Tennessee Supreme Court Cases
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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].
Tennessee Supreme Court Cases
Use quotes for an exact search. ex. "J. W."
| View Entry | Year | Case Name | County | Cause/Crime | Case Description | Division | Location | # Pages | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Entry | 1855 | State v. George Ridley | Williamson | Murder |
One page Inquisition for murder. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 241 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1855 | State v. Elihu Coppinger | Washington | Murder |
Coppinger, enslaved to William Earley, murdered Sam Bootch, a free black man by stabbing him in the stomach, after they quarreled & fist fought. Apparently Bootch owed Elihu money for some boots, but refused to pay. Elihu was to be freed four months after the incident. Others mentioned: Dolly Mathis & Bacchus, Houston Nelson. Consideration of testimonies by enslaved people, as well as Bootch's rights if was only entitled to be manumitted, rather than legally free. |
East | Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 10 | 101 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1855 | State v. Matison Lewis | Franklin | Murder |
Lewis was a free black man who was accused of stabbing an enslaved man named Wash to death in Winchester. Wash was the property of Charles Crisman. Many enslaved people gave testimony. The two had a disagreement and Lewis allegedly stabbed Wash. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 261 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1855 | State v. Daniel Clotfelter | Knox | Murder |
The case states that Clotfelter did "feloniously and with malice aforethought kill and slay a certain negro man named Jerry." The cause of action listed states assault with intent to kill and murder in the first degree. |
East | Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1844 | 12 | Order A Copy |