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 | 1895 | Dan Penn (col.), in error v. State, in error | Sumner | Burglary and Larceny |
Dan Penn "colored" was charged with breaking and entering the mansion home of Ed. F. Seay who resided on S. Water Street in Gallatin. Penn was also charged with stealing a pistol and other goods when he was found with the pistol by the Marshall. Dan Penn denied all charges |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1083 | 25 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1892 | E. B. Turpin v. State | Sumner | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
Plaintiff in error was accused of openly carrying a belt pistol, pocket pistol, or revolver. He was found guilty in the original trial and sentenced to 60 days in jail. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 955 | 8 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1891 | George Franklin v. State | Sumner | Attempted Murder |
Franklin is accused of attempting to murder G. Ellis with a stick. Ellis met Franklin on the side of the road while walking near Hendersonville. Franklin allegedly walked past Ellis then hit him from behind. Ellis suffered various traumatic injuries. After the incident, Franklin was found in a sick and unresponsive state. Upon recovery, he claimed it was actually Ellis who assaulted him. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 878 | 58 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | Hiram Harper (col.) v. State | Sumner | Burglary |
Victim: Eliza Hollin. Additional parties: J. D. Carr. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 59 | 3 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1881 | James Hilton v. Louisville & Nashville RR Co.& Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co. | Sumner | Injury |
Additional Defendant: Western Union Telegraph Company. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 174 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1886 | John Henry Morris& Mrs. Fannie Goodwin v. State | Sumner | Lewd Behavior | Middle | Range: 34 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 682 | 50 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1889 | John Vance v. State | Sumner | Assault |
Plaintiff in error along with, James Durham, and Jacob Vance, are accused of assaulting Sam Fitts with a pistol with intent to kill. The dispute appears to have been caused by differences in opinion regarding an election. According to the case file, Fitts had previously been convicted of rape or attempted rape and served 9 months in jail. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 826 | 79 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1887 | James Durham v. State | Sumner | Murder |
Incomplete case file. |
Middle | Range: 34 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 710 | 22 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1891 | Jas. Johnson (col.) v. State | Sumner | Burglary |
Plaintiff in error, also referred to as Jim Johnson, is accused of breaking into and entering the mansion home of Frank Lewis, situated on Franklin Street in Gallatin, with the intent to steal property. Living in the home at the time of the burglary were siblings Ella, Lula and Frank Lewis. Ella and Lula awoke to find a man in their room. They were able to wrestle him to the window that he came through and push him out. Frank Lewis is a postal clerk for the C. & N. Railroad. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 853 | 54 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1922 | Lee Jenkins v. State | Sumner | Other |
Cause of Action: Violating the age of consent law. |
Middle | Range: 33 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 470 | 178 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1827 | State v. Anthony B. Shelby | Sumner | Gambling |
Defendant charged with unlawful gambling. Also named in case: Joel H. Green, Stephen R. Roberts and Thomas Roberts |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 186 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1850 | State v. John Williams & William Olleman | Sumner | Robbery |
Williams and Olleman stole a gelding with force and arms. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 230 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1876 | State v. George Baker | Sumner | Larceny |
George Baker ate dinner at George Trout's house, explaining to Trout that he needed to new mules. Uncle George Trout's mare was allegedly stolen by George Baker. Baker was friendly with neighbors in his community, many of whom testified his desire to acquire new livestock like mules and oxen. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 13 | 48 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1876 | State v. W. J. Neely | Sumner | Lewd Behavior | Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 17 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1875 | State v. Mack Snowden (col.) | Sumner | Forgery |
Snowden was accused of changing an order of goods that he was sent to get. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 31 | 33 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. John H. Henry | Sumner | Guardianship of Minors |
Additional parties: Mary E. Rickman, Mary E. Browning, |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 38 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | Sam Horton Cold, et. al. v. State | Sumner | Theft |
Goodlow Miller Cold |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 43 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1881 | State v. Joseph Herndon | Sumner | Murder |
Victim: Herman Rex. Additional parties: Emily Rex, James Bugg, Mans Tinsley, Willie Douglass, Dr. William Doxey, Isham Talley, C. S. Douglass, Tobe Todd, William Wise, John Dunn |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 62 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1916 | State v. Virgil R. Butt | Sumner | Murder |
3 Folders. Photos included. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 83 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1918 | State v. W. C. (Crip) Springfield | Sumner | Liquor Violation |
Charged with transporting liquor |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 113 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1918 | State v. E. Donovan | Sumner | Liquor Violation |
Charged with transporting liquor |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 113 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | State v. Sam Triffs et al. | Sumner | Rape |
Additional defendant - William Meadows and Dave Key |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 174 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1921 | State v. Milton Hayes | Sumner | Murder |
Milton Hayes, an African American, was charged with murdering Tom Mitchell, a seller of illegal whiskey, during an attempted robbery. Additional Defendants: Grover Gunn and Dan Cannon, also African American. Sank Wilkes, a white man, was also part of their group. Wilkes was killed by Mitchell during the struggle. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 169 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1823 | State v. William Howlett | Sumner | Breach of Official Duty |
Trial was moved from Davidson County. There are documents concerning the change of venue included with the case. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 361 | 100 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Peter Hannah Cold | Sumner | Larceny | Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 367 | 4 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Lon Baker | Sumner | Larceny | Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 369 | 4 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Peter Bell | Sumner | Larceny | Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 369 | 4 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. John Barry | Sumner | Larceny |
Sentenced to four years in the state penitentiary |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1879 | State v. Sam Horton (col.) | Sumner | Unknown |
Sentenced to three years in the state penitentiary |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1874 | State v. Hardy Garrison | Sumner | Larceny |
Verdict and sentence only. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1922 | State v. R. E. Adcock | Sumner | Liquor, Unlawful Transportation of | Middle | Range: 33 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 466 | 31 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1886 | State v. Arthur Smith | Sumner | Assault with Intent to Kill |
Victim: John Clark. |
Middle | Range: 34 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 558 | 30 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1866 | State v. George Melser (col.) | Sumner | Larceny, Petit |
George Melser was found guilty of petit larceny and sentenced to 18 months in the state penitentiary, rendered infamous and required to pay court costs for prosecution. Judgment only. Case incomplete. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 726 | 2 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1882 | State v. Lewis Harris (col.) | Sumner | Larceny |
Incomplete case file. Judgment only. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 738 | 4 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1877 | State v. William Hill alias William Nelson (col.) | Sumner | Larceny, Grand |
Incomplete case file. Judgment only. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 738 | 5 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1877 | State v. Thomason Tobe Moncrief | Sumner | Larceny, Grand |
Incomplete case file. Judgment only. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 758 | 10 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1893 | State v. Jeff D. Carr | Sumner | Tippling |
The defendant and Sam Kennedy (aka Canidy) are accused of selling liquor within 4 miles of a schoolhouse, selling liquor without a license, selling liquor without paying the privilege tax, and selling liquor on a Sunday. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 955 | 14 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1845 | State v. Robert N. Miers | Sumner | Other |
Miers was charged with betting on an election. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 236 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1868 | State v. John Roney, et al.. | Sumner | Breach of Bond |
Additional defendants: E. H. C. Saurer and W. A. Lowell. |
Middle | Range: 32 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 333 | 76 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1875 | State v. Hardy Bell (col.) | Sumner | Assault |
William Douglass, referred to as "colored" as was the def., testified that he lived near Gallatin on land belonging to . F. Green. In 1875 a "colored" preacher came to his house on a mule, asking to stay the night. Douglass put the mule in a neighbor's barn only to later find Bell had let him out. They got into a fight and Bell stabbed Douglass in the face- very descriptive account of the wound. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 13a | 39 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. Jack Jennings | Sumner | Forgery |
Additional parties: Ben Doxy |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 38 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1878 | State v. John H. Wells | Sumner | Assault with Intent to Kill |
Victim: John G. Stuart. Additional parties: Jeff Lewis and C. R. Head. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 43 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1881 | State v. James Wright | Sumner | Disturbance of Public Worship |
Additional parties: William Branham also known as "Buck" Branham, James Branham, and G. Wright. |
Middle | Range: 20 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 62 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1880 | State v. George Martin | Sumner | Carrying an Illegal Weapon | Middle | Range: 20 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 67 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1918 | State v. Pat Britton, State v. J. R. Harold, State v. W. C. Springfield | Sumner | Liquor Violation |
Each charged with transporting liquor. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 113 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1918 | State v. P. T. Horn | Sumner | Liquor Violation |
Charged with transporting liquor |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 113 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1918 | State v. Tom Snell (col.) | Sumner | Liquor Violation | Middle | Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 113 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
| View Entry | 1918 | State v. Harry Graham | Sumner | Liquor Violation |
Charged with transporting liquor and speeding. |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 113 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1881 | State v. Walter Martin et al. | Sumner | Rape |
Additional defendants - Willie Martin and Charlie Franklin |
Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 174 | 0 | Order A Copy |
| View Entry | 1881 | State v. W. C. McAdams | Sumner | Larceny | Middle | Range: 21 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 174 | 0 | Order A Copy |