Tennessee Supreme Court Cases

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View Entry Year Case Name County Cause/Crime Case Description Division Location # Pages Order
View Entry 1928 A. M. Ridenour v. State Union Destruction of Property/ Petition to Halt Construction

Plaintiff if appealing the charge that he destroyed a "corner tree." Case file is incomplete; opinion only.

 East Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 80 1 Order A Copy
View Entry 1922 Abel Nelson, et al.v. John Bergman, et al Grundy Destruction of Property/ Petition to Halt Construction

Additional defendants: G. I. Frazier and J. B. Hunt.

 Middle Range: 33 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 448 11 Order A Copy
View Entry 1884 A. J. Swaney, exe. of John L. Swaney, dec. v. Balie P. Swaney, et al. Sumner Wills, Construction of

Additional Defendants: Martha Hamilton, Maria Haynes, John Carney, Ora Hamilton, Fannie Swaney, Jim Rankin, col'd., Fannie Rankin, col'd.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 588 85 Order A Copy
View Entry 1918 Avondale v. Central State National Bank Shelby Wills, Construction of

Name of deceased: Joseph J. Todd

 West Range: 79 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1540 16 Order A Copy
View Entry 1892 Arthur Traynor, exe. v. Nannie Boyd, et al Bradley Wills, Construction of

Additional planitiff Spencer B. Boyd dec. Additional defendants : Boyd Bogle, Mattie Bogle, R. C. Bogle, Susan Read, M. C. Read, Bettie Vinzant, E. W. Vinzant, Spence Vinzant, Josephine Fields and Wesley Fields. Traynor was appointed as the executor of Spencer Boyds dec. will. Plaintiff seeking the help of the court to determine how to exectue said will. 2 folders.

 East Range: 19 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1697 190 Order A Copy
View Entry 1932 Bank of Commerce & Trust, exe. and trustee, etc. v. R. G. Tanner, Jr., et al. Shelby Wills, Construction of

Addtl dfnts: Beverly, Sarah A., Billy B., Henry L. Boothe; William E., Robert A., Walter J. Dueease; Alfred L., Josephine Aydelott; Elise A., Robert L. Hovis Jr.; Thomas B. Hooker Jr., Malcom P., Walter J. Hooker -w/ Tanner, all minors w/o guardians Lucille Johnson, by guard. Sarah P. Hooker; & more. Ex. mat: OV bank docs., letters testamentary, notes, will copies, & more. Pltf sued to clairify construction of Walter M. and Josephine A. Johnson's wills to determine the rights of the dfnts. 2 folders.

 West Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2112 368 Order A Copy
View Entry 1898 Betty S. Ensley et al. v. M. L. B. Ensley et al Shelby Wills, Construction of

Additional plaintiffs: Laura S. Ensley, Martin Ensley Jr., and W. A. Wheatley, Trustee. Additional defendants: Mary L. B. Ensley, Enoch Ensley, Mary Ensley, Harriet E. Hodgson, John n Hodgson, Martin Ensley Sr., and Melville Williams.

 West Range: 81 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 797 181 Order A Copy
View Entry 1872 Bank of East Tennessee v. R. J. McKinney, et al. AND Bank of East Tennessee v. R. W. McGavock, et al. Washington Wills, Construction of

Appears to include several iterations of the same case involving the will of Randal William McGavock. Prominent names: Robert J. McKinney, Seraphina Deery McGavock, William H. Gordon, William B. Deery, James A. Deery, the firm of Deery Brothers, and Gideon Baskette. Concerns distribution of real estate belonging to the late R. W. McGavock. McGavock was the former mayor of Nashville. He was killed at the Battle of Raymond (Mississippi) in 1863.

 East Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1204 258 Order A Copy
View Entry 1851 Charles G. Jones, admr. of Thomas Lofton, dec. v. Shadrick Lofton Maury Wills, Construction of

Andrew Jackson's name is mentioned in this case.

 Middle Range: 33 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 389 15 Order A Copy
View Entry 1884 Charles F. Brown, Guardian v. G. W. Pegram, exe. of Roger Pegram, dec., et al. Davidson Wills, Construction of

Additional Defendant: R. W. Pegram, exe. of Roger Pegram.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 602 82 Order A Copy
View Entry 1866 Charles H. Rodgers v. William Rodgers et al. Wills, Construction of

County: Unknown. Opinion only. Additional Defendants: Unknown.

 East Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 77 17 Order A Copy
View Entry 1838 Christiana Crockett, admr. of Andrew Crockett, dec. v. James Crockett, et al. Sullivan Wills, Construction of

Additional Defendants: Fleming Work, Bennett Crockett, Margaret Montgomery.

 East Range: y Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 638 26 Order A Copy
View Entry Charles A. Still v. W. A. Still, admr. of William F. Still, dec. Jackson Wills, Construction of Middle Range: 20 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 58 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1933 Charles G. Lyle, et al. v. Edgar Lyle, et al. Washington Wills, Construction of

The statement of the case states "the executors filed in the Chancery Court at Johnson City, an original and a cross-bill for a construction of the will of their father and testator and the administration and winding up of his estate in that court." Their father was Joseph P. Lyle, deceased.

 East Range: 10 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1519 152 Order A Copy
View Entry 1881 Eugene Santelle, et al.v. Louisa H. Carlisle, et al Shelby Wills, Construction of

Additional plaintiffs: E. H. Parter. Additional defendants: Howard Carlisle, Gracie Carlisle, Henderson Owen, Susan Vaughn, T. Rich Wray, Harriet C. Wray, Charles Rortreicht, Sara Carr, Juliet Carr, Edward Carr, Eva Carr William McMillin, Rebecca D. McMillin, D. L. Mcmillin, Margaret L. Mcmillin

 West Range: 84 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 172 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1938 Emile Seilaz, et al. v. Victor Seilaz Knox Wills, Construction of

Additional plaintiff: Lydia Seilaz, executrix of the estate of Louis Seilaz, deceased.

 East Range: 7 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 723 65 Order A Copy
View Entry E. D. Moore, admr. of estate of Samuel Bobo v. K. J. Bobo, et al. Moore Wills, Construction of

Addtl dfnts: L. L., L. M., Sam, C. S., Callie (in her own right and as guardian of Lacy, George, Lou Ella, and Sonora) Bobo; W. P., M. M. Haslett; and Chas., Arch., Frank, and Sam B. Motlow. Securing admr. rights after K. J. and L. M. Bobo resigned, Moore brought the will of Samuel Bobo to court due to its vague, inconsistent, and indefinitely described construction and details, making it imperfect and invalid. In 3 folders.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1025 451 Order A Copy
View Entry 1893 East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railway Company v. J. B. Cross Anderson Destruction of Property/ Petition to Halt Construction

E. T. V. & G. train killed Cross's horse.

 East Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1753 71 Order A Copy
View Entry 1878 E. C. Reeves, exe. of Elizabeth D. Miller v. W. P. Reeves, et al. Washington Wills, Construction of

Add. Def: William P., Mary, P. M., and Matilda Reeves, Isaac, Jacob, Valentine, John Martin, and Lizzie Devanlt, Henry and Mary Hodges, the heirs of Rev. James Miller, and the Christian Church of the United States at Johnson City. Elizabeth D. Miller is the wife of Rev. James Miller dec. who is described as among the first in East Tennessee to organize a congregation within the church known as the Campbellite Church, the Church of the Disciples, and the Christian Church.

 East Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1643 65 Order A Copy
View Entry 1895 F. E. Stalder, admr. v. Fred Zimmerman Franklin Wills, Construction of

The plaintiff was administrator of the estate of Elizabeth Meischer, the widow of Jacob Meischer, deceased. Stadler claimed that the defendant, who was executor to Jacob Meischer's estate and given control of the state upon Meisher's death, had misused the properties and funds in his control and not provided for the benefit of Elizabeth Meischer who suffered from dementia. Stadler accused Zimmerman of taking property left to her after her death and requested a construction of Jacob's will.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1076 401 Order A Copy
View Entry 1941 Floyd Gill, exe. of William A. Fletcher, dec. v. Mrs. Luster Fletcher, et al. Knox Wills, Construction of

Additional Defendants: Barbary[?] E. Moyers[?], Ida Welch. Exhibits: deposition, will.

 East Range: 7 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 624 50 Order A Copy
View Entry 1866 George W. Lynch, exe. v. Jennie Burts (col.) et al. Jefferson Wills, Construction of

Lynch was executor of George Squibbs estate. In his will, Squibb requested $500.00 be given to his then slave Burts once his wife died, & that she should be sent to Liberia or "some other suitable place." The widow Mary Squibb claimed Burts deserted in 1863, claiming her legal right to freedom. Burts claims she stayed until Squibb ordered her to leave. Burts was granted $500 but failed to collect it. Court reinstated this award, with her husband Henderson Burts as agent.

 East Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 7 11 Order A Copy
View Entry 1938 G. G. Lane v. Jessie Lane, exe. et al. Knox Wills, Construction of

Additional Defendants: C.B. Lane, Jr. and Mildred Lane Hines. The defendant was executrix of Jack Lane, dec., who left property the plaintiff claimed was owned by some else (Tom Hellard). The case is filed in two folders.

 East Range: 8 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1039 266 Order A Copy
View Entry 1872 Holloway Kee & C. J. Kee v. J. J. Holloway, exe & c Fayette Wills, Construction of

On November 27, 1869 John H. Kee made and executed a will in which Holloway was made executor. Kee died the following month. The issues of this case are 1) that the will is in want of due and formal execution 2) that the testator was not of sound mind and disposing memory at the purported date of the will's execution 3) that the execution of the will was obtained by fraud and undue influence

 West Range: 84 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 17 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1904 H. H. Higbee v. W. G Powell & wife Shelby Destruction of Property/ Petition to Halt Construction

Sues due to damages caused by the construction of land elevation that prevented natural water draining and caused flooding and property damage.

 West Range: 82 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 714 158 Order A Copy
View Entry 1890 Holt & wife v. John Steele, et al. Knox Wills, Construction of

Additional Defendants: Lizzie Steele, Myra Steele, Hugh Steele, and Robert Steele. Case is incomplete; answer to a brief only.

 East Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 88 5 Order A Copy
View Entry 1918 Irvin Putnam, et al. v. John Roberson, et al.. Rutherford Wills, Construction of

Additional Plaintiffs: Gordon Putnam, Richard Putnam, and Pattie L. Jamison. Additional Defendants: Coger Roberson, George Roberson, Lee Roberson, William Roberson, Charles Roberson, Nettie Short, Josie Short, and Cora Short.

 Middle Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 117 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1882 Joseph Enochs & William Taylor as exe. of Alfred Enochs, & Francis E. H. Taylor v. John Enochs, et. al. Dyer Wills, Construction of

Additional defendants: James W. Enochs, Mary K. Taylor & husband John Taylor, Harriet E. Seagraves and husband George Seagraves, Adaline Enochs, George A. Enochs, Eliza McKnight and husband John McKnight, continues in additional notes field. minor children Robert Enochs, Wm. Enochs and Mary Enochs, Malissa Wadlington and husband Ben Wadlington.

 West Range: 83 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 234 179 Order A Copy
View Entry 1873 John Bayless, et al. v. Barton Bayless, exe. Wills, Construction of

Will written in 1857 was revised but not properly executed. Plaintiff says codicils concerning brother Luke, who became disabled should inherit certain land. Case remanded for further action.

 East Range: 5 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 14 6 Order A Copy
View Entry 1873 Joseph Brown v. G. L. Walton et al. Macon Wills, Construction of

Additional Defendants: John Gregory, G.L. Walton, E.G Cartwright, F.J. Cartwright, R.A. Humpreys, Margaret E. Humphreys, Dela F. Cartwright. Case concerned the will of Joseph Cartwright, deceased.

 Middle Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 20a 183 Order A Copy
View Entry 1919 James C. Hinton v. Anna B. Knight et al. Cheatham Wills, Construction of

Additional defendants: Absalom Dozier, Mattie Dozier, Harriet Dozier Reed, Belle Dozier Overby, James Overby, David Dozier, Dennis Patrick Dozier, A.J. Dozier, Ettie Dozier Yarbery, John Yarbery, Sammie Dozier Minter, M.L. Minter, Sallie Dozier Campbell, G.B. Campbell, Enoch Dozier, Robert Dozier, Minnie Dozier, George Dozier, Susie Dozier Head, Robert Head, Jessie Dozier, and Charlotte Mae Dozier.

 Middle Range: 21 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 141 0 Order A Copy
View Entry 1879 Jones D. Nebbett, exe. of B. O. Keesee, dec. v. Cornelia R. Keesee, et al. Montgomery Wills, Construction of

Additional defendants: W. P. Keesee, Robert Keesee, Florence Keesee, Beele Keeseer, May Keesee, P. H. Keesee, George S. Keesee, John William Keesee, Mrs. Pleasants Metcalf, John Bellamy, M. C. Northington, Joseph R. Nebbett, John S. Nebbett Defendants: Mattie Nebbett, Lucy Ann Nebbett, Cornelia Nebbett, Jones Nebbett, Jennie Nebbett, Jennie Keesee, Annie Keesee, Bill Keesee.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 594 142 Order A Copy
View Entry 1885 Jared[?] H. Graham, et al. v. M. C. McKinley, et al. Jackson Wills, Construction of

Complainants: James R. Graham, Thomas J. Graham, Frederick H. Graham, Michael Graham. Defendants: William B. Roberts, John K. Sadler, Selina Sadler, James Sadler, Martha Sadler, James Buchanan, Buck Roberts, Ridley Roberts, Hannah Graham. This bill was filed to construe the will of James Roberts, dec. and to recover the share of the estate devised to Aletha, also spelled Letha, Graham, dec., and for an account of rents and profits. Jared Graham is also spelled Jarret and Jarod.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 595 410 Order A Copy
View Entry 1890 J. L. Whitworth, guardian of G. B. B. Whitworth & husband of Gertrude B. Whitworth v. Gertrude B. Whitworth et al. Davidson Wills, Construction of

Chas. Bosley willed land to his great grandchild Gertrude Bosley Bowling, who married J.L. & had Gertrude Bosley Bowling (G.B.B.) Whitworth.Wished to trade for income producing land, but issue re whether the will allowed them to do so. William Henry Smith had put in bid for the land, which was located on both sides of Richland Pike in Nashville. Jordan Stokes appointed as guardian ad litem for G.B.B. Exhibit: survey map of land. Additional materials housed in MT873 (35-E-5).

 Middle Range: 35 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 742 138 Order A Copy
View Entry 1918 J. E. T. Wigg v. W. T. Richardson Shelby Wills, Construction of

Exhibit includes copy of will

 West Range: 79 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1575 105 Order A Copy
View Entry 1851 John Bass, exe. of Dorothy G. Camp Giles Wills, Construction of Middle Range: 33 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 389 15 Order A Copy
View Entry 1884 James W. Hicks et al. v. John J. Clanton et al. Madison Wills, Construction of

Additional Plaintiff: Gideon Hicks. Additional Defendants: Susan T. Clanton, John R. Hicks, C. A. Cherry, D. K. Callahan, Ella Callahan, Joe B. Hicks, Martha Hicks, Robert Pearcy, and others. James W. and Gideon Hicks were executors of James Hicks, dec.

 West Range: 83 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 284 55 Order A Copy
View Entry 1921 Joseph Eaton, et al. v. Nashville Trust Company, et al. Davidson Wills, Construction of

Additional plaintiffs: Eva M. Eaton. Additional defendants: Alvin E. Spotswood and Henrietta Spotswood.

 Middle Range: 33 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 424 66 Order A Copy
View Entry 1930 J. C. Ketchersid, exe. of S. V. Baker, dec. v. Eva Caldwell, et al. Rhea Wills, Construction of

Additional defendants: Jason A. Caldwell, J. W. C. Cunnyngham, G. S. Barton, Vine Street Orphanage.

 East Range: 6 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 401 21 Order A Copy
View Entry 1901 James Wheeler Cocke, et al. v. Caroline J. Cocke, et al. Shelby Wills, Construction of

A. J. Dennis left 1/2 of his realty to wife, other 1/2 to daughter Caroline for life w/remainder to her children. The wife died before died before her husband. Caroline sued to have her father's estate divided into 2 parts so that she may hold her portion & her children fee simple as heirs. Other complainants: Albert Henry Cocke & Mary Elizabeth Cocke. Defendant: minors Henrietta Agnes Cocke & James Wheeler Cocke. All were children of Caroline.

 West Range: 81 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 750 56 Order A Copy
View Entry 1943 Jennie K. Bonham, exe. of Walter M. Bonham, dec., et al. v. Luther L. Bonham, et al. Knox Wills, Construction of

Additional Complainant: Leslie Bass, exor. of Walter M. Bonham, dec. Fred T. Bonham, Lloyd C. Bonham, William Bonham, Hubert Bonham, Milton F. Bonham, L. O. W. Bonham, Evelyn M. Bonham. Exhibits: charge and discharge statement, will, court documents, bonds, payment of debt statements, summary of cash disbursements.

 East Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 602 85 Order A Copy
View Entry 1948 Jack Nichols v. Emma C. Masterson, et al. Knox Wills, Construction of

Additional Defendants: Clemmie Masterson, W. Eugene Monday, Tennessee Valley Authority. Involves the will of Richard Masterson, dec.

 East Range: 7 Section: 7 Shelf: Box Number: 642 106 Order A Copy
View Entry 1854 James S. Nicholson, William H. Meek & William F. Taylor, exes. of Hughes O. Taylor v. Frances Taylor et al. Grainger Wills, Construction of

Hughes died with large estate (land, 27-28 slaves, animals & household goods, interest in tanning business partnership). Exes. sued to clarify terms of will relating to Hughes' daughter Nancy L. Burtz (Nancy & her infant daughter died after Hughes did). Will vague re: if widow Frances had life estate in certain property, & re: who was child vs. grandchild. Add. Def. too many to name, but include Hughes' children Wm F & Narcissa A (no children), son John C (3 children), & minor children Robert L & Mary K

 East Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1164 22 Order A Copy
View Entry 1861 John Pearson & William Smith, admrs., of Michael Pearson, dec. v. Joseph H. Davis, et al. Claiborne Wills, Construction of

Michael Pearson died & Pla. were appointed admrs. Will required sons Sterling & Pleasant to buy land, with proceeds to daughters Elizabeth (m. Joseph Davis), Eleanor (m. Abraham Davis), Louisiana (m. William Smith) & Catharine (m. Walter Davis). Also required sale of negroes, proceeds to daughters & son Jefferson. Primary issue: clause requiring bequests to daughter Elizabeth (who died after Michael) to be kept in trust for her sole benefit w/o control/use by her husband, until marriage dissolved.

 East Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1175 54 Order A Copy
View Entry 1867 John P. Hodges & wife Sydney Hodges et al.v. George D. Foster, admr w/will annexed of John G. Glass, dec, et al Hamilton Wills, Construction of

Glass died leaving widow Mary E., children Louisa (m. Dan'l Rawlings, dec), Sydney (m. John P. Hodges), Mathew, Thomas, Henry, John &Willey (last 2 minors) & grandchildren Sarah, Mathew & John Taylor (children of Catherine Taylor, Glass' dec. daughter). Add. parties too many to name. Glass bought land from Alexander Cooper, but war prevented Cooper from conveying good title. Dispute: Foster, as admr, conveyed title bond to Joseph Fisher & Edward Lowe, a conveyance heirs say was against Glass' intent.

 East Range: 9 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1231 36 Order A Copy
View Entry 1938 Jessie Reed et al.v. Rena Benton Reed Hamilton Wills, Construction of

Thomas B. Reed died w/will, named daughter Jessie ext.. Add. Pla.: Thomas' daughters Bertha Reed Walker, Leona Reed Lansford; grandchildren Gertrude Yates Orr, Gordon Yates & minor Lloyd Yates (children of deceased daughter Annie Reed Yates). Will left each child 1/5 share (w/Annie's children to share her 1/5). Rena is widow of Thomas' son Rollie, who died 2 mos. after Thomas. Dispute re Rollie's share in Thomas' estate, which Rollie left to Rena. Estate primarily consists of land near Soddy, TN.

 East Range: 9 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1276 61 Order A Copy
View Entry 1948 Kenneth N. Gilpin et al. v. Katherine Burrage et al. Knox Wills, Construction of

Deceased: Charles M. McGhee. Add. Plaintiffs: Laurence T. Lee, Isabella Tyson Gilpin, Eleanor W. Neely. Add. Defendants: Margaret Foster, J. Clark Milholland, Constance Baxter Gower, C. M. Baxter, Mathew Andrews Baxter, Nancy McGhee Baxter, Janie Rambo Baxter, Peoples National Bank.

 East Range: 7 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 549 152 Order A Copy
View Entry 1938 K. M. Benson & W. L. Hodges, as Trustees of the Estate of Rebecca Templeton, dec, et al.v. E. M. Williamson, et al, as the Board of Elders & Trustees of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Dayton, Tennessee, et al Rhea Wills, Construction of

Templeton, single (was married to W. A. Templeton), died in 1928; left estate to pla. Trustees to benefit sister-in-law Mary Templeton for life, then bequest to nephew Muncie Bogle & endowment for upkeep of Buttram Cemetery (old addition) near Dayton, TN; rest as permanent endowment for Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Dayton. Left personal effects to Templeton Home in Dayton, other individuals. Trustees sued to get permission to help church w/finances due to effects of Depression.

 East Range: 9 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1261 53 Order A Copy
View Entry 1904 Laura P. Janin et al. v. Mrs. Fairfax H. Proudfit et al Shelby Wills, Construction of West Range: 81 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 874 193 Order A Copy
View Entry 1891 Mike Bowlen v. John Crawley, exe. Wills, Construction of

The decedent for whom Crawley acted as executor, had very poor health at the time his will was created. Not only was he poorly, but he drank a good deal. This case sought to decide whether the will was legal based on the decedent's inability to speak coherently while creating the will.

 East Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 6a 4 Order A Copy

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