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 | 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 | 1860 | Allen McCoy v. Christian Heffner | Union | Debt Dispute |
Plaintiff filed suit against defendant who won an earlier judgment against him for the sum of $35. The parties are sued over payment of a note, and the Circuit Court found for the plaintiff, as the delivery of a note by payee does not assign liability. |
East | Range: 9 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1139 | 33 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1860 | Allen Hurst v. R.J. Carr | Union | Other |
Parties were candidates for the office of Clerk of Courts and Carr had the majority by six votes. The plaintiff later discovered that certain aspects of the election were illegal and therefore the votes should be voided. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1202 | 12 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1886 | Ann Bayless for the use of A. L. Leinart v. L. R. Carr & R.J. Carr | Union | Debt |
Leinart/Bayless asserted the Carrs were responsible for repayment of note, however the note and other paperwork were missing and unable to be used as evidence. Leinart was owed $20 for goods purchased from his store. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1635 | 13 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1887 | A.A. Baker v. A.L. Leinart et als. | Union | Deed of Trust |
This case involved a dispute over a deed of trust |
East | Range: 19 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1856 | 55 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1886 | A. C. Umsted, et al.v. School Directors of 59 School District | Union | Mandamus |
Additional defendants: R. A. Adams, H. P. Hawkins, J. R. Hughes, Woodfin Naylor, & J. H. DeGraffenreid. |
West | Range: 83 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 302 | 40 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1868 | Anna Bayless v. William Lay | Union | Trespass and Damages |
Lay sued for taking a horse worth $300 during the Civil War. Court ruled in favor of plaintiff Bayless for damages of $291. Anna Bayless, was married to Isaac Bayless, and was Anna Salling at time of theft. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1189 | 57 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1868 | Allen Hurst& Nicholas Sharp v. D. L. Ridenour | Union | Trespass with Force of Arms |
Ridenour accused Hurst and Sharp of shooting him as well as arrest and false imprisonment. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1191 | 59 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1870 | A. L. Leinart v. John A. Smith & D. F. Smith | Union | Trespass and Damages |
Plaintiff accuses the defendants of harassment and threats of violence. The defendants believe that the plaintiff took a horse belonging to John A. Smith during the Civil War and sent a threatening letter to the plaintiff which is recorded in the case file. The Smiths are noted to be Union men and Leinart appears to have supported the Confederacy. |
East | Range: 9 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1240 | 24 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1938 | Bruce Rutherford& Eunice Welch v. State | Union | Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated |
Welch was driving a car owned by Rutherford, who was a passenger (though there is conflicting testimony about whether Rutherford was driving some of the time). They ran into a bridge, resulting in the death of George Burgess, also a passenger. |
East | Range: 9 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1117 | 106 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1940 | Carl Kidwell v. State | Union | Counterfeiting | East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 144 | 141 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1935 | Coil Wolfenbarger v. State | Union | Attempted Murder |
Coil Wolfenbarger was charged with the attempted murder of Clayton Chandler. He stabbed Chandler twice after an argument over a game of horseshoe. |
East | Range: 8 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 826 | 12 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1857 | Charity Owens, free woman of color v. John Sharp, William Owsley & Isaac Pike | Union | Habeas Corpus |
Incomplete case file. Bill of Exceptions only. Plaintiff's is sued the defendants to get her children back. Her sons James Allen, age 15 is bound to William Owsley, William Aluis, age 11 is bound to Isaac Pike, and George Washington, age 13 is bound to John Sharp. |
East | Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1183 | 15 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1860 | Calvin Hickle v. Allen Hurst, et al | Union | Debt |
Additional def.s.: G. B. Carden & Peter Wolfenbarger. Plaintiff sued to collect on an unpaid judgment of $91.47, which he won against the def.s. on 23 Aug. 1859. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1214 | 17 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1870 | Caswell C. Lyons, admr.,& Heirs v. Valentine Wyrick, et al. | Union | Land and Title Dispute |
Opinion only. Complex land and title dispute. Lyons took deed of conveyance from Anderson Acuff for a tract of 140 acres. Acuff had obtained judgment against Lyons for unpaid purchase money. Land was sold by sheriff to L.M. Ellis. Deed eventually came to Wyrick. Lyons and Ellis had made verbal agreement on the redemption of the land but Ellis sold to J.L. Mynatt. Plaintiffs charges a vendor's lien was created in favor of Lyons. |
East | Range: 9 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1217 | 10 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1858 | David F. Huddleston v. David Parkey & Jordon Hendley | Union | Breach of Contract |
Incomplete document: Huddleston had made a contract with defendants to transport a large amount of freight including bacon, corn, cornmeal, feathers, and dried beef to Chattanooga. Defendants backed out. Transcript begins on page 14. Jordon also spelled Jordan. |
East | Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1177 | 48 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1879 | Daniel F. Smith v. State | Union | Liquor Violation |
Plaintiff in error was accused of selling liquor to Lee McClain without having first obtained a license. Plaintiff's occupation was described as laborer. |
East | Range: 19 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1681 | 18 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | D. F. Smith v. State | Union | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
Plaintiff in error was accused of unlawfully carrying a pistol. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1633 | 15 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1947 | Ed Haynes v. John Wayne Mullins et al. | Union | Wills, Contested |
Deceased: Magge Haynes. Exhibits include promissory notes, correspondences, will. Add. Defendants: Ernest K. Mullins. |
East | Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 589 | 299 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1944 | Earl Wyrick v. State | Union | Assault | East | Range: 5 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 148 | 38 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1939 | Edd & Phoebe Peters v. W. H. Popejoy | Union | Wills, Contested | East | Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 607 | 228 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1859 | Elijah Evans v. The Justices of Union County | Union | Wrongful Termination |
Plaintiff was a justice of the peace in 2nd Civil District & was removed from office. |
East | Range: 9 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1132 | 21 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1940 | Fred Irick v. Cecil Davis | Union | Damages |
Origin of damages: unknown. |
East | Range: 7 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 605 | 37 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1858 | Fleming McCoy v. William Longmire | Union | Garnishment |
Longmire had a garnishee summons issued upon plaintiff's father, Allen McCoy, A. McCoy appealed the judgment of $10, nevertheless an execution was ordered levied upon his property. Instead the constable served a garnishee summons upon the plaintiff, asking him to state before the court what effects of Allen McCoy he had in his home & how much he owed. Plaintiff refused to make a statement because the judgment had been declared & void. Asking for petition of certiorari. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1188 | 15 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1887 | George M. Traxler, in error v. Franklin C. Lett | Union | Trespass and Damages |
In the original case, Lett charged Traxler with $10,000 for trespass and damages. Lett alleged that Traxler fraudlently disposed of a 200 acre tract of land, was planning to leave the state, and had a house and a grey horse. Lett also alleged that Trexler had deviously seduced his daughter, thereby scandalizing the family. |
East | Range: 19 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1862 | 38 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1943 | Gilbert G. Smith v. State | Union | Larceny | East | Range: 5 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 146 | 101 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1936 | Gus McCoig et al.v. State | Union | Murder |
Additional Plaintiffs: Crawford P. Dean & Frank Hopson. Briefs & exhibits only. According to newspapers among the exhibits Dean, McCoig & George W. Moss were escaped convicts from the Tennessee Penitentiary. All 3 originally imprisoned on robbery charges. Moss recaptured. Dean & McCoig robbed a bank in New Tazewell, & shot & killed Sheriff L. B. Hutchinson. Dean 18, McCoig & Moss 22 & 23, respectively. 2 Folders. |
East | Range: 8 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 970 | 51 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1906 | Hiram Sharpe v. State | Union | Unknown |
Order striking case from docket only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 92 | 2 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1931 | H. M. Irvin v. Leola Hill | Union | Debt on Account |
Irvin sued Hill for $22.66 debt on account. Irvin represented the Shenandoah Life Insurance Company and sold Hill an insurance policy of $1000 with a premium of $22.66. Hill never paid him the premium, therefore he sued. Court ruled in plaintiff's favor for $22.66 plus interest. Hill appealed. Exhibit is the insurance policy for Hill through the Shenandoah Life Insurance Co. |
East | Range: 10 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1378 | 74 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1866 | Hiram Norton v. Nicholas Ailor, admr. | Union | Estate Dispute |
Nicholas Ailor was guardian of one Pauley Hutchison who was mentally handicapped. Her father Reuben Hutchison received a Union pension. After her father's death, Pauley received the pension. After her own death, Ailor sought to recover some of the money |
East | Range: 18 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1955 | 125 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1860 | Henry Snodderly v. David Weaver | Union | Ejectment |
Snodderly complained that Weaver broke into his close and ejected him. Others involved: Timothy Weaver, John Childers and [Edy?] Childers, John Hickman, William Mitchell. Exhibit is a hand-drawn map of the property. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1214 | 87 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1880 | Harvey Shelby v. State | Union | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
Plaintiff was accused of unlawfully carrying a pistol. Witness testified that plaintiff received the pistol in controversy from Amos McDaniel. Plaintiff denied the charges. |
East | Range: 19 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 1667 | 14 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1876 | Isaac L. Devault & John H. Devault v. William W. Gibbs | Union | Unlawful Detainer |
The plaintiffs originally sued for unlawful detainer and the judgement was rendered in their favor. The plaintiff was entitled to the possession of the land described in the warrant. Case file goes onto show that Gibbs requested a motion for a new trial. Defendant is a citizen of Georgia. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1654 | 35 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1858 | John Malone& James Lott admr., for Richard Malone, dec., widow Lucy, et al. v. James Malone & Anderson Malone | Union | Slaves, Selling of |
Plaintiffs: Rebecca Lott, Valentine Turner, Lucinda Turner, Rebecca Malone, Sarah Malone, petition to be allowed to sell three of Richard Malone's enslaved workers. They include Betty (75), Hannah (44), Jesse (39). However, because the number of slaves is odd, they argue they cannot be divided among the heirs evenly. Tells the chain of sale of the enslaved people to their new slaveholders. Second cause at back of case is petition to sell land from same estate. |
East | Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 2a | 14 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1859 | John Bradon to David Ridenorer | Union | Unknown |
Case incomplete; notice only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 102 | 2 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1888 | J. R. Irwin, In Error v. State | Union | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
J. R. Irwin was charged with carrying an illegal weapon based on the evidence provided the court indicating that he did not have the proper authority to carry a gun. Irwin felt that he did as a deputy Sherriff and as a private detective. See "Pet Irwin, In Error v. State" in ET 1844. |
East | Range: 19 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1844 | 21 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1889 | John Miller v. Union County | Union | Other |
About changing the boundary line between the 2nd & 10th Civil Districts. |
East | Range: 19 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1825 | 16 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1891 | Jacob Lay v. Samuel W. Jarnagin, et al. | Union | Fraud |
Plntff. charged that L. V. Wolfenbarger, a constable, illegally levied upon & sold 1500 crossties belonging to him to satisfy a judgment that was due the deft. against Enoch Vittatoe. The plntff. had contracted with Vittatoe to supply crossties for the KCG & L Rr Co., & deliver them on its right-of-way. The plntff.'s crossties were seized as if they were Vittetor's property, & sold despite the plntff.'s objections. Jarnagin was the purchaser. Plntff. Sued for $400 damages. |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1772 | 59 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | J. B. Hubbard alias Ben Hubard v. State | Union | Larceny |
Plaintiff in error was accused of breaking into the storehouse of Hill and Johnson and stealing various goods. Plaintiff was arrested after the stolen goods were found in his home. Plaintiff pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Casefile noted that plaintiff spent time in an insane asylum between 1889 and 1890. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1735 | 57 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1850 | John Bradon v. David Ridinerer | Union | Slander |
The plaintiff brings this case against the defendant for slander. The defendant spoke and published that the plaintiff had been guilty of stealing hogs greatly damaging the plaintiff's reputation with his neighbors and friends. |
East | Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1177 | 15 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1870 | John McDowell v. William Miller | Union | Replevin |
Plaintiff is sued for the return of a horse which was lost during the Civil War and which he believe is in the possession of the defendant. |
East | Range: 9 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1240 | 42 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1871 | James H. Ailor v. Charles Skaggs | Union | Trespass |
Plea of trespass on case of cutting & destroying of his timber of value of $20, ca. Oct.-Nov. 1860. Includes survey of land, 1861. Indenture between Simon Sherrod and William Ledgerwood, 1835, 400 acres, Knox County. Indenture between William Ledgerwood, Charles Skaggs, 1852, 300 acres, 5th Civ. Dist., Knox Co. |
East | Range: 5 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 2 | 298 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1887 | James J. Sellers v. Malinda Frost | Union | Petitions for Appeal |
In 1886 the courts judged in favor of Ms. Frost for $12.50, however many legal issues resulted from the case that was eventually appealed to Supreme Court. |
East | Range: 19 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1862 | 17 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1887 | J. F. P. Miller v. Isaac Shoffner et al. | Union | Application for Writ of Mandamus |
Additional Defendants: John Baker and Andrew Keck. Miller and Shoffner were acting school directors for the 10th Common School District for the school year ending August 1881. When elections were held to determine the directors, the plaintiff, elected to remain in the position, alleged that Keck illegally appointed Baker as a school director. Miller petitioned for a writ of mandamus and an injunction to prevent Keck and Baker from using the powers/privileges of the office. |
East | Range: 19 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1850 | 15 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1893 | John Dezem v. Alice Dezem | Union | Divorce |
The plaintiff and defendant were married about four years. The plaintiff stated that the defendant deserted him. The plaintiff and defendant did not have children. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1728 | 21 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1868 | Jacob Shelby v. James Hammock | Union | Trespass |
Hammock accused Shelby of stealing his mare while he was in Kentucky during the Civil War. The documents state Shelby was a citizen but suggest that he may have conspired with Confederate soldiers. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1191 | 27 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1867 | John Vansel et al.v. T. H. Evans et al | Union | Estate Dispute |
Additional plaintiffs and defendants listed in file. Missing first 12 pages. Plaintiff's name also spelled "Vancil". Dispute over the estate of Elias Vancil (dec.). |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1194 | 164 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1867 | J. G. Palmer et al. v. T. H. Butcher | Union | Property Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: William H. Sharp, and A.J. Savage. The plaintiffs are common school commissioners for the 10th school district in Union County. The defendant is accused of illegally occupying the Miller Schoolhouse. Related documents can be found in ET 1066. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1197 | 31 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1876 | John Hutchinson, in error v. State | Union | Disturbance of Public Worship |
In a previous case Plaintiff in error was convicted of disturbing public worship. Plaintiff in error filed this claim as an appeal. |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1647 | 10 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1878 | James Hubbs, et al v. State | Union | Appeal for New Trial |
Plaintiffs were charged with lewd conduct and convicted of having intercourse without being married in a previous case. This case was an appeal of that case. Additional Plaintiff: Jane Snodgrass |
East | Range: 20 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1633 | 19 | Order A Copy |