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 | 1892 | Beauregard De Foor v. State | Hamilton | Murder |
De Foor was tried for murdering Joe Williams in 1888. Transcript contains colorful testimony. Witness said that she and Williams were furnishing music for a lawn party given at a private home. Near midnight, defendant remarked that there was his cousin dancing with "Big Sis," a reference to Joe's wife. This offended Mrs. Williams, so she sought and received an apology; Joe asked likewise. Shortly, a gunfight and chase ensued, ending in Joe's death. Hand-drawn map shows key locations on street & alley. |
East | Range: 19 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1824 | 68 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Bud Farrow v. State | Crockett | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
The number of pages does not reflect the loose brief inside the case. Part of the testimony involves Ballard's saloon and "Ed & woman in bed." |
West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 340 | 46 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Beauregard De Foor v. State | Hamilton | Murder |
De Foor was tried for murdering Joe Williams in 1888. Transcript contains colorful testimony. Witness said that she and Williams were furnishing music for a lawn party given at a private home. Near midnight, defendant remarked that there was his cousin dancing with "Big Sis," a reference to Joe's wife. This offended Mrs. Williams, so she sought and received an apology; Joe asked likewise. Shortly, a gunfight and chase ensued, ending in Joe's death. Hand-drawn map shows key locations on street & alley. |
East | Range: 19 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1824 | 68 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Charles Stevens v. State | Knox | Unknown |
Case incomplete; opinion only. |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 101 | 5 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Corporation of Sparta v. Pate Lewis | White | Assault |
Plaintiff is accused of assaulting Charles Passons with a knife. Before the assault, plaintiff was arrested for public drunkenness and placed in jail. In the evening Charles Passons made a trip to the jail to bring water to Lewis, and claims this is when he was attacked. Plaintiff insists he was whittling, when in the process of taking his knife, Passons was accidently stabbed. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 920 | 40 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Charles Holt, alias Drew v. State | Washington | Larceny |
For stealing a mare worth $100 from John T. Leach. |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1750 | 24 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Dan DeBardelafen v. State | Hamilton | Gambling |
Defendant was on trial for keeping a house where gambling was allowed. |
East | Range: 19 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1704 | 25 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Erwin Sellers v. State | Carroll | Liquor, Sale of Illegal | West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 357 | 30 | 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 | 1892 | Fethais Woolsey v. State | Greene | Tippling |
Charged with selling liquor near a school house. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1741 | 22 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Gid Rideout v. State | Wilson | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
George Lahue testified that he witnessed the plaintiff in the woods shooting at a tree with a pistol. The plaintiff states that he has not carried a pistol in ten years and was using a rifle to shoot the tree. The plaintiff further notes that he was previously attacked by Lahue for charging him with stealing. Several witnesses testified to Lahue's poor character. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 951 | 18 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Geo. J. Lindner v. State | Davidson | Fraud |
The plaintiff in error was indicted in 6 cases of false pretense including cashing bad checks and pawning diamond rings not belonging to him. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 915 | 85 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | H. Clay King v. State | Shelby | Homicide |
Record contains two briefs for the appellant by the following: W. G. Weatherford, James M. Greer. |
West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 359 | 106 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Irvin Quarles v. State | Montgomery | Motion for Appeal |
This casefile is an appeal from a case where plaintiff was charged with Murder in the Second Degree for the death of Abe Slaughter. Plaintiff struck Abe Slaughter with a bat, causing his death. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 913 | 52 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | James W. Foster, in error v. State | McMinn | Assault with Intent to Commit Rape |
Foster was accused of attempting to kill William T. Wattenbarger. He hid in the bushes in broad daylight while Wattenbarger approached on the road. The defense argued that the jury was coerced in its decision. The main evidence was a pair of shoes worn by Foster the day of the shooting, and the tracks they made in the freshly plowed soil of the corn field. |
East | Range: 18 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1969 | 181 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | James Sizemore v. State | Knox | Bearing Challenge to Duel |
Incomplete case file; statement of case only. James Sizemore, son of Bill Sizemore, was convicted of killing Cicero Johnson during a duel. See additional bill in ET 1724. |
East | Range: 5 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 30 | 66 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | J. E. Ray v. Mayor & Aldermen of Knoxville | Knox | Unknown |
Case incomplete; opinion only. See also ET #1744 |
East | Range: 5 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 102 | 4 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | John Schneidle v. State | Roane | Liquor, Sale of Illegal | East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1753 | 34 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1892 | James M. Dunn v. State | Claiborne | Arson |
Plaintiff was charged with burning several stacks of hay of one Nancy M. Travis. The hay was worth around $100.00. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1728 | 32 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | John Malone v. State | Davidson | Assault with Intent to Kill |
Plaintiff in error was accused of attempting to murder Sim Fuller with a shotgun. Plaintiff and Fuller were at Dick Arnolds store and saloon on the corner of Murfreesboro Pike and Fairfield Ave. when they began to argue about a cigarette. Fuller left the store and the plaintiff followed him out. The plaintiff asked Fuller if he wanted to fight and then shot him. Casefile notes Fuller lives on Fairfield Ave. in South Nashville. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 955 | 26 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Jim Shoffner v. State | Rhea | Perjury |
For perjury in the case of State v. Silas Patter (for illegal gaming) by testifying under oath that Patter had never illegally gamed for money. |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1754 | 68 | 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 | 1892 | Judd Cawood, Robert Huskison and A. J. M. Lennoer v. State | Knox | Robbery |
The defendants were charged with the robbery of one Henry Smith. They were charged with stealing Five notes valued at $10.00, ten notes at $5.00, three pieces of silver coins at $1.00 and six silver pieces at $.50 each. Two folders. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1721 | 347 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | M. V. Huddleston and Rachel Conatser v. State | Fentress | Lewd Behavior |
For "unlawfully, openly, publicly, notoriously, recklessly amd scandalously did dwell, live and cohabit together as man and wife..." |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1750 | 22 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Phil Nolan v. State AND M. F. Nolan v. State | Anderson | Carrying an Illegal Weapon |
2 cases were bound together in box. Cover sheet of 1st case says M. F. Nolan v. State, but rest of case says Phil Nolan v. State. 2nd case says M. F. Nolan v. State throughout case. Both were charged with illegally carrying a pistol. |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1750 | 36 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | Robert Kittrell v. State | Rhea | Obstructing a Public Road/Road/Right of Way |
The plaintiff was charged with building a fence across a public road. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1729 | 41 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Ras Thurmond | Lauderdale | Murder | West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 339 | 100 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Guss B. Zink | Shelby | Larceny | West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 343 | 29 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. John Haynes | Weakley | Murder |
Victim: Mollie Oldham. |
West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 344 | 40 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Burrell Jackson | Shelby | Manslaughter |
The name of the victim in this case was Mack Matthews. Matthews widow, Margaret, testified she saw Burrell Jackson's brother, Crawford, kill her husband, along with Burrell. |
West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 350 | 50 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. H. Clifton | Shelby | Larceny | West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 350 | 13 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. J. R. Jones | Weakley | Larceny | West | Range: 82 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 368 | 73 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. George Duke | Coffee | Murder |
The defendant was accused of murdering Bud Elliot and Benton Messick with a pistol. On the evening of the shooting the three men, along with several others, were drinking and wrestling by a haystack near Duke's home. Near the end of the evening Duke told Messick that he owed him money and invited Messick and Elliot back to his home to review the books. Once inside Duke's home Messick and Duke began arguing. Elliot tried to intervene but was shot. Messick was then shot. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 951 | 621 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. William N. Hobbs | Hancock | Unknown |
Incomplete case file. Includes depositions for J. F. McNill, James Begley, Hiram Church, and C. S. Herd. Witness testimony was also included. |
East | Range: Section: Shelf: Box Number: | 90 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. T. R. Swafford | Hamilton | Larceny |
Case actually heard in James Co. Deft. found guilty of stealing $41.66 from Isaac Wolf & Co. on the date of 27 Aug. 1890. Wolf, who was familiar with the deft., said that on the night of the theft he saw Swafford standing near the front door of his shop as he was closing for the day. He kept the money in a cigar box that he placed under the counter before closing. The next morning the shop's front door was open & the box was missing. Similar box found in deft's. possession. |
East | Range: 19 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1756 | 67 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Asa Jones | Hancock | Murder, 1st degree |
Asa & Tip Jones, Lewis Gilbert (alias Moore), Western Gilbert (alias Moore), James Trent, (alias Prath?), George Cobb, William Connor, Samuel Burton & Henry Farrell charged with 1st degree murder in the 2 June 1888 shooting death of Anderson Greene. |
East | Range: 19 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1725 | 73 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. John Kirby | Trousdale | Disturbance of Public Worship |
The defendant was accused of disturbing public worship. Defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to jail. No further details of the case are available. Casefile primarily pertains to the construction of the jury. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 965 | 10 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Isham J. Walker et al. | Moore | Fraud |
Additional defendants: Pollie Walker, Buck Walker, G. L. Cashion, Thomas Newton Copeland, George Massie Copeland, Ida May Copeland, Thomas D. Copeland, Mattie Franklin wife of John Franklin, Emily E. Snow wife of H. H. Snow, Robert Copeland, Bank of Fayetteville, Robert Sisk, and the heirs of William C. Copeland. State recovered a judgment against I. J. and Buck Walker as sureties for B. E. Spencer. State now accuses I. J. Walker of disposing of property in order to avoid his creditors. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 963 | 114 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Bill Motlow | Moore | Burglary |
Motlow also accused of larceny after stealing goods and items from the home of Finas and Ed Riddle. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 957 | 20 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. George Clemons (col.) | Houston | Robbery |
The defendant was accused of assaulting 14 year old James Lockhart and stealing his pocketbook and money. Lockhart claims that he was walking on a road running from Erin to Cumberland City when he was stopped by the defendant who threatened him with a gun and demanded money. Casefile notes that defendant was raised by Rebecca Wesson. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 959 | 39 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Allen Connor | White | Assault with Intent to Kill |
Connor (aka Allen O'Connor and Allen Sharp) was accused of shooting Burt Balew with attempt to kill. Balew testified that he and several other men were sitting on a fence when Connor walked by and said that he could "whip anyone in the crowd." Balew went towards Connor and put his hand on his shoulder. Connor then shot him with a pistol concealed in his pocket. Connor states that he and Balew were friends and that the pistol went off by accident. Connor was 16 at the time of the shooting. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 959 | 52 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Alex Tiers (col.) | Giles | Burglary |
The defendant and Henry Bledson are accused of breaking into the business of F. W. Bunch located in Pulaski and stealing several knives. Bledson testified that the men also broke into two saloons on the same night. Exhibit materials include a map of downtown Pulaski. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 959 | 41 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Elisha Gilmore | Montgomery | Forgery |
The defendant and William Whitlock are accused of attempting to pass a forged checks to Joseph Rosenfield and Bayer Saywitz and Co. from F. B. Shelby. Shelby states that she did not sign or authorize the check in controversy. The original case resulted in a guilty verdict and a sentence of 8 years of hard labor in a Nashville penitentiary. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 955 | 19 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Grundy Fann | Cannon | Lewd Behavior |
The defendant was charged with openly frequenting a bawdy house to the common nuisance of public morals. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 952 | 9 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Sam Phillips | Hickman | Murder |
The defendant was accused of shooting and murdering Wade Satterfield during an outdoor dance. During the evening the two men began to argue and were held back and separated by witnesses. At some point the defendant fired his pistol but did not hit anyone. Seeing this, the def. threw a rock or "soda pop," bottle towards the defendant who then fired two shots at the deceased. The def. claims that he believed his life to be in danger and only fired his weapon in self-defense. Add. documents located in MT 960. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 951 | 109 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Sam Hill | Rutherford | Other |
Cause of action: Public drunkenness. The defendant was accused of being openly and publically drunk to the common nuisance of public morals and against the peace and dignity of the state. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 951 | 11 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. John Hogan (col.) | Trousdale | Larceny |
The defendant was accused of stealing chickens owned by Dailey Lawson from a hen house located on Lawson's property. The casefile notes that the defendant was married and has two children. It is alleged that during the trial Curtis West, a member of the jury, attempted to force a hung jury because he was a Republican. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 949 | 61 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Moses Davis | Maury | Theft |
Defendant was charged with felonious stealing for the theft of a horse belonging to W. H. Collier. |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 913 | 9 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. James Lafevors | White | Disturbance of Public Worship |
Lafevors aka Lafevers, and Jeff Howard were convicted of disturbing public worship and fined. This is a bill to re-tax the cost in the cause by striking out the State and County taxes. The defendant believes said taxes were already paid by Howard. |
Middle | Range: 36 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 922 | 7 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1892 | State v. Bud Johnson | DeKalb | Murder |
The defendant is accused of murdering Susan Bullard, 42 years old. Bullard's body was found in a shallow grave with a bullet hole near the collar bone. The defendant and Bullard had been in a previous altercation that resulted in the prosecution of the defendant for assault. According to witness testimony, the defendant had spoken about killing Bullard on several occasions before her death. Bullard never married but had one son described as an "idiot." 2 folders. Additional pages in box MT 998 |
Middle | Range: 35 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 911 | 501 | Order A Copy |