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 | 1884 | A. Connell et al. v. Samuel P. Walker, et al. | Shelby | Recovery of Money/ Wages |
Co-defendants: John W. Walker, exor. For S. P. Walker. Co-complainants: J. W. Woodward, Jesse W. Page, John T. Page. Case involves money owed to Connell et al. by S. P. Walker for some property he purchased before his death and for related legal bills. |
West | Range: 84 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 111 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1877 | A. Connell v. S. P. Walker | Shelby | Sale of Land/Property | West | Range: 84 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 52 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1886 | A. J. Ray& Wife v. R. B. Miller | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Also ex parte petition of Virginia Maydwell, 18, who would like to choose her own guardian, R. B. Miller. Miss Maydwell needs the money from her mother's estate because "she is now laboring for a livelihood." |
West | Range: 83 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 296 | 58 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1932 | Annie Dawson, et al. v. Mrs. George W. Borg, et al. | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
Addtl pltf: Alice Dawson Woolfolk. Addtl dfnts: Dr. Wm. Sailor Anderson, Dorothy Nassal, Catherine Stein, Mrs. A. Stein, Edmund Davis, and more. Case and appeals concerning the will of Elizabeth Arthur Heye, of Memphis. Debate over her "soundness" at time of signing. Linked to large James Dawson estate in St. Louis (MO). Ex. mat: will, deed, newspaper clipping, signed inheritance agreement, etc. Inlc. 2 handwritten pages of court notes. In 5 folders. |
West | Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2115 | 912 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1901 | Adolph Weber et al. v. Christeu Neilson | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
Additional plaintiffs: Rudolph Huss and Emma Huss. |
West | Range: 81 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 777 | 128 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1918 | Arthur Hall v. Monroe Beavers | Shelby | False Imprisonment |
Def. is the county Sheriff. Plaintiff claims he is illegally held in prison in the Tipton County Workhouse by the defendant under the judgment of a "so-called Criminal Court". Plaintiff shows that the legality of the imprisonment was not adjudged in any other proceeding and this is the first application for a writ of habeas corpus. Showing facts that he is illegally restrained of his liberty. |
West | Range: 79 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1558 | 105 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1895 | Braxton Robinson & Emma Robinson v. R. N. Countee, exe. Of Rosa Randolph | Shelby | Estate Settlement | West | Range: 82 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 649 | 600 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1908 | Bettie Sneed v. North Memphis Savings Bank | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
The plaintiff sued by her next friend, Thomas Sneed. The disputed will was that of Cora E. Hatche, dec. |
West | Range: 81 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 945 | 55 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1910 | Charlotte Blood More v. R. M. McLean et al.. | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
Additional Defendants: Walter B. McLean and Osgood C. Armstrong, executors and trustees of the will of William R. Moore. The deceased was the late husband of the plaintiff. Also, see McLean v. Moore in WT Box 1232 |
West | Range: 80 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1232 | 132 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1927 | Chess Cole v. Bessie W. Simon, admr. | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Bessie Simon was president of the Industrial Settlement Home of Memphis. This home was for the purpose of caring for indigent and orphaned colored children. Thomas Cole, aged 12 was killed in an auto accident in 1927. Bessie Simon looked after him and his brother and sister at the Industrial Settlement. She prayed to the court that she be assigned admr. of Thomas Cole's estate. Chess Cole claims that he is the father and next of Kin of Thomas Cole and he prayed for removal of Bessie Simon as admr. |
West | Range: 77 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1938 | 76 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1923 | Charlotte Boyd v. Ovella Nelson | Shelby | Other |
Cause of Action: writ of habeas corpus. This cases involves the custody of Flora Crockrell, minor child of plaintiff. Boyd and Nelson were cousins. After plaintiff divorced her husband and won custody of child the defendant refused to return her to her mother. Court permitted plaintiff and her husband visitation. |
West | Range: 78 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 1783 | 25 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1887 | Caroline Sauer v. Charles T. Sauer, et al | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Additional defendants: Katie Sauer, Philopena Sauer, Louise Sauer, E. L Goldbaum, Eddie P. Sauer, Louise P. Sauer, Jacob J. Murla |
West | Range: 83 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 320 | 56 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1901 | Catherine M. Erck, admr. v. Charles M. Erck, et al | Shelby | Estate Dispute |
Estate of Frank L. Erck. Additional defendants: Charles Frank Erck, Kathleen Erck, Francis Erck, Jno. J. Murphy, Laura Burkle, Henry N. Burkle, Minnie Yahnke, William H. Yahnke, J. F. Holst & Bros. (J. F. Holst and Hugh A. Banks) |
West | Range: 81 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 762 | 86 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1918 | Charles Cassotti v. J. E. Thomas | Shelby | Habeas Corpus |
Ex: case selections from The Southeastern Reporter; Charles Cassotti being illegally restrained of his liberty by defendant; committed to workhouse for 30 days |
West | Range: 79 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1519 | 73 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1881 | David T. Varnell et al.v. John Loague, admr. Gray Varnell, dec. | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Additional Plaintiffs: A. J. Conant & wife, Katie Conant, Mary A. Cooper, and -- Russell, all of KY. All plaintiffs brothers & sisters of Gray Varnell who died ca. 25 Jan. 1881. Exception, brother-in-law A. J. Conant. Also mentioned: Joseph Varnell, brother in MO & sister, Mrs. Bolin of TX, dec., left children to share in the estate. Gray Varnell had no relatives in TN. |
West | Range: 84 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 165 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1932 | Dr. R. A. Burke v. North Vernon Lumber Mills | Dyer | Debt |
Pltf. sued to claim $10,000 in debt owed to him by dfnts. for a load of missing lumber and sought dfnt. landholdings as repayment. |
West | Range: 77 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 2111 | 94 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1935 | Estate of Isadore B. Finklestein, dec. | Knox | Wills, Contested |
The will was contested by the widow, the legatees and the general creditors of the deceased. |
East | Range: 8 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 893 | 152 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1913 | Eda Lowder v. P.H. Anderson et al | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
Plaintiff filed in the probate court asking that a paper writing purporting to the last will and testament of Walter Lowder, deceased, be probated in solemn form. Defendant contested the will. Plaintiff asked for the lower court decision to be reviewed. |
West | Range: 79 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 1350 | 80 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1914 | Elliott Young v. John J. Boehler | Shelby | Child Custody |
Concerning adoption of Rhoda Boehler, daughter of Adam J. and Grace Young Boehler. John J. Boehler is the brother of Adam J. Boehler. At the time John Boehler came down from Ohio to see the conditions his orphaned niece was living in, he found her with her grandparents, Mrs. R. D. Young and John Young, living on a "Shanty Boat on the banks of the Wolf River near the City of Memphis." |
West | Range: 79 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 1315 | 28 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1880 | Francis M. White, et al. v. Ann R. Williams, et al. | Shelby | Fraud |
Additional complainants: E. F. Vance & E. E. Clark. Additional defendants: Stephen Watkins, Luci, Watkins, John, Fanny, and Julia Williams, & Mary Long (Williams) Looney, wife of Robert F. Looney. All heirs of John Joseph Williams, dec. Mrs. Ann Rebecca Williams widow of John Joseph Williams. John Joseph Williams died ca. Sept. or Oct. 1873. |
West | Range: 84 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 143 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1883 | Frances M. White et al.v. Alice A. Bowman et al | Shelby | Estate Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: C. F. Vance & E. E. Clark. Additional Defendant: John Bowman, husband Alice A. Bowman Case concerns estate of Clara Saunders, died in Memphis 1 Sept. 1878; husband, Thomas B. Saunders, also dec. Clara Saunders had sisters, Mary Jackson of Canton, OH & Elizabeth Hamilter of Sharon, Beaver County, PA. |
West | Range: 84 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 159 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1883 | F. M. White, et al. v. Emma Restemeyer, et al. | Shelby | Bond |
Plaintiff was the executor of Catherine Restemeyer, dec. His fellow plaintiffs are C. F. Vance and E. E. Clark. Co-defendant is R. B. Snow, grandson of the deceased; Emma is Catherine's daughter and only child. Case concerns liability of petitioners for obligations of the deceased. See also Kate B. Kerr et al. v. F. M. White, exor. |
West | Range: 83 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 191 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1883 | Francis M. White et al. v. Ada Lonsdale et al. | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Other plaintiffs: Calvin T. Vance & E. E. Clarke. Ada Lonsdale, widowed during a recent epidemic, was left with two small children. |
West | Range: 83 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 194 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1880 | Francis M. White et al.v. James A. Anderson et al | Shelby | Debt Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: Calvin F. Vance and E. E. Clark Additional Defendants: Sallie F. Woodard, Henry P. Woodard and Henrietta Woodard, |
West | Range: 83 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 218 | 83 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1924 | Florence J. Carter v. R. W. Carter, exe. | Shelby | Petitions for Certiorari |
Deceased: R. E. Carter; wife Florence and daughters R. W., Napoleon, Viola, Riola, Laneta, Vashti, Corrie Lee and W. W.; bill alleging that marriage to Florence was not valid; Florence seeking rights to personal estate |
West | Range: 78 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 1693 | 91 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1875 | George N. Millington & wife Wade Millington v. E. M. Apperson, exe. Of Wade N. Bolton | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Case originated in the Probate Court. Plaintiff alleges she has not paid money due to her from the will of Wade Bolton. |
West | Range: 84 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 36 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1900 | G. W. Smith v. Marie C. Hitzfield | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
Will of G. W. Smith |
West | Range: 81 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 825 | 71 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1879 | George W. Elder & Fanny Elder v. J. T. Jefferson, exe. Of S.W. Jefferson | Shelby | Estate Dispute | West | Range: 84 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 133 | 0 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1892 | H. Cohen Jr., et al. v. E. Wallis, et ux | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
Other complainants: Herman, Max, Lewis, Ralph, and Philip Cohen The lower court also dealt with the legality of Mrs. Sophia Wallis as administratrix for the will of Solomon Cohen. |
West | Range: 83 Section: F Shelf: Box Number: 356 | 35 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1893 | H. Cohen Jr. et al. v. E. W. Wallis et ux | Shelby | Other |
This appears to be a loose page in an existing court case. It simply states that the defendant failed to show up and that certiorari is awarded. Other pages of case could not be found…this loose page was found at bottom of box. |
West | Range: 83 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 371 | 1 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1894 | H. Cohen Jr. et al. v. Sophia Wallace & E. Wallace | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
The index is incomplete and starts at page 96. See the following 2 cases entitled the same for possible links: H. Cohen Jr., et al. v. E. Wallis, et ux (1893) (db records 3191 and 3346). Additional Plaintiffs: Herman Cohen, Max Cohen, Louis Cohen, Ralph Cohen, Phillip Cohen. |
West | Range: 82 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 602 | 316 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1899 | Hugh Martin et al v. William H. Stovall, Exec. | Shelby | Estate Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: Sallie C. Martin, wife of Hugh; R. J. Cooke; Paul Cooke; Walter Cotter & wife, Minnie. Stovall exec. of Mrs. Ferreba Ann Hall, dec. Coahoma Co., MS. Aug. 1898. Plaintiffs seek to have Mrs. Hall's will overturned on grounds that she was insane when it was prepared, & unduly influenced by Stovall & Malinda Ann Sparks & husband J. H., all named in her will. Also named: Elvira Maupin, Adeline (Terrell) Maynard, Mollie E. Johnson et al. Published Brief; Will of Mrs. Ferelia(?) A. Hall. |
West | Range: 81 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 755 | 89 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1899 | Hugh Martin et al. v. William H. Stovall, Executor | Shelby | Estate Dispute |
Additional Plaintiffs: Sallie C. Martin, wife Hugh: R. J. & Paul Cook; Walter Cotter & wife, Minnie. Stovall executor of Mrs. Ferreba Ann Hall, dec. Coahoma Co., MS Aug. 1898. Plaintiffs seek to overturn her will, arguing that she was insane at the time it was made & unduly influenced by Stovall & by Mary Ann Sparks & her husband, J. H. Sparks who are all named in her will. Also named: Elvira Maupin, wife John W.; Mollie E. Johnson; Adeline (Terrell) Maynard & Mary Branch, wife of B. O. Branch. |
West | Range: 81 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 755 | 90 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1901 | Henry Houck et al. v. Lee Thornton, admr., et al. | Shelby | Property Settlement |
Brief only -- no case files. Thornton is administrator for Edward Coleman, dec., and W. W. McDowell, creditor. One defendant names is Matilda Coleman. |
West | Range: 81 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 774 | 12 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1885 | In re Estate of John W. Coyle & Grace M. Coyle | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Documents include Guardian Bonds. |
West | Range: 83 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 280 | 35 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1904 | Industrial & Training School of Shelby County & James A. Omberg v. John H. Alsup | Shelby | Other |
Cause of action: Refused to pay warrant in the amount of $24,000. John H. Alsup was the trustee of Shelby County at the time of the case. |
West | Range: 82 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 690 | 30 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1885 | In re Estate of T. J. Cowgill, dec. | Shelby | Other |
Cause of Action: Petition for One Years Support. Additional parties: Maggie E. Cowgill |
West | Range: 83 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 280 | 35 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1909 | Isadore Marie Ryan, by her next friend & husband C. R. Ryan v. I. M. Acosta, Exec. For Alice E. Acosta, Dec. | Shelby | Estate Dispute |
Lawsuit concerns a claim by the plaintiffs, the Ryan's, that the Last Will and Testament of Alice E. Acosta that was presented to the Probate Court in 1907 was not the actual will of Alice E. Acosta. Bound copy of argument presented by the Ryan's is included. |
West | Range: 80 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 1163 | 288 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1884 | James B. Lake& Wife v. Robert Miller, admr. | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Additional parties: Robert William Sea, dec., Mary Lee, E. P. Williams, Rebecca E. Williams, L. C. Sea, W. Davis, Minnie Davis, Margaret Williams. |
West | Range: 83 Section: C Shelf: Box Number: 256 | 501 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1906 | James S. Robertson& Dan F. Elliott, exec., of John B. Clough, dec. v. John Quincy Eaton, et al | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
Additional defendants: Mary Clough Eaton, John Clough by his regular guardian Mary Clough Eaton and Elenor E. Clough |
West | Range: 81 Section: J Shelf: Box Number: 987 | 103 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1910 | J. L. Hooks v. C. L. Davidson | Shelby | Child Custody |
The plaintiff and defendant clashed over the adoption of a child named DeWitt Hooks. |
West | Range: 80 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 1270 | 219 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1922 | J. E. Moody v. T. J. Rowell | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
T. J. Rowell's wife, Sarah M. Rowell, died on September 8, 1921, leaving no will. He seeks to be made administrator of her estate so he can pay her debts out of her estate. |
West | Range: 78 Section: D Shelf: Box Number: 1726 | 251 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1925 | John Cuneo, exe. of Kate Cuneo, dec. v. Columbus L. Vaccaro et al | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
The plaintiff is claiming that the dec. had written a new will leaving out the defendants as heirs. The defendants are grandchildren of a deceased daughter of the dec. and were entitled to 1/8 of the estate under the original will. The defendants claim the new will was signed under duress or while the dec. was not of sound mind and that it should be quashed. Addtl def.: Marie Vaccaro Eaton. 3 folders |
West | Range: 78 Section: G Shelf: Box Number: 1797 | 941 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1877 | J. M. Phillips, exe. of M. J. Manning, dec. v. Beesey Manning | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
Much of the documentation in this case comes from the Chancery Court of Tunica County, Mississippi, and concerns the estate of Martin J. Manning, dec., of whom Beesey Manning is the widow. |
West | Range: 84 Section: E Shelf: Box Number: 88 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1880 | John Zent, Guardian of Emma Maddox | Shelby | Guardianship of Minors |
Emma Maddox was the daughter of H. S. Maddox, dec. The court removed Zent as her guardian on the grounds that he was mismanaging her estate. Zent appealing this decision. |
West | Range: 84 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 159 | 0 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1883 | Jesse J. Busby v. L. A. Puckett | Shelby | Probate |
The cover of this case lists it on the Chancery docket, but all the records are from the Probate court. Busbey is Puckett's administrator. Until the last few pages, when "Busby v. Puckett" appears for the first time, the case is non-adversarial. Included are petitions for payment of debt -- W. H. Bates says he is owed $2081.35 from the estate; C. H. Taylor claims a debt of $179.35. There are also several pages of legal briefs. |
West | Range: 83 Section: B Shelf: Box Number: 227 | 47 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1888 | John Laeque, admr. of Richard M. Johnson v. Jane Johnson, et al. | Shelby | Estate Settlement |
The estate of Richard M. Johnson, deceased is the subject of this case. |
West | Range: 83 Section: H Shelf: Box Number: 415 | 156 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1896 | J. G. Handwerker, Guardian v. Lizzie Dierweyer& William C. Dierweyer | Shelby | Estate Settlement | West | Range: 82 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 466 | 168 | Order A Copy | |
View Entry | 1901 | James Wheeler Cocke, et al. v. Caroline J. Cocke, et al. | Shelby | Wills, Construction of |
A. J. Dennis left 1/2 of his realty to wife, other 1/2 to daughter Caroline for life w/remainder to her children. The wife died before died before her husband. Caroline sued to have her father's estate divided into 2 parts so that she may hold her portion & her children fee simple as heirs. Other complainants: Albert Henry Cocke & Mary Elizabeth Cocke. Defendant: minors Henrietta Agnes Cocke & James Wheeler Cocke. All were children of Caroline. |
West | Range: 81 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 750 | 56 | Order A Copy |
View Entry | 1900 | Jesse Edgington, special admr., estate of Mary J. Smith, dec.& Eliza A. Smith, Ruth Smith, Ida Smith,& Sally Smith v. John Earp, et al. | Shelby | Wills, Contested |
Additional plaintiffs: Lydia Earp, J. W. Askins, Sarah C. Askins, Jonathan Salsman, Martha E. Salsman, Cynthia Jackson, Emily Hopkins, A. A. Renaud, Amanda C. Renaud, R. A. Clark, and Nancy Clark. Will was upheld. May not be complete. Alternate page numbering has pages begin at 679a and ceases at 1034. Additional case materials are absent. Pages are numbered 1-334 so case structure and page removal may have occurred during the case's creation by the court. |
West | Range: 81 Section: A Shelf: Box Number: 744 | 334 | Order A Copy |