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 | 1880 | Addison Morrison v. Shelby, Scott,& Company | Montgomery | Insurance Disputes |
The plaintiff, Morrison, was an African-American tobacco grower in Montgomery County. The firm of Shelby, Scott & Co., who owned a tobacco warehouse, was headed by J.H. Shelby and D.W. Scott. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 173 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | A. B. Tavel, et al. v. M. L. Moore, et al. | Davidson | Debt Dispute |
Other plaintiffs: J. B. Eastman, R. H. Howell. Other defendants: Jno. A. Moore |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 37 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1896 | Alston Boyd & L. B. Eaton v. J. L. McCauley for use of Planters Oil Mill Company | Shelby | Taxation Disputes | West | Range: 82 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 470 | 20 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1871 | Bailey Butram, et al.v. State | Scott | Bond Dispute |
Opinion document. |
East | Range: 8 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 814 | 16 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1870 | Catherine M. Barrett, et al. v. Thomas A. Anderson, Louis Morgan, Von A. Anderson | Franklin | Estate Dispute/ Settlement |
Add'l pls: C.W. Barrett, E.S., G.D., & C.M. Monroe, Moses G. & Sophia M. Copp, H.S. & Susan D. Smith, George W. & Anna S. Eastman, and Louisa S. Monroe. Barrett was widowed by Samuel B. Barrett of Boston, her children's father was Edmund Monroe. Barrett owned 20k acres of land at his death, leaving them to his widow, who divided & sold them to Edmund Monroe, who then died intestate. Conflicting deeds were discovered. Suit was filed to settle estate & land ownership. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 10a | 471 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | David Hughes v. State Insurance Co. of Nashville | Davidson | Insurance Disputes |
The plaintiff owned a hardware store in Nashville which a fire destroyed in December 1877. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 173 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1881 | E. Dean Dow, assignee et al. v. John B. Cox | Knox | Property Dispute |
This was a replevin suit regarding the ownership of two organs in the case of Mason & Hamlin Organ Co. v. W. F. Cummins to recover debt due under $500 for an organ. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 103 | 32 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1839 | Ely Willson by next friend Jeremiah Willson v. Alfred Agey | Campbell | Property Dispute |
Dispute over a sorrel horse with a white face. |
East | Range: 9 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1100 | 14 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1857 | Grace Boykin by her next friend Elijah Russell v. Hugh Cain | Hawkins | Estate Dispute |
Grace and Hugh Cain were the adult children of the late Hugh Cain who died in 183[?] and left a substantial estate. It included slaves (all named) that he manumitted in his will. Son Hugh administered his father's estate and swindled Grace by calling a lunacy inquest. Grace charged that her brother kept her in a poor condition, ill-treated her, and "laid violent hands upon her." Copy of the will is in evidence. Elijah Russell was Grace's brother-in-law. The slaves had yet to be freed in 1857. |
East | Range: 9 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1159 | 191 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1946 | H. M. Brimer v. State | Anderson | Election Dispute |
Cause of Action: Illegal purchase of poll tax receipts. |
East | Range: 5 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 148 | 12 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1875 | J. B. Kirtland v. Shelby County& T. C. Bleckley | Shelby | Taxation Disputes |
Records show that T.C. Bleckley was chairman of the Shelby County Court and financial agent. |
West | Range: 84 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 47 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1833 | James K. Polk & wife, et al. v. Johnathan Douglas & Daniel Cameron | Rutherford | Land and Title Dispute |
Additional plaintiffs: William R. Rucker and Susan his wife, John W. Childress and Mary Childress and Elizabeth Childress. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 375 | 11 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1943 | Julian L. Lane v. State | Hamilton | Election Dispute |
Cause of Action: violation of election laws. Lane, alias Jude Lane is being accused of fraudulently marking the ballots of Houston H. Smith, Grady Hicks, Gertrude Hicks, Mary Prestwood, all qualified voters during the election of Mayor and Commissioner for the City of Chattanooga. |
East | Range: 6 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 328 | 19 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1852 | James M. Marshall v. George M. Kerns | Campbell | Election Dispute |
In the race for county court clerk, Marshall supposedly won by three votes. Kerns successfully contested the election on grounds that Marshall had filed a false vote count with the court. |
East | Range: 9 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1143 | 24 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1861 | J. M. Tunnell v. J. R. Bradley & T. R. Bradley | Roane | Contract Dispute and Damages |
Argument over the rights to sell and teach [Prof. I. J.] Morris's Grammar in the East Tennessee territory, specifically Sevier, Blount, and Union Counties. Morris's Grammar: A Philosophical and Practical Grammar of the English Language was first published in 1858. It was published again in 1860. |
East | Range: 9 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1203 | 15 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1888 | Kelly, Roper & Reilly v. W. D. Cannon, Sheriff | Shelby | Property Dispute |
The number of pages includes 1 attachment. |
West | Range: 83 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 425 | 37 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1916 | Margaret C. Inman, et al.v. R. P. Tucker, et al | Van Buren | Land and Title Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: Hugh M. Inman, John H. Inman, Jr., and Samuel M. Inman. Additional Defendants: H. G. Wickes, J. C. Darymple, E.L. Walling, and the Sequatchie Col & Iron Company 4 Folders |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 100 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1920 | Robertson & Johnson v. J. L. Shasteen | Franklin | Debt Dispute | Middle | Range: 21 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 145 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1948 | Ralph Pemberton v. State | Morgan | Election Dispute | East | Range: 5 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 147 | 95 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1867 | State v. William Bingham | Williamson | Property Dispute |
Dispute over the rightful ownership of a piece of land |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 172 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. Marion Marks | Giles | Election Dispute |
Marks was indicted in criminal court in Giles County for multiple causes. An election as held at the county precinct 11 to elect the sheriff and constable, justice of the peace and Peace School director. Marks was accused of "misrepresenting the name on the ticket" or ballot, in order to fraudulently change the ballot. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 35 | 52 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1877 | State v. R. C. Williamson | Shelby | Taxation Disputes |
Motion to correct the taxation of costs. |
West | Range: 84 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 90 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1891 | State v. Emanuel Brown | Knox | Debt Dispute |
According to the case file the Defendant did unlawfully "leave and fail to pay his board bill." Case incomplete; brief and summons only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 102 | 6 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1941 | State& The Town of Newport v. Delinquent Tax Payers, Seaton Hance, et al. | Cocke | Taxation Disputes |
Additional Defendants: W. D. Stinnett, I. E. Cooper, Estella Gregg, Frank Howell, Jr. J. S. McKinney, W. B. Stanberry, W. D. Stinnett, I. E. Cooper, Marion Dawkins, Jack Dennis, Bertie Gregg, Estel Gregg, Charles Rollins, Ernest Smith, Amos Boyd, Tom Campbell, N. E. Cates Heirs, Charles Garrett, Nina Gregg, Joe Godfrey, Hugh Gilchrist, Mollie Holder, Ed Morrison, Bessie Trent, Creed Allen, O. P. Ailey, Dennis Branch, Texie Cate, Jack Gray, Hobert Gregg, etc. There are literally hundreds of names. |
East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 127 | 376 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1935 | State v. Robert Logan | Hamilton | Insurance Disputes |
Defendant is charged with violation of insurance laws by operating an insurance company without obtaining and receiving a certificate of authority from the TN Department of Insurance and Banking. |
East | Range: 8 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 883 | 48 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1846 | State v. Samuel Randles, Abraham Fox,& Thomas Brabson | Sevier | Election Dispute |
Defendants, "judges" of a county polling place, did not submit a certified copy of poll books and a list of voters, 9th civil district. Court transcript includes a true copy of the voter list. The 1845 statewide election decided gubernatorial and congressional offices. Aaron V. Brown was elected governor that year. |
East | Range: 9 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1127 | 16 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1881 | State v. Albert Akers et al. | Davidson | Bond Dispute |
Additional parties: George F. Akers and Hugh McGavock |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 69 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. George Liddon | Shelby | Bond Dispute |
Cause of Action: Default of Bond. Additional parties: John Sellers, |
West | Range: 84 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 127 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1856 | State v. John Merritt | DeKalb | Debt Dispute |
A constable is charged with taking twice his agreed salary. ($1 instead of $.50). |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 253 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1870 | State v. James House& John Parker | Sumner | Debt Dispute | Middle | Range: 32 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 323 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1872 | State v. John Blackford | Debt Dispute |
Case file is incomplete; brief only. Brief references another case against R. H. Guthrie. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 71 | 7 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1901 | S. M. Hooper, admr. v. A. K. & N. R. R. Co. | Knox | Debt Dispute |
Case file is incomplete; orders and opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 76 | 13 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1886 | State v. J. F. J. Lewis | Knox | Taxation Disputes |
Case incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 101 | 6 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1947 | State, ex rel. R. E. Kellar& John Busler v. Charles Fisher, et al. | Cocke | Election Dispute |
Additional Defendant: Guy Freshour. |
East | Range: 5 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 125 | 133 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | State v. Julius Cook | Shelby | Election Dispute | West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 337 | 22 | Order A Copy | ||
| View Entry | 1846 | Samuel Henry v. Hugh H. Henry | Blount | Contract Dispute and Damages |
Transcript begins on page 7. Involves a disputed debt to the firm of H. H. Henry (Hugh Henry). They seem especially interested in whether a gallon of whisky was delivered before or after the firm's dissolution. Lists names of debtors and names of family members Margaret Henry and John Henry. Document still very sooty after surface cleaning. See also ET 1151. |
East | Range: 9 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1122 | 111 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1892 | State, ex rel. T. A. Rambo v. George L. Maloney | Knox | Election Dispute |
Maloney was elected county judge in 1888. Rambo ran unopposed for county judge in 1892 but Maloney refused to relinquish his office. Maloney claimed that he was elected to an 8-year term of office. |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1753 | 22 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1856 | Thomas Smiley & Charles Hays v. E. B. Bigley | Davidson | Debt Dispute |
Original case involves what seems like a civil dispute and includes several documents as to why it should be tried in criminal court, but the underlying reason is oblique. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 261 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1919 | The Continental Insurance Company v. H. Schulman | Lincoln | Contract Dispute and Damages | Middle | Range: 21 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 144 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1885 | Winston & Co. v. W. A. Thompson | Weakley | Property Dispute |
Dispute over two barns of tobacco, about 1500 sticks. |
West | Range: 83 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 286 | 17 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1942 | Wallace Cable v. State | Knox | Election Dispute | East | Range: 6 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 230 | 165 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1949 | W. W. Steuart v. State | Anderson | Taxation Disputes |
Charges also include "Public Drunkenness." |
East | Range: 6 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 235 | 248 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1936 | W. E. Fox, P. C. Atchley& J. L. Simpson v. State | Knox | Election Dispute |
This case deals with the alleged violation of election laws |
East | Range: 8 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 951 | 257 | Order A Copy |