Tennessee Supreme Court Cases

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View Entry Year Case Name County Cause/Crime Case Description Division Location # Pages Order
View Entry 1899 Amanda & William Blount v. M. J. Strawn, et al. Decatur Wills, Contested

Several other defendants with Tenn. surnames: Tuten, Boggan & Akin. Case involved the Blount's attempting to recover possession and rents of a tract of land in Decatur Co. This case was tied in a bundle with Mendenhall v. Southern Normal University.

 West Range: 82 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 703 9 Order A Copy
View Entry 1901 Asa Hatch, exe. & William Gillham v. Women's Hospital of Memphis, et al. Shelby Wills, Contested

Other defendants: Court Street Presbyterian Church & First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Memphis. Rosa A. Miller left $500 each to the churches in her will and $500 to the "Lucy Brinkley Hospital," the common name for the women's hospital. Dispute arose from Mrs. Miller's choice of name for the hospital in her will. Since "Lucy Brinkley Hospital" did not exist as a corporation, the plaintiff claims that no money go to Women's Hospital of Memphis. Case is indexed.

 West Range: 81 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 779 75 Order A Copy
View Entry 1902 A. H. Dickey, exe. v. J. M. Creasy et al. Hardin Wills, Contested

Other defendants: Susan Creasy, B. F. Smith, B. F. Kincannon, & Thomas Reddin. Dickey is executor of J. D. Lapington, deceased.

 West Range: 81 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 814 38 Order A Copy
View Entry 1902 Arthur D. Lambreth et al. v. William McKinnie Hardeman Wills, Contested

Additional Plaintiffs: Charles M. Lambreth, Jr. (of Texas), Martha Carrie Wommack (of Missouri), Allen M. Wommack (husband of Carrie), Narcissa C. Lambreth (Shelby Co., TN), and C.M. Lambreth (Hardeman Co., TN). The case documents are in two folders.

 West Range: 81 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 855 404 Order A Copy
View Entry 1907 Arthur Hester et al. v. Oliver Capps et al. Gibson Wills, Contested

Other Plaintiff: W. S. Coulter. Other Defendants: Walter Capps, Clay Capps, Pearl Capps. Plaintiffs believe they should Blueprints included.

 West Range: 80 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1005 55 Order A Copy
View Entry 1906 Ann O. Alexander by next friend, J. H. Shinault v. S. H. Morton, Admr. of estate of Elizabeth M. Caraway, dec., etc. Thomas Alexander et al. Fayette Wills, Contested

It is difficult to determine the exact cause in this case due to the first part of the case missing. However it appears to be a contested will case. The will of Elizabeth M. Caraway is contested. Ann O Alexander appears to be her daughter. This appears to be the second half of this case file pages 1516-1945.

 West Range: 80 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1047 429 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 Andrew B. Martin, exe., of Judge R. L. Caruthers v. W. A. Osborne & Wife, et al. Wilson Wills, Contested

Robert L. Caruthers died testate in 1882, leaving $10,000 and much of his personal property to his niece Mary Cahal Osborne. (Mary had filled the role of daughter to Caruthers and his late wife.) He left his law library to W. A. Caruthers. Included is an inventory and account of sales of Judge Caruthers's estate.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 657 47 Order A Copy
View Entry 1894 A. J. Hill et al v. Johnson Hill Franklin Wills, Contested

Additional plaintiffs John Gipson, Mary Gipson, Martha Sanson, R. Walls, Margaret Jerry Hill, Geo. Hill, William Hill, Jas. Brinkley, Susan Brinkley, J. D. Tucker, Sarah Tucker, Bailey Hill and William Hill dec. The Plaintiff was asking the court to sell all of the dec. property and divide it all up equally. The plaintiff also asked that what ever the dec. owed to others would be paid and then divided up. The defendant claimed all rights to the land.

 Middle Range: 36 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1023 80 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 1934 Alice Cole, admr., et al. v. Jim Cole Sullivan Wills, Contested

Jim Cole sought recovery of his pro rata share of $5,000 paid to Alice in the wrongful death of his father, Ben Cole. Surviving Ben were wife Alice and children Jim, Landon Cole, Hugh Cole, Mamie Taylor, Oakley Arnold, and Earnest Cole. Alice's illegitimate son, Walter Cole, also shared in the inheritance. Jim claimed that he was gypped out of his true share.

 East Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1488 103 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 1907 B. W. Myracle, et al. v. J. F. Watson, et al. Decatur Wills, Contested

William Myracle's left his land & effects to his single sister, Mary; if she died or married while their single brother, B. W., was still living, everything went to B. W. William also stipulated that J. C. P. Myracle "get me a toom-stone and that of my child, plain ones." B. W., who had power to sell the land for Mary's upkeep, sold it to Watson while Mary was still living. However, it was shown that Mary had plenty of money in the bank. "Et als." too numerous to mention.

 West Range: 80 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1040 16 Order A Copy
View Entry 1912 Bank of Commerce & Trust Company et al. v. Mary E. Demarchi et al. Shelby Wills, Contested

Additional Defendants: G. M. Heckle, Mary E. Heckle, Jacob Demarchi, Mary Bell Linguer, Mary Bell Dougher, Mary E. Duncan, Robert Ray, N. G. Ingram, and others. Additional Plaintiff: Christina C. Demarchi. The case involved the will of Louis Demarchi, dec

 West Range: 80 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1270 65 Order A Copy
View Entry 1854 Betsy Gass, exe. et al.v. William Ross & wife Margaret et al Greene Wills, Contested

B. Gass executrix of the estate of John Gass (dec.). Add. plaintiffs: Valentino Sevier & Alexander Williams. Add. defendants: John C. Hankin & Andrew W. Permn, school commissioners. Issue of certiorari filed on behalf of William Ross to review the will of J. Gass, including debts and property.

 East Range: 9 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1151 155 Order A Copy
View Entry 1857 Ben (col.) by his next friend, William Miller v. James G. Summers Hawkins Wills, Contested

The plaintiff was a slave owned by the defendant (dec.), who treated him more like a child than a slave. The defendant allegedly told the plaintiff that upon his death, the plaintiff should be freed from slavery, which was put in the will. The administ rators of his will later neglected to fulfill the written and willed desires of the deceased for the plaintiff.

 East Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1180 104 Order A Copy
View Entry 1917 Brooks Gallimore v. Altie Overcast et al. Henry Wills, Contested

Addt'l complainants L. L. Alexander. Complainants state that "in his last sickness" George W. Overcast (dec.) wanted his sister Ellen to be taken care of.

 West Range: 79 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1545 83 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 1900 Continental Savings Bank v. Sue T. McClure et al Shelby Wills, Contested West Range: 81 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 797 37 Order A Copy
View Entry 1902 Clint Moody et al. v. Lula Tharpe et al. Henry Wills, Contested

Additional Plaintiff: George Bomar. Additional Defendants: Mose Tharpe (husband of Lula), Jack Williams, Frank Moody, Witt Moody, Artisan Moody, Lewis Moody, John Travis, Julia Travis (wife of John), and Q.E. Routon.

 West Range: 81 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 822 195 Order A Copy
View Entry 1867 C. M. Bonner et al. v. Peter Townsend et al Jackson Wills, Contested Middle Range: 33 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 525 84 Order A Copy
View Entry 1935 Carl T. Henshaw v. Docia Gunter et al. Grainger Wills, Contested

Additional Defendants: Jacob G. Henshaw, Delia Henshaw, J.N. Fennell, S.L. Fennell, J.T. Fennell, L.M. Fennell, Dora Davis, Barsha Byerly, and others. The plaintiff was administrator to the estate of James Henshaw (Knox County), dec. Case also in two folders in ET Box 1077

 East Range: 8 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 831 616 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 1936 Charles R. Howard v. Delia Isham et al. Sevier Wills, Contested

Additional Defendants: Hugh L. Howard and M.C. Hatmaker. The plaintiff sued by his next friend, Mrs. Birdie Howard Walker. The will in question was that of S.B. Howard, dec.

 East Range: 8 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 966 39 Order A Copy
View Entry 1936 Clyde Edens et al. v. I. M. Overton et al Hancock Wills, Contested

Additional Plaintiffs: Lassie Edens Sexton; Irene, Dorsie & Howard Edens. Additional Defendants: Hattie Edens Cheek; Allie, Gilbert & Grant Parkey et al. Lawsuit over construction of William Edens' will & distribution of his land. Plaintiffs & Cheek children of Charles Williams, dec. ca. 29 April 1936, son of Susan Williams & illegitimate but acknowledged son of William Edens. Williams changed his surname to Edens. Defendants heirs of William Parkey to whom Charles Edens deeded disputed property.

 East Range: 8 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 994 53 Order A Copy
View Entry 1890 Calvin Teague et al. v. Joshua Teague et al Claiborne Wills, Contested

Will of James Teague, Sr., dec. is being contested. Concerns about 550 acres of land in 3 tracts. See additional pages (242) at ET 2042. Additional plaintiffs: Green C. Teague, Revey Teague, James Teague, Lewis Teague, George Teague, S.M.C. King and wife Emily King, William Chadwell and wife Martha Chadwell. Additional defendant: Ancil Gatliffe.

 East Range: 9 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1090 250 Order A Copy
View Entry 1847 Curry P. Armstrong & William H. Sneed v. James C. Moses & wife Knox Wills, Contested

Armstrong was admr. of William Park, dec., who left bulk of estate (including slaves) to wife, Jane Crozier (?) Park. Document includes Park's will which details his bequests to family: daughters Susan (widow of Sen. Leonidas W. Baker) & Sophia; sons-in- law James H. Armstrong (Ann Eliza's husband), James P. Moses, and George W. Churchwell (Sophia's husband).

 East Range: 9 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1121 76 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 1892 C. R. Coleman, admr. of Martha J. Moore v. Peter P. Fugate, exe., et al. Hancock Wills, Contested

M. B. Overton died in 1879, having bequeathed to Martha J. Combs [later Moore] a sum of $500 to be paid out of the "G. B. Short debt." After Overton's death, Martha J. married Nathan H. Moore, and they had a daughter also named Martha. Martha J. died intestate in 1886. Little Martha also died before the suit was filed. This became a complicated squabble among the heirs.

 East Range: 9 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1087 47 Order A Copy
View Entry 1889 C. A. Burr, admr. Of James H. Beasley, dec. v. Eli Beasley, et al. Robertson Wills, Contested

Additional defendants: Dr. H.S. Taylor, W.A. Dorris, Alice Beasley, Nancy A. Beasley, Martha Beasley, James Ira Beasley, Ollie L. Beasley, and others. Alice was James H. Beasley's widow and other defendants his children. Dec.'s will was vague, so Burr brought suit to get a decree directing him in the execution of his trust as executor of will and settling the rights of all the defendants under the will.

 Middle Range: 35 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 779 62 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 1938 D. H. Jenkins, exe. of Cynthia Bailey Walker, dec. v. Daniel R. Bailey et al. Knox Wills, Contested

Too many additional defendants to name. Jenkins brought suit to construe Cynthia Bailey Walker's will, especially as to the right of the Executor to sell and transfer her real estate. He was also sued to get a judgment against James T. Bailey and his wife for the rent due. Plaintiff had a purchaser lined up who was willing to pay $2800 for the land. Plaintiff wanted to follow Cynthia's will in which she wanted the land sold and proceeds divided among her siblings. Exhibits include Cynthia's will.

 East Range: 9 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1267 186 Order A Copy
View Entry 1915 D. B. Johnston, admr. ets. v. Katie D. Porter, et al. Dyer Wills, Contested

Plaintiffs: S.O. Drake, trustee, and John Nathaniel Porter. Defendant: S.W. Porter. Contested will of Katie D. Porter's late husband, personal property in particular.

 West Range: 79 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1360 98 Order A Copy
View Entry 1892 Eliza A. Tillery v. W. W. Hafley et al. Meigs Wills, Contested

Additional Defendants: J. B. Blevins, Elvina Blevins, Abb Peak, G. Cecil, N. J. Lillard, Peter Dake, M, Web, Thomas Gibson, Arch McCaleb, and Frank P. Tillery. This was an dispute regarding the will of Mahala E. Atchley, deceased, who supposedly left everything to her cousin W. W. Hafley. The plaintiff, Eliza Tillery, charged that the will was never properly proven prior to probate. The plaintiff's husband, William P. Tillery, was the father of the deceased and claimed a right to contest her will.

 East Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1774 336 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 1897 Ellen Hall, (col.) et al. v. John Hall, (col.) Rutherford Wills, Contested

Contestation of will of John L. Hall, col., dec.. Additional Complainants: Carrie L. Hall, Emma Woods. Others mentioned: Nancy Alexander, sister of dec.; Bettie Johnson, sister of dec.; Jesse Alexander; Angeline Hall, mother of defendant by slave marriage to John L. Hall, dec'd.

 Middle Range: 34 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 551 215 Order A Copy
View Entry 1935 Edna Droke, et al. v. Mary Neil Gott, et al. Sullivan Wills, Contested

Argument over the estate of E. A. Gott, whose last will left his property to Fairfield Methodist Church. Depositions: Dr. G. T. Francisco, Rev. I. B. Leonard, S. G. Ketron, Walter Howell, N. W. Steadman, W. T. Grills, J. W. Parker, S. S. Kreger, J. H. Moody, George Dishner, Dr. J. E. Milburn, W. W. Leedy, Robert B. Gott, and J. W. Dickson. Many Gotts included as plaintiffs and defendants. Others too numerous to mention.

 East Range: 8 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 832 275 Order A Copy
View Entry 1935 Edna Droke et al. v Mary Neil Gott et al. Sullivan Petition to Set Aside a Will

This is a petition to set aside the will of E.A. Gott who left a farm to the Fairfield Church in his will. He apparently was at odds with his family and they are trying to make his will void.

 East Range: 8 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 915 197 Order A Copy
View Entry 1892 Eliza Cooper, exe. v. Mary May Knox Wills, Contested

Cooper was executrix of her late husband Thomas Cooper's will. He died in 1885 and left his entire estate to his widow. Mary May purchased Eliza's home in 1886 and occupied it. Eliza had left in the cellar--with May's permission--considerable personal property which she was to retrieve later. Thomas was very distrustful of banks and habitually kept money (including 31 gold coins) hidden in the house. One of May's children found the coins, so Eliza asked its return. Unfortunately, May spent it.

 East Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1743 51 Order A Copy
View Entry 1921 Ed Wall v. Rosie French et al Shelby Wills, Contested

Add. Defendants: E. R. Bell, executor of Catherine Caruthers (dec'd), & Beatrice McGhee, a minor. Plaintiff states that E. R. Bell went to the deceased on her death bed and convinced her to rewrite her will to include conveying a certain tract of land that was originally conveyed to the plaintiff through his mother to the defendant. The defendant now holds the rights to the land and is collecting rents on it. Plaintiff claims the will is void and a fraud upon the plaintiff's rights.

 West Range: 78 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1643 97 Order A Copy
View Entry 1923 E. J. Hartley v. E.H. Harris, admr., et al. Benton Wills, Contested

Additional defendants: Luther Hudson, J.C. Durdin, E.L. Dodd, and all citizens of Benton County. Hartley asserted that while he was ill and incapacitated, Harris got him to sign a document claiming Harris as the admr of the estate of Paralee Hartley, dec. wife of E.J. Hartley. Housed in 4 folders.

 West Range: 78 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1750 594 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 1901 Frances C. Lenow, Trustee of the Estate of Joseph Lenow, et al. v. Edna A. Arrington, et al. Shelby Wills, Contested

Additional plaintiffs: Henry J. Lenow, Lizzie A. & W. W. McDowell, Jessie L. & H. A. Partee. Defendants too numerous, but surnames McDowell, Lenow, Arrington & Partee. Answers given by Cherry Partee, T. T. Edmondson & Helen Lenow. Depositions by H. J. Lenow & A. H. Murray. Joseph Lenow's will is included.

 West Range: 81 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 784 98 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 1890 F. J. Ready et al. v. T. Dixon Overton et al Davidson Wills, Contested

Additional plaintiffs and defendants listed in file. Issue over the estate of James Overton (dec'd). Plaintiffs state the deceased left a large estate of real and personal property and also state that a document purporting to be the will of the deceased, giving a majority of the estate to the defendants, is questionable as it was a version they had not before seen.

 Middle Range: 35 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 852 229 Order A Copy
View Entry 1877 Flora Clark v. Mary E. Clark Monroe Wills, Contested

W.G. Clark died intestate. The plaintiff claims that the defendant was in possession of the original bill and that had reason to believe that she was entitled to "home quarter."

 East Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1657 78 Order A Copy
View Entry 1946 Gertrude Haven v. John S. Wrinkle, et al. Bradley Wills, Contested

Exhibits include wills, jury instructions. Add. Defts: George Fred Williams, Ada Hugger, Emma Wrinkle, Verna Wrinkle, John Williams, Vance Wrinkle, Stacey Wrinkle, Ruth Bowen, Margaret Vale, Clay Williams, Clarence Williams, Roger Williams, Edith Williams, Fay Watson, F. J. & Leland L. Goodner.

 East Range: 7 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 549 508 Order A Copy
View Entry 1943 G. H. Shanks, et al. v. Willie L. Pyne, et al. Hawkins Wills, Contested

Additional Complainants: Jane Shanks, Alice Shanks Gray, J. C. Shanks, Harvey Pyne, W. C. Shanks. Additional Defendants: Thomas P. Summers, The Citizens Union Bank. Willie L. Pyne, exor. of Gaines Shanks, dec.

 East Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 608 161 Order A Copy

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