Rewl, W. S. Deberry, R. W. Caffy, Jno. W. Walker, J. S. Rumer, B. F. Sanders, W. H. Stone, R. D. Wilson, J. A. Miller, Jno. W. Burks, D. M. Boon, D. P. McKinzie, W. J. Massengill. |
West | Range: 84 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 210 | 430 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1915 | John H. Hogan v. Joe N. McCutcheon | Hamilton | Election Dispute |
Opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 92 | 2 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1946 | James Reed et al. v. J. R. Nichols et al. | Hancock | Election Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: Henry Drinnon, Hugh S. Moles, C. M. Collins, J. C. Tent, Clay Lawson, E. O. Parkey, James Lynch, Clyde Parkey, H. C. Lawson, Arlie Stapleton, Broton Fleenor, Tylor Johnson, Harrison Burke, B. M. Mullins, Dan Roberts, H. K. Wolfe, James Minor, Luther Mitchel, Walter Jones, Noah Sutton. Additional Defendants: Leonard Wilburn, Kyle Lawson, Ples Greene, William Gibson, Silas Collins, W. R. Made, George Neal, Ellis Johnson, George Rhea, R. T. Mathis, Porter Ramsey, Alf Delp. |
East | Range: 5 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 166 | 62 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1935 | Joel N. Pierce v. Kenneth C. Hart | Greene | Election Dispute |
The case involved the selection for County Superintendent. Pierce was elected. |
East | Range: 8 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 855 | 169 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1924 | J. N. Parker et al. v. E. F. Davis et al. | Dyer | Election Dispute |
Additional parties: Too many to name. Case concerns election that took place at a new independent school district known as RoEllen School in respect to the issuance of school bonds. Upon passing $10,000 in school bonds would have been used to erect a new public school building. Plaintiffs claim the election was illegal and contrary to law and all vote that were casts are void and therefor there is no authority for the issuance and sale of bonds. 2 folders. |
West | Range: 78 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1888 | 124 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1877 | J. K. Bouldin, exe. of Robert Sanders, Clerk & Master of Grundy Co. v. John c. Lockhart, et al | Marion | Election Dispute |
Sept. 1873 Grundy Co. held an election to decide whether the county seat would be moved from Altamont to Tracy City. Plntff. alleges that the Sheriff did not open & hold an election in the 8th Civil Dist. although he did so elsewhere, thus defrauding the taxpayers. Plntff. also alleges that the defts. tampered with the election results & accuses officials of other illegal activities. See also: MT, Box 350. (Location may be incorrect.) |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1659 | 343 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1871 | James Mercer, J. P. Mason & Thomas Grills, dba Mercer & Co. v. W. W. Borell (Mayor of Jonesboro), & J. R. Boyde, S. E. Griffith, H. D. Hale, James G. Deaderick, W. S. Slemmons & R. H. Dunigan (Jonesboro Board of Aldermen) | Washington | Election Dispute |
Mercer & Co took out license to retail spirits, paying related privilege tax. Firm then discovered ordinance prohibiting liquor sales between 9 pm & 5 am, another prohibiting liquor sales to intoxicated person, & another (unpublished) requiring doors to be closed after dark. Grills (partner who ran business) arrested several times. Firm now suing purported Mayor & Board, alleging they are not legally sitting as said Mayor & Board, as election timing & notice requirements not met. |
East | Range: 9 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1241 | 24 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1929 | J. J. Holland et als v. J. C. Parker et als | Benton | Election Dispute |
Enjoining the defendants from advertising or holding an election as provided for by Chapter 149 of the Private Acts of 1927 and from taking any steps where the complainants could be interfered with as their roles on the Board of Education; allege that complainants terms of office expired but they had been running to school system of Benton County regardless for 2 years |
West | Range: 77 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1979 | 54 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1877 | L. W. Hooper, et al. v. A. W. Rhea, et al. | Cocke | Election Dispute |
Case involves a dispute over a charter. Case incomplete; brief only. See also ET Box 1880 |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 103 | 316 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1947 | L. C. Bradley, et al. v. Rock Gardens Utility District Corp., et al. | Blount | Election Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: John Mobley, Hubert McNeil, F. L. Griffin, C. W. Fortner, Paul Wilson, Eric Headrick, A. C. Grant, S. W. Holtzclaw, and N. W. Bradley. Additional Defendants: Roy H. Beeler, Homer Goddard, James Reed, Charles Young, Blount County Election Commission, S. W. Rogers, Bruce Scott, and Mrs. J. V. Akers. |
East | Range: 5 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 163 | 59 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1881 | Mayor & Aldermen of Trenton, Tenn. v. Tennessee Central Railroad Company et al | Gibson | Election Dispute |
Current mayor and aldermen charge former mayor and aldermen with holding a fraudulent election in 1873 to subscribe bond money ($60,000) for railroad line, which had not been surveyed or completed. Charge was also made that the railroad company had no valid charter of incorporation. |
West | Range: 84 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 171 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1938 | M. W. Gibson v. M. C. Dalton | Claiborne | Election Dispute | East | Range: 7 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 723 | 84 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1943 | Roscoe Byrd v. C. W. Wright | Scott | Election Dispute |
Fills 2 Boxes - See Box 108 also. polling results included. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 106 | 2187 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1943 | Roscoe Byrd v. C. W. Wright | Scott | Election Dispute |
Fills 2 Boxes - see Box 106 for remainder. Polling results included. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 108 | 2187 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1940 | Ralph W. Duggan, et al. v. John C. Cate, et al. | McMinn | Election Dispute |
Additional Parties Unknown. |
East | Range: 6 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 254 | 20 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1905 | Red River Furnace Company et al.v. The Tennessee Central R. R. Co. & The City of Clarksville | Montgomery | Election Dispute |
Opinion only (2 copies). City of Clarksville taxpayers sued to enjoin City from issued bonds to pay $100,000 subscription for capital stock of Nashville & Clarksville Railroad (name changed to Tennessee Central Railroad Company). Dispute re election held to vote on City's participation in stock subscription, which railroad proposed in 1901 in order to construct railroad line from Nashville to Clarksville. Pla. claimed various irregularities in election invalidated it. Opinion marked "For publication". |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 824 | 46 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1926 | Roy C. Wallace v. M. F. Grubb, et al. | Loudon | Contested Election |
Roy Wallace, was a member of the school board, & school director. He ran for senator & won. He continued to serve on the school board until the next election. Someone else took his seat, & he was appointed back to the board by the Mayor. Others Thought it was not fair for him to continue after becoming a senator & sued. See additional document in box ET 70. |
East | Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 8a | 5 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1902 | R. D. DeFord, et al. v. C. L. Smith, et al. | Hardin | Election Dispute |
"This case was filed by the citizens and taxpayers of Hardin County against the election commissioners to enjoin the election commissioners from holding an election under Chapter 252 of the Acts of 1899 on the ground that the said Act is unconstitutional." |
West | Range: 81 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 826 | 19 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1916 | State v. W. F. Hunt | Davidson | Election Dispute |
3 Folders |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 100 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1932 | State of Tennessee, on the Relation of J. L. Rollings v. Julie Ritzius | Grundy | Election Dispute |
Opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 83 | 7 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1943 | State ex Rel. John P. Davis v. J. Kyle Kivett, et al. | Claiborne | Election Dispute |
Additional Defendants: Glenn Pearman, I. N. Mink. See Boxes 120 and 122 for remainder of case. 10 Folders. 3 Boxes. |
East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 118 | 2333 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1943 | State ex. rel. Solon L. Robinson v. James L. Hutcheson, Chairman et al | Bledsoe | Election Dispute |
Additional Defendant: Lee Tollott, Sr., Secretary; A. F. Goforth, Election Commissioners for Bledsoe County; Wade H. Farmer. |
East | Range: 6 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 464 | 156 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1882 | State, ex rel W. A. Anderson v. C. B. Gossett | Knox | Contested Election |
File incomplete. Brief only. Anderson very narrowly defeated Gossett in the 1880 election for Knox County Sheriff. Gossett challenged the validity of the election results. |
East | Range: 9 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1088 | 22 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1938 | State, ex rel Marion Sell, Gladstone White, & Robert Wiley v. Henry Hoss, Sam R. Taylor, & James A. Vines | Washington | Election Dispute |
Disenfranchisement case in which plaintiffs sued Mayor Sell & town of Johnson City for unlawfully holding a special election. At issue was whether or not a City Manager form of government should be had in the town. All petitioners & illegal voters listed. Plaintiffs claim that few citizens could meet the requirement of registering to vote & paying poll tax 60 days before election, thus allowing a small minority to decide for the majority. Plaintiffs composed of election commissioners. |
East | Range: 9 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1116 | 120 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1891 | State, ex rel. John Roberts, et al. v. B. F. Whiteside | Hamilton | Election Dispute |
Other plaintiffs: D. M. Stewart; M. R. Thurman. Whiteside was Justice of the Peace for 2nd Ward in Chattanooga. Gen. Assembly passed law in 1875 giving Chattanooga 2 JPs per ward. Plaintiffs said law was unconstitutional b/c it contained a population provision so law only applied to Chattanooga. Also argued that even if law was constitutional, it was no longer valid b/c Chattanooga's population now exceeded provision. & that, therefore, Whiteside's election was invalid. 7 other similar cases in box. |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1768 | 43 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1891 | State, ex rel. John Roberts, et al. v. T. M. Rowden | Hamilton | Election Dispute |
Other plaintiffs: D. M. Stewart; M. R. Thurman. Rowden was elected Justice of the Peace for 2nd Ward in Chattanooga. Gen. Assembly passed law in 1875 giving Chattanooga 2 JPs per ward. Plaintiffs said law was unconstitutional b/c it contained a population provision so law only applied to Chattanooga. Also argued that even if law was constitutional, it was no longer valid b/c Chattanooga's population now exceeded provision. & that, therefore, Rowden's election was invalid. 7 other similar cases in box. |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1768 | 44 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1905 | State Ex Rel W. A. Latture v. James B. Frazier, Governor, et al | Davidson | Election Dispute |
Opinion only (2 copies). Latture sued Govr, Sec of State & Atty General (comprising Bd of Inspectors of Elections) to compare vote for Joint-Representative in Hawkins & Sullivan Counties in last election & declare highest vote-getter duly elected. Issue: did court have jurisdiction to require officials to perform duties. Court ruled in Latture's favor & Board appealed to SC. Before SC ruled, Latture declared winner & inducted into office by House of Representatives. SC opinion marked "For Publication". |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 824 | 8 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | State ex rel. Joel N. Pierce v. George Hardin | Greene | Contested Election |
Hardin was the incumbent County Superintendent when his 2 year term ended in 1931. The County Court had met to elect the next County Superintendent and both Hardin and Pierce were candidates and both received equal votes. The County Judge attempted to break the tie (which he could not lawfully do) and then declared there was no election. Pierce was elected in the second vote, but Hardin refused to yield the office to him. Pierce sought mandamus to get office. 2 folders. |
East | Range: 10 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1332 | 309 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1921 | Shelby County v. W. B. Gray et al | Shelby | Election Dispute |
Add. Defendant: Milton J. Anderson. In 1918, one John L. Parham resigned as Election Commissioner and the board removed W. B. Gray from the same position and placed Milton J. Anderson in his place. The defendant then filed an injunction bill to restrain M. J. Anderson from interfering with his duties and the board's attempted removal of him was unlawful and void. Plaintiff filed this bill to require the defendants to settle their rights and claim among themselves. |
West | Range: 78 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1649 | 361 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1871 | State et al. v. S. A. Moore | Shelby | Election Dispute |
Dispute over Civil Officers election. |
West | Range: 84 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 26 | 0 | Order A Copy |