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
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| View Entry | Year | Case Name | County | Cause/Crime | Case Description | Division | Location | # Pages | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Entry | 1875 | Andrew J. Duncan & Co. v. Francis M. Woodall et al. | Davidson | Payment for Goods |
Incomplete case, unclear circumstances. Additional plaintiffs: Andrew J. Duncan, John W. Judkins. Additional defendants: L. M. Jamison and John W. Green of J. W. Green and Company. S. M. Jamison |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 73 | 92 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1873 | Alexander Iser v. Abram Markowiez | Davidson | Payment for Goods |
Exhibit - Bank notes |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 342 | 134 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1875 | Albert Johnson v. Charles Warden | Lauderdale | Debt for Wages | West | Range: 83 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 219 | 44 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | Arthur Tate& Wife v. W. D. Neill, guardian | Sullivan | Petition for Alimony |
Incomplete case. Case mentions an unnamed child in the suit is identified as the legitimate child of James R. Gibson, deceased. |
East | Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 4a | 2 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1889 | A. J. Wilson v. John A. Baird et al. | Johnson | Petition for Compensation |
Additional Defendants: Alice and Augenie Baird, Sarah White, Mary A. Stout, James and Elen Davis, G. W. Wilson, Jack C. Wilson and wife Elen Wilson, and William A. Lipford admr., of Andrew Wilson, dec. The plaintiff sued the defendants for a $3,000 payment from the estate of Andrew Wilson for the years of care that the plaintiff and heir provided for his parents Andrew and Elizabeth who both lived with him and he cared for prior to their deaths. |
East | Range: 19 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1831 | 46 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1889 | A. S. Johnson v. George W. Gray et al. | Greene | Petition for Land Recovery |
Johnson sued George and Mary Jane Gray and John Gagley to have a receiver take repossession of land he claimed is his and remove the defendants from said property. |
Middle | Range: 19 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1830 | 110 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1940 | A. L. Shipley v. Southern Maid Dairies, Inc. | Washington | Debt for Wages |
Plaintiff charges Defendant with practices violating the Fair Wages Act of 1938. Exhibits include paycheck stubs, payroll sheets, |
East | Range: 6 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 437 | 127 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1946 | A. G. Shumate v. Claiborne County, et al. | Claiborne | Petition for Compensation |
Additional Defendant: J. Kyle Kivett, County Judge. Complainant, former de jure County Judge, sought to recover the Claiborne County Judge's salary for the years 1942 and 1943. Exhibit: court records. |
East | Range: 6 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 372 | 65 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1886 | A. L. Landis, et al. v. Thomas Lipscomb, et al. | Bedford | Contract for Labor and Materials |
Additional plaintiff: William McGill. Additional defendants: T. C. Lipscomb and James S. Lipscomb. The plaintiff was hired by the defendants to construct a mill in Shelbyville. The case is filed in two folders. |
Middle | Range: 34 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 683 | 520 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1912 | A. W. Stovall, et al. v. A. D. Barnes, et al. | Madison | Debt for Rent |
Exhibits: Ledger sheets. Additional plaintiff: William Thompson. Additional defendant: D. M. Barnes. |
West | Range: 80 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1277 | 159 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1888 | A. G. Rogers et al. v. Walter Stokes | Wilson | Application for Injunction |
This cause was instituted to enjoin a suit at law brought upon a note for one thousand and fifteen dollars and thirty six cents payable to Jordan Stokes, Sr. and by him voluntarily assigned to the defendant and by him sued upon. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 812 | 125 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1867 | A. J. Trewhite v. Answell/Auswell Phillips, et al | Bradley | Payment for Services |
Additional def.s: William H. Finley, Elbert Copeland & Jesse H. Gant. Plntff. & Gant attys., successfully represented Phillips in 1866 when he sued Finley, Seth J. Walker & W. L. Brown, for "false and malicious imprisonment", winning a judgment of $3000. Finley's land attached to pay the judgment & a sale ordered. Trewhite asks for an injunction against the sale as, under its terms, Gant will collect $1500 for his services while Trewhite will be unpaid. |
East | Range: 9 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1222 | 33 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | A. W. Howard v. Matilda Jenkins, et al. | Greene | Debt for Wages |
Addtl dfnts: Catharine M. Hall; Munder A. Cooper; J. G. Cooper; Thos. P. Philips; and O. B. Headrick, admr. of the estate of Thomas Philips. Howard sued to recover the wages owed to him when he acted as attorney for the dfnts. in another case. |
East | Range: 19 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1674 | 35 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1933 | Arthur J. Owens, et al. v. Nena Owens Parker, et al. | Knox | Petitions for Certiorari |
Suit brought by Arther J. Owens and brothers, against their sister Nena Owens Parker. Parker and her husband are accused of fraudulently obtaining a deed to land owned by the Owens' mother, Mrs. Annie Owens, then attempting to sell two tracts of the land. Annie Owens did not own the property free and clear, and was in debt to the Holston Union National Bank. According to Owens' solicitor, multiple errors were made in the filing of the dispute. |
East | Range: 10 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1498 | 31 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | Amanda Bayless v. M. A. Driskell, Trustee, et al | Cocke | Debt for Wages |
Plaintiff was a public school teacher in the county. Defendant was the Trustee and Revenue Collector of Cocke County, Plaintiff alleged that she was not paid for a portion of her services. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1639 | 20 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | A. E. Burr & J.T. Burr v. Thomas Graves& James S. Richardson | Shelby | Petition for Injunction | West | Range: 84 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 141 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1878 | Amos P. Curry v. Marcus J. Wright et al. | Shelby | Application for Injunction |
Additional defendants: J. W. Provine, George C. Holmes, Daniel C. Lenofs, W. R. Holmes, The County of Shelby, T. C. Bleckley as chairman of the county court of Shelby County, James Reiley as clerk of the county, and probate courts of Shelby County… Additional defendants: William T. Avery as clerk of the criminal court of Shelby County, Ed A. Cole, as clerk and master of the First Chancery Court of Shelby County, M. D. L. Steward… there are more than can be listed |
West | Range: 84 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 154 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1890 | A. S. Thompson v. J. N. McMillin | Knox | Motion for Appeal |
On the 24th day of January 1888 McMillin obtained a judgement against Thompson. Thompson claimed that there was an agreement that he would pay 50 to settle the costs. He offered 10 dollars to pay McMillin's legal fees. McMillin's attorney demanded 25 dollars and another suit was brought for the recovery of all the fees. The case was found in favor of McMillian. Thompson then brought a motion to appeal that decision claiming that there was an error in the proceeding. |
East | Range: 19 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1814 | 30 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1941 | Adelia B. Spencer v. Peggy (T. J.) O'Brien | Sevier | Application for Injunction |
Plaintiff seeks an injunction to prevent Defendant from using a rock wall to force a creek onto Plaintiff's land. Exhibits include b&w photographs, maps, |
East | Range: 7 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 519 | 384 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1940 | A. L. Green, et al. v. R. H. Williams, et al. | Grainger | Debt for Rent |
Additional Complainants: A. B. Green, H. C. Lawson. Additional Defendants: Ralph Black, Nick Black, Citizens Bank and Trust Co., C. B. Cabbage. Also mentioned is J. R. Miller, dec. who entered into lease agreement with Defendant. Exhibits: lease, chattel mortgage, public sale notice, deed. |
East | Range: 7 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 518 | 368 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1903 | Alston Winbush v. John Conner, Jr. | Lauderdale | Contract for Labor and Materials | West | Range: 81 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 932 | 140 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1876 | Abraham Partee v. The Second Old Baptist Church et al | Davidson | Contract for Labor and Materials |
Complainant contracted with defendant to build a stone foundation for a new Church at a given price. Defendant denies that ehy contracted to give him anything for the excavation of the earth or stone but would pay him for building the foundation. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 806 | 105 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1841 | Aron Crowson, et al. v. George W. Churchwell & Pryor Lea | Knox | Motion for a New Trial |
Plaintiff: M.C. Roger. Crowson was the father-in-law of George Amenine, who was indicted for larceny and Crowson was forced to give security of $2,000. Motion for a new trial. |
East | Range: 9 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1149 | 58 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1869 | Ananias Clevinger, admr. Of Estate of Allen Clevinger, dec. et al. v. Heirs of Allen Clevinger | Cocke | Motion for Appeal |
Additional plaintiffs: William Lillard and wife Nancy, Abraham Lillard and wife Sarah, and Susan Clevinger. Complex case with many heirs that started in 1860. Allen died without making any deed or contract about land. Allen had slaves as well, which are named. Plaintiffs pray that Susan Clevinger be assigned a dower and land & slaves divided among them, but slaves are sold instead. Case includes report with details of sale. Decree rendered in favor of M.A. Roadman, clerk v. Wm. M. Livan, former clerk. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1189 | 83 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1873 | Amanda M. Bloomer by Next Friend v. John H. Bloomer et al. | Hancock | Motion for Review |
Samuel Edison is the Next Friend representing the plaintiff. Additional defendants: Richard Cape, Martha Walfe, Samuel Walfe, Sarah Walfe, Arthur Walfe, and S. F. Wells. Amanda Bloomer is the wife of John H. Bloomer. Amanda accuses John of attempting to defraud her buy persuading her to sell to him land she inherited from her father. This case file contains information regarding the rights of married women to control personal property. |
East | Range: 9 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1233 | 94 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1895 | A. A. McEwen v. Mayor & City Council of Nashville, Tennessee | Davidson | Contract for Labor and Materials |
The city contracted with McEwen several times to quarry stone for the purpose of being crushed for street repair. The plaintiff claims contracts amounting to $2307.85 were obtained and executed, however city only paid $1300.25. Plaintiff sued for balance. Includes details related to the trade of rock excavation--labor, contract negotiations, payment. Exhibit: Two original contracts. Because the city engineer did not personally measure the work, an arbitrator did fieldwork to determine the volume. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1054 | 155 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1877 | A. J. Fox v. Thomas Stephenson, et al. | Washington | Motion for Dismiss |
Other defendants: E. N. Griffith; W. T. McPeak. Stephenson had brought suit against John H. Estes for debt. Fox had bought some land from Estes, so Stephenson sought to collect debt owed by Estes from Fox. Fox claimed he had paid off notes or only owed an $10-15 on them. Fox & Estes were ordered to pay Stephenson $232.50 & court costs. Fox was seeking to have the judgement against him dismissed. |
East | Range: 20 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1600 | 46 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1946 | Bewley & Rader Land Co. v. B. A. Whitaker | Greene | Petition for Compensation |
This suit was instituted to collect compensation for selling a boundary of real estate under a written contract between complainant and defendant. |
East | Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 600 | 304 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1899 | B. H. Beazley v. John L. Kennedy, et al. | Davidson | Application for Injunction |
Additional Defendant: George W. Stainback. Defendants are members of the Board of Public Works and Affairs of the Mayor and City Counsel of Nashville. Exhibits: newspaper clippings, reports and illustration on the Phillips & Buttorf building fire. Complainant sought to enjoin defendants from making or entering into a contract with any bidder for the purchase of a fire hose for the city of Nashville. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 529 | 89 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1884 | B. F. Reed v. Florence Simonton, et al. | Giles | Debt for Rent |
Additional Defendant: Ann Simonton. |
Middle | Range: 34 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 558 | 27 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1866 | B. Estes v. William. A. Garrison et al. | Warren | Petitions for Certiorari | Middle | Range: 34 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 610 | 77 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1915 | Black& Partee, et al. v. Farmers Union Bank et al | Lauderdale | Debt for Rent |
Plaintiff claims he deposited money to defendant's bank with the instruction that the money is to be used for rent notes. |
West | Range: 79 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1357 | 80 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | B. M. Branner et al., exe. of John R. Branner, dec. v. Caldwell & Washington, Attys. | Knox | Payment for Services |
Add plain: John Talbot, G. M. Branner. Plaintiffs sued their legal counsel in litigation with the East TN., VA & GA. Rail Road (of which John R. Branner had been President). Executors thought fees ($6,500 for 2 suits) excessive, and sued attorneys. Others: William McFarland & James T. Shields, Maggie Branner, James Comfort; Tully R. Cornick Sr.; L.A. Gratz; W.P. Washburn; John H. Crozian. 495 pages in ET1945 |
East | Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1167 | 616 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1922 | B. S. Duggan v. Phillip Kissell | Lauderdale | Contract for Labor and Materials |
Kissell a resident of Arkansas; made a contract with defendant to make a share crop on defendant's land in the 9th civil district; defendant would furnish land and supplies and board; defendant did not carry out contract and did not protect the crops |
West | Range: 78 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1717 | 326 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1923 | B. F. Hawkins v. R. I .Lane et al. | Shelby | Payment for Goods |
Lane, D.T. Perkins, R. E. Persons composed the partnership of Person, Lane & Perkins. J. E. McColpin and C. R. Cash are the principal officer and stockholders of McColpin and Cash, J. R. Flippin and J. B. Hurt a partnership composing the firm: Flippin & Hurt. B.F. Hawkins, a farmer, filed this bill against Lane, Perkins and Person. Said defendants were partners in cotton brokerage business. Hawkins shipped 6 bales of cotton to Lane. When he went to collect his due, defendants claimed to be insolvent |
West | Range: 77 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1917 | 95 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1924 | Bank of Cooter v. West Tennessee Grain Company | Shelby | Petitions for Certiorari |
Bank of Cooter: corporation from Pemiscot County, MO; J.M. Rowland authorized agent of defendant and could purchase corn and draw drafts for it; Bank looking to recover $281.90 for three car loads of corn |
West | Range: 78 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1780 | 287 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1892 | B. F. McGrew, v. Mayor & Aldermen of Pulaski | Giles | Motion for Appeal |
This case file is a motion for an appeal in a case where a judgment was rendered against plaintiff in error concerning the ownership of a certain tract of land included in Commons property. Exhibit: Small map of Washington Street and Commons property |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 913 | 53 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1877 | Brittain Moseley v. William Scruggs | Williamson | Contract for Labor and Materials |
Brittain Moseley listed as "colored." |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 39b | 48 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1890 | Buss Machine Works v. Shepard, Mann & Johnson | Knox | Petition for Injunction |
The plaintiff company filed a bill of injunction to prevent the sale of machines by the defendant company under trust deed, regain possession of the machines, and have the title of said machnes divested from defendants. Exhibits include the notes of payment to plaintiff, receipt of delivery of machines, two Western Union messages regarding order and payment, and a bill of lading for machinery in dispute. |
East | Range: 19 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1818 | 160 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1943 | B. E. Biggs, et al. v. Roy H. Beeler, Attorney General, et al. | Polk | Petition for Injunction |
Polk Co. & R. E. McClary successfully challenged the constitutionality of the state's new abolition of the poll tax. In 1943, the General Assembly passed a bill outlawing the poll tax. For years, the tax had been a way of legally suppressing voting privileges of poor whites and African Americans. Under the constitutional provision for a poll tax, counties required proof that male citizens had paid the tax. (The name Biggs is not obvious in the brief & argument.) |
East | Range: 7 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 552 | 552 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1939 | B. F. Cole v. Will Taylor | Carter | Petition for Injunction |
Complaint was filed for an injunction requiring defendant to remove obstructions from a road and permit complainant to have free and unobstructed passage over said road. Exhibit: 2-plat maps. |
East | Range: 7 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 646 | 265 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1909 | Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. v. L. Ginnochio | Shelby | Contract for Labor and Materials |
The defendant was accused of failing to pay for over $1500 of goods, wares, merchandise, fixtures, and labor furnished by the plaintiff |
West | Range: 80 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1206 | 204 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1848 | Bird Thomas, et al. v. Austin M. Hammer | Bledsoe | Petition for Injunction |
Other plaintiffs: Robert Burk (also spelled Burke). Defendant won judgment against plaintiff for $1800 using fraudulent notes. Plaintiff brought case to chancery court to obtain injunction on judgment. |
East | Range: 9 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1123 | 13 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1887 | B. F. Holder v. James M. Baker et al. | Franklin | Petitions for New Road |
Holder sued to enjoin creation of proposed road through his land, arguing it was never maintained as a public road, but served only as "a settlement passway around the plantation" that was "cut out to get rid of the shade on the field and fence." Proposed road was near a mountain. Holder had worked as a road hand, though not on road in question. Baker was road commissioner. Add. Def: Jefferson Holder (overseer of proposed road). |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 740 | 104 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1927 | B. E. Buffaloe & Co. v. J. Walter Jones, et al. | Shelby | Contract for Labor and Materials |
Additional defendants: Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools, Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co., City of Memphis. Buffaloe was a subcontractor for J. Walter Jones, working n the Richmond School in Memphis. Buffaloe sued, claiming $2598.20 worth of work was never paid for. J. Walter Jones went bankrupt, so Buffaloe had to sue the City, the School Board, and the insurance company that held the bond for the work. Includes published Statement of the Case. |
West | Range: 77 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1895 | 143 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | Carroll Huey v. Sinie Thompkins, exe. Of Edward Thompkins | Wilson | Payment for Goods | Middle | Range: 20 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 58 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1918 | C. F. Mohr, et al. v. Southern Mausoleum Company | Davidson | Debt for Wages |
Additional plaintiff: C. H. Welch. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 104 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | C. G. Winburn v. D. H. Thomas, admr. | Haywood | Payment for Services |
Defendant Thomas was administrator of J. F. Worthan, dec. |
West | Range: 84 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 150 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | Calvin Kearley and wife, Martha Kearly et al. v. William Hale, et al. | Bledsoe | Damages for Wrongful Death |
Additional plaintiffs: Daniel Kearley, minor. Additional Defendants: Susan Hale, William A. Hale, Thomas Hale, James Hale, Alfred H. Hale, Jesse Hale, John K. Hale, George & Mary C. (Hale) Walker, J. W. Henry. In 1872, William Hale was found guilty of killing (manslaughter) Calvin Kearley. Martha sued Hale for $10,000 in damages for unlawfully killing her husband. She recovered a judgment of $300 plus court costs and therefore charged that Hale was justly indebted to her. |
East | Range: 5 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 34 | 272 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1897 | C. Buchanon & M. C. Edward v. Peoples Bank of Clifton et al. | Wayne | Petitions for Relief |
J. F. Biffle, Buchanon, and Edwards executed a note to the defendant bank in 1893. Biffle was the principal and the plaintiffs were the sureties. When Biffle defaulted on the note, a judgement was rendered for the bank and the plaintiff surities paid the note. However, the refused to pay the attorney fees of the bank, claiming they were unreasonable and that a judgment was reached quickly. |
Middle | Range: 37 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1182 | 50 | Order A Copy |