Cases indexed alpha by Plaintiff. Although there is a cross-index reel at TSLA by Defendant, there is no 'everyname index', so there is no hint of what reel actually contains. Genealogical extractions in order they appear on each case. Sometimes depositions not dated. The purpose is not to find who did what to whom, but how they were related. The quality of this microfilm varies widely. Sometimes the copy at Tennessee State Library & Archives is more legible. Microfilm reels may be ordered by mail. http://www.state.tn.us/sos/statelib/r&r/mfcounty.htm
THE JOINT AND SEPARATE ANSWER OF D. S. HUFFHINES, T. J. Huffhines, J. C. Ray & wife B. Ray, W. B. Huffhines, Hugh Huffhines, Lu Huffhines, Margaret Huffhines, heirs of Thos. Huffhines, Jas. Huffhines, Francis Carver, heirs of U. C. Huffhines, to the Cross Bill of Complainants Wm. H. Botts, John P. Murray, R. A. Cox & R. P. Brooks.
10 Sept. 1898. [Last number is unclear. -bp.]
. . . Cicero L. Murphy & James C. Owen were joint owners of the lands known as the Highland tract . . .
That the said James C. Owen prior to said Aug. 17, 1857 sold said undivided one half of said lands except a store house and lot of one acre to Wm. H. Jones for the price of about $950.00 . . . Cicero L. Murphy & W. H. Jones sold said land to John S. Carver on said 17 Aug. 1857 . . . the said John S. Carver on the same day assigned said three title bonds to Thos. Huffhines, he having sold said lands to Huffhines . . .
A very complex situation about notes ensues. -bp.
Paul Clay purchased an undivided one half of said lands which was sold by Decree to satisfy a note [date blank]. -bp.
THE AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTAL CROSS BILL OF COMPLAINT OF ROBT. A. COX, ET. AL.
No date.
Thomas Hufhines departed this life intestate sometime in the year 1884 . . . defendant Margaret is his widow (divorced from him however long anterior to his death) and defendants H. C. Hufhines, T. J. Hufhines, W. Buck Hufhines, Fannie Draper and [blank] Ray are his only children and heirs at law.
[In] 1872 Margarett Hufhines her original injunction bill against Thomas Hufhines & Wm. Young, seeking divorce and alimony from Thomas Hufhines and a discovery from Wm. Young. She was decreed her divorce on [blank] day of [blank] 187-.
The question of alimony was left to be settled at a later date. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF WILLIAM YOUNG OF SMITH CO. TN against Thomas Huffines, William H. Jones, James W. Carver, Administrator of John S. Carver, deceased, Samuel L. Carver, Alexander S. Carver, Sanders Sisco & his wife Emaline Sisco, William Huffines & his wife Mary Jane Huffines, Robert Dixon & his wife Angelina Dixon, Benjamin Carver & Isaac Carver, all of Jackson Co. TN.
Filed 16 Nov. 1869.
. . . James W. Carver is the Administrator and heir at law of John S. Carver, deceased. The following are also children and heirs at law of said John S. Carver, deceased, to wit, Samuel L. Carver, Alexander S. Carver, Emaline Sisco, Mary Jane Huffines, Angelina Dixon, Benjamin Carver & Isaac Carver. These are all the children and heirs at law of John S. Carver, dec'd. Samuel S. Carver and Alexander S. Carver minors and defendant Adinu [?] Dycus is their general guardian.
. . . John S. Carver bought of William H. Jones the Highland tract of land. This purchase was Aug. 17, 1857. The land is bounded as follows: lying on the North Side of Cumberland River next above the mouth of Wartrace creek in Jackson Co. . . Harvey Jones corner . . . the old line of John Burk, deceased . . . mouth of Indian creek . . .
AFFIDAVIT.
3 Dec. 1887.
In these cases James Alexander makes oath that he is the Executor of the last will of the complainant William Young, who died pending these suits . . .
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JAMES DRAPER of Jackson Co. TN vs. Thomas Huffines, Martha Hufhines, Monroe Hufhines, Newton Hufhines, & Eliza Hufhines, the last five are minor heirs of James Hufhines, deceased, defendants all of Jackson Co. TN.
No date.
. . . about the [blank] day of [blank] 1858, said James Huffines departed this life intestate and said Thomas Huffines was appointed his Administrator.
Depositions taken: 30 July 1888.
DEPOSITION: W. H. BOTTS.
Aged 60 years.
I now reside in Glasgow, Barren Co. KY.
I formerly resided in Jackson Co. TN.
Adam S. Huffines is dead.
I learned that Adam was drinking too much . . .
/s/ W. H. Botts
DEPOSITION: AMANDA HUFFHINES.
I am the widow of Adam S. Hufhines, now deceased.
Quest. Say whether or not your husband Adam S. Hufhines sold goods at Highland and ran a general retail store there for W. H. Botts.
Ans. He ran a store there and it was understood that it was W. H. Botts and that Adam S. Huffines was running it for Botts.
Mandy Hufines (her mark)
Deposition taken: 8 Feb. 1861.
DEPOSITION: G. W. VEACH.
/s/ G. W. Veatch
Depositions taken: 10 May 1860.
DEPOSITION: SAUNDERS SISCO.
Aged about 24 years.
Saunders Sisco (his mark)
DEPOSITION: DAVID H. DRAPER.
Aged about 40 years.
/s/ David H. Draper
THE ANSWER OF JAMES C. OWEN OF WILSON CO. TN to the Bill of Complaint of William H. Jones of Jackson Co. TN.
No date.
Note: included to show that James C. Owen went to Wilson County. -bp.
Depositions taken: 8 Aug. 1894.
DEPOSITION: J. W. CARVER.
Age about 49.
I am a son of John S. Carver, deceased. He died in April 1865, I think, and I was appointed his administrator.
I live nine miles from Gainesboro on the opposite side of the river . . .
I have been engaged in this suit for the period of about 27 or 28 years . . .
/s/ J. W. Carver
DEPOSITION: B. A. BUTLER.
/s/ B. A. Butler
DEPOSITION: G. H. MORGAN.
/s/ Geo. H. Morgan
Depositions taken: 4 May 1860.
DEPOSITION: JAMES C. OWEN.
/s/ J. C. Owen
DEPOSITION: CICERO T. MURPHY.
/s/ C. T. Murphy
DEPOSITION: GARITE W. VEACH.
I was an Acting Justice of the Peace of Jackson Co. . .
Harry H. Draper . . . was a Constable of Jackson Co. . .
/s/ G. W. Veatch
DEPOSITION: THOMAS BRYANT.
/s/ Tho. Bryant
DEPOSITION: WILLIAM LINDER.
45 years old.
/s/ William Linder
DEPOSITION: ARCHIBALD MC CAUGHN.
48 years old.
/s/ A. McKaughan
DEPOSITION: HENRY JONES.
Henry Jones (his mark)
Depositions taken: 15 June 1860.
DEPOSITION: CATHERINE MC KAUGHAN
Aged about 45 years.
Katherine McKaughan (her mark)
DEPOSITION: ARCHIBALD MC KAUGHAN.
Aged about 48 years.
/s/ A. McKaughan
DEPOSITION: JAMES M. MORGAN.
57 years old.
James M. Morgan (his mark)
Deposition taken: 23 Aug. 1888 in Bell Co. Texas.
DEPOSITION: H. C. HUFHINES.
My Uncle Adam Hufhines . . .
My father's name was Thomas Hofhines.
He [my father] was doing a big tobacco business then all that time.
/s/ H. C. Huffines
WILL.
April Term 1880, Sumner Co. TN
This day was produced in open Court a paper writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of William Young, deceased, dated 28th Feb. 1879 and witnessed by T. H. Mason, F. G. Averett & M. B. Young and also a Codicil to the same dated May 22nd 1879 and witnessed by D. A. Witt, T. H. Mason and M. B. Young.
AFFIDAVIT.
20 July 1892.
In these causes J. H. [?] Anderson, Administrator of W. H. Botts, deceased, makes oath that R. A. Cox, a party to these causes, has died since last term of this Court and that H. C. Hufhines has also died as affiant is informed by his brother-in-law Jerome Draper, that he died in Texas, left no widow but left two children, to wit, John Hufhines of Texas and Frances Carver of Jackson Co. TN.
That R. A. Cox left a widow, N. J. Cox and three children, to wit, Cora Lucas who intermarried with W. E. Lucas of the State of South Carolina and Clara Epperson who intermarried with J. A. Epperson of Davidson Co. TN. James N. Cox and N. J. Cox are both of Jackson Co. TN.
AFFIDAVIT.
5 Sept. 1890
Came before me Joshua Haile and made oath in due form in these causes that the defendant William H. Jones is dead and that William D. Jones, Thomas J. Jones, Lizzie Jones, Larkin Jones and R. M. Jones are his only heirs at law, who are nonresidents of the State of TN, that Lizzie Jones has married Thomas Acre, a nonresident.
Deposition taken: 22 April 1889.
DEPOSITION: W. H. BOTTS.
/s/ W. H. Botts
Depositions taken: 31 Jan. 1890.
DEPOSITION: J. W. CARVER.
Aged 45 years.
[John S. Carver] died April 28 of 1865.
He died in Jackson Co. TN.
I am his son . . .
/s/ J. W. Carver
DEPOSITION: J. A. DYCUS.
/s/ J. A. Dycus
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF N. H. HUFHINES & MASTON HUFHINES AGAINST LAXTER HUFHINES, ALL OF JACKSON CO. TN.
1 Nov. 1912.
. . . N. H. Hufhines is owner of a 6/10 undivided interest in the lands herein described, that complainant Maston Hufhines is owner of a 3/10 undivided interest in said land, and defendant Laxter Hufhines is owner of the remaining 1/10 interest in said land. The land is described and bounded as follows:
Lying in the 3rd Civil District of Jackson Co. TN on the waters of Wartrace creek, containing 53 acres more or less, bounded north by George & Az Hufhines, east by Monk Draper, south by H. H. Hufhines and west by D. S. Wiggins, it being the same lands on which the above named parties now live.
The defendant in a minor without general guardian.
They ask to sell the land and divide the proceeds. -bp.
Depositions taken: Nov. 1912.
DEPOSITION: A. R. DRAPER.
I am 51 years old. I live in the 3rd District of Jackson Co. I am a farmer.
I have lived close to it [the land in this suit] most of the time for 22 years.
/s/ A. R. Draper
DEPOSITION: A. L. HARDCASTLE.
[Age] 32 years.
[Live] in 3rd District of this county, about one-fourth mile from said land.
[Have known said land] all my life.
BILL OF COMPLAINT.
No date.
The plaintiff [R. W. Hufhines] sues the defendants [Claiborne West & D. A. West, Admrs. of Paul Clay, deceased] for $500 which plaintiff says was due from Paul Clay, deceased . . . and is still due and unpaid. The said Paul Clay having died intestate in Smith County TN on the [blank] day of [blank] 1874 . . .
ANSWER.
No date.
. . . plaintiff is and was indebted to their intestate Paul Clay in the sum of $1000, for money loaned, [unreadable] and labor performed, and medicines furnished, and medical services and visits as a doctor to plaintiff by their intestate, Dr. Paul Clay . . .
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF SARAH JANE HUFHINES AGAINST DANIEL HUFHINES, both of Jackson Co. TN.
12 Aug. 1872.
. . . she and the defendant intermarried with each other in Jackson Co. TN many years ago, about the year 1845 and lived together enjoying a reasonable degree of happiness for several years. They have continuously resided in Jackson Co. TN from the time of their said marriage to the present and have raised a family of eleven children, or partly raised them. Five of said children are of lawful age and married, the balance, to wit, Daniel F., Jessee J., Demorsa Angeline, Alexander, Sydney S., Thomas E., Nancy E., Almedia & Miles J. Hufhines, aged respectively in the order of their names above, 20 - 18 - 16 - 14 - 12 - 10 - 5 - 3 & 8 years, being minors and residing with complainant.
Summary: about four years ago, defendant accused complainant of adultery with almost every man in the neighborhood, then abandoned her for a few days. He returned and continued to live with complainant until June 1871 when he again abandoned complainant and they have not lived together since. Since then, he has refused to provide any support for her or the children. She accuses her husband of adultery with "divers wicked, lewd and base women, to wit, one Jane Braswell, one Sibby Cowan and Hannah Cowan." -bp.
Complainant further charges that she and defendant are possessed of the following property situated in Jackson Co. TN, to wit, about 2/3 of an acre of land in Civil District No. 3 on Wartrace creek and the mill thereon or 1/3 of said mill, being the same that is owned by the defendant and J. W. Carver jointly.
She asks for divorce, custody of the children and all real and personal property. -bp.
FINAL DECREE.
16 Sept. 1872.
Divorce granted.
Custody of the children is to be with complainant, all property is to go to complainant. Court costs are to be paid by defendant, enough property is to be sold to pay the lawyer. -bp.
HUFFINES, SARAH VS. HUFFINES, GEORGE & OTHERS.
CHANCERY, 1878.
PETITION FOR DOWER.
22 March 1877.
Petitioner Sarah Hufhines shows to the Court that she was the wife of Riley W. Hufhines, who resided and died in Jackson Co. TN in March 1876, leaving Petitioner his widow and George Hufhines, Melissa Russel wife of Elum Russel, Daniel Hufhines, Samuel Gillaspie Hufhines, Rufus Hufhines, Amanda Hufhines wife of Frank Hufhines, Mary Russel wife of Samp Russel, Howard Hufhines, Wade H. Hufhines, William B. Hufhines & Sarah Hufhines his only children and heirs at law. He died intestate and William Draper is his Administrator. At the time of his death he was seized in [unreadable] a body of land lying in said county on Wartrace creek in District No. 3 of Jackson Co., in different tracts adjoining each other, containing about 300 acres, bounded by the lands of the heirs of Sam A. Carver & Joseph Carver on the north, by Smith [?] lands on the east, by the lands of the heirs of James H. Carver & John S. Carver on the south and the lands of John S. Bryant on the west. Petitioner prays that Dower may be assigned her out of said land.
[This is more of the dispute in the first case on this reel. -bp.]
ORDER TO SHERIFF.
1 March 1887.
Whereas in the case of William Young against Thomas Hufhines & others and the causes therewith consolidated now pending in the Chancery Court at Gainesboro TN, the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson was suggested and proven. It being also suggested that Allice Richardson who intermarried with Thak Stephens, Harriet Richardson, Josie Richardson and Maggie Richardson are the children and heirs at law of said Elizabeth Richardson, deceased.
BILL OF COMPLAINT.
26 April 1842.
. . . Thompson Glen, late of the county of Wilson in said state departed this life having first made his last will and testament, which is recorded in the County Court of said County of Wilson . . . in which a certain Mark Holliman of said County of Jackson and a certain Robert Sweat of said County of Wilson are appointed executors . . . and among other things it is directed in said will that a Negro woman and the increase of testator's Negro property born since the death of testator be sold and divided equally among the children of testator, to wit, Martha Elizabeth who is married to Robert Sweat, Mary who intermarried with said Henry Cheek, Julian who intermarried with Thomas Cheek and Hannah who intermarried with Mark Holliman . . .
AMENDED BILL OF COMPLAINT.
No date.
. . . the testator Thompson Glen devised to his wife Patsy all his estate real and personal during her life or widowhood and then the increase of Negroes to be equally divided among his six children . . . The old lady has never married and the property continued with her until her death, which happened a few years ago. The Testator, the said Thompson, also devised to his daughter Jemima Glen a Negro girl name Sukey and her first child. Sukey at the Testator's death had no child; after his death she had a child which died shortly after its birth. She then had another child named Amanda, and afterwards, Sukey died. Jemima claimed the Negro girl Amanda as a child of Sukey born during the existence of the tenant for life.
. . . Jemima of Wilson Co. TN . . .
THE JOINT ANSWER OF MARK HOLLIMAN, A CITIZEN OF JACKSON CO. TN & ROBERT SWEAT, A CITIZEN OF WILSON CO., executors of Thompson Glen, deceased.
3 June 1842.
. . . Thompson Glen, deceased, who died about the year 1823 in the County of Wilson.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JAMES M. SHEPHERD, ADMR. OF JOHN SHEPHERD, DECEASED.
No date.
. . . he has one Judgement against Christopher Shaw, Administrator of the estate of Sam'l Shaw, dec'd, late of said County, for $81.93 and costs. . .
there is now belonging to said estate of Sam'l Shaw, dec'd, about 67 1/2 acres of land lying in said County of Jackson in District No. 15 and bounded on the west by Cumberland River, on the north by the lands of John Hughes, on the east by the lands of Lewis M. Holleman and on the south by the lands of the heirs of Geo. W. C. Shaw, dec'd.
. . . Rollins Hogin & Burchy Hogin, formerly Burchy Shaw, and Bryson Cowan and Sophia Cowan, minor heirs of Josephus Cowan and his wife, [blank], who was [blank] Shaw, citizens of this county and state, and Arte Shaw, Thomas J. Shaw, the heirs of Geo. W. C. Shaw, to wit, Matilda Shaw, Jane Shaw, Burchy Shaw and Rebecca C. Shaw, minors, citizens of the State of Missouri, and Christopher Shaw, residence not known to your orator, are the heirs of said Sam'l Shaw, dec'd. Your orators would show that the said Sam'l Shaw, dec'd, died leaving no widow.
. . . Wesley Harvey is guardian for Bryson and Sophia Cowan and that Daniel Hogan, now a citizen of Missouri, was by the County Court of this county appointed guardian for the minor heirs of Geo. W. C. Shaw, dec'd, whither he with his wards, Matilda, Jane, Burchy and Rebecca C. removed some three or four years ago.
REPORT OF SALE.
19 Feb. 1848.
. . . the lands in the pleadings [were sold] . . .when William C. Hogin became the purchaser . . . at the price of $500 . . .
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JAMES L [OR T.] HUGHES, a citizen of that part of Jackson Co. included in the new County of Putnam against Christopher Shaw, a citizen of the same county.
. . . he secured a Judgement against one Pinkney McCarver and the defendant Christopher Shaw for the sum of $283.18, and both of said parties are wholly insolvent.
. . . some years ago the said Christopher became the Administrator of the estate of his brother, Samuel Shaw, deceased . . .
. . . the said Samuel died without having wife or children or any heirs in the descending line and without father or mother and that defendant and one brother and the children of another brother and two sisters and the children of another sister are all the legal heirs of the said Samuel.
AMENDED BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JAMES L. [OR T.] HUGHES AGAINST CHRISTOPHER SHAW.
No date.
Additional defendants -bp: Rawling Hogan and his wife Burchy of Jackson Co., Thomas J. Shaw of Missouri, Daniel Hogan, guardian of Matilda Shaw, Jane Shaw, Burchy Shaw and Rebecca Shaw of Missouri, Wesley Harvey, guardian of Bryson Cowan and Sophia Cowan of Jackson Co. and Arte Shaw of Missouri.
PETITION.
14 March 1883.
The Petition of Wirt Hughes of Davidson Co. . . Petitioner says that his father, John Hughes . . . Wirt Hughes as Administrator of John Hughes . . .
ORDER.
15 Oct. 1884.
Summary: Mrs. Ella H. Paschall received property in trust from Wirt Hughes "for the purpose provided in our father's will."
AFFIDAVIT.
24 April 1875.
In this cause John Hughes before me makes oath in due form that to best of information and belief William Eller has departed this life intestate since last term of this Court, leaving Susan Eller his widow and Catherine Jane Holloman [Holleman], wife of Wm. L. Holloman, and Sarah Ann Terry, wife of Roland Terry, his only children and heirs at law . . . De Kalb Co., the residence of said widow, and Jackson Co., the residence of said married women and their husbands . . . Roland Terry . . . Administrator of said deceased . . .
DECREE.
28 May 1875.
. . . it appeared to the Court that at the Oct. term 1874 of this Hon. Court a decree was rendered by compromise in favor of John Hughes for the sum of $5000 and all costs in these causes expended, and it further appeared to the Court that a lien was returned on said decree upon the following described tract of land . . . bank of Cumberland River at or near where Webb Smith's fence corner [is] . . . down the river to the mouth of Martin's creek, thence up said creek with its meanders to the mouth of a branch near R. W. Goolsby, thence up said branch . . . to the river . . . to secure the decree of $5000 aforementioned and the cost of these causes. And it further appearing to the Court that William Eller in his lifetime and Joel Cross purchased of Frances M. Goolsby said tract of land for the sum of $7000 and took his title bond on the day of the trade which was on the 18 day of Nov. 1862 conditioned to make a deed in fee simple with covenous of general warranty. And it further appearing to the Court that John Hughes purchased part of the notes executed by said Eller and Cross . . . nothing is now owed to Frances M. Goolsby.
. . . the equitable interest created by said title bond is now in Joel Cross and Rowland Terry and wife Sarah Jane Terry and William L. Holleman and wife Catherine Jane Holleman and Susan Eller. Joel Cross and the estate of William Eller being unable to pay off and discharge said lien, it is agreed . . . that if Rowland Terry and William L. Holleman will pay out to John Hughes the amount of the decree and interest rendered in his favor as aforesaid . . . that the title to said land be vested in them and their heirs in fee simple forever.
Further agreements follow, and the compromise is decreed to be so. -bp.
DEED.
7 Jan. 1859.
. . . William J. Hughes . . . sold . . . to Francis M. Goolsby . . . for the consideration of $5000 . . . a tract of land in the State of Tennessee, Jackson Co., District No. 15 on Cumberland River containing 325 acres . . . beginning at the mouth of Martin's creek near the town of Granville and running east with the meanders of said Martin's creek to a small branch, the line between this tract and Gideon Mahan . . . Mathew McKinley's line . . .
/s/ W. J. Hughes
Depositions taken: 30 May 1873.
DEPOSITION: ALBERT STANTON.
Aged 63 years.
I do know the land and have known it for at least fifty years . . .
Quest. Who lived on the land called the Mahan tract, formerly owned by Geo. Mahan, at the time you proposed to purchase from F. M. Goolsby and at about the 18th day of Nov. 1862?
Ans. Robert Goolsby.
I am a farmer.
I have known him [F. M. Goolsby] for twenty years. He is a good trader and has made many.
Quest. Is [?] not Robert Goolsby a brother to F. M. Goolsby . . .?
Ans. He is a brother.
My information is that they [Eller & Cross] lived in the State of Georgia at the time they purchased the land. I have lived in the neighborhood something like fifty years or more and I never saw either Eller or Cross in the neighborhood prior to the time of their purchasing the land.
/s/ A. Stanton
DEPOSITION: WILLIAM J. HUGHES.
Aged 61 years.
Me and John Hughes bought the land in 1851 [the land that F. M. Goolsby sold to Eller & Cross] and in the year 1853 or 4 I paid John Hughes for his part and then owned it all. I lived on the land from 1851 till the year 1858, sometime in January of that year.
Quest. What kin are you to complainant John Hughes?
Ans. We are brothers.
I am a farmer man.
I was Deputy Surveyor under Mounce Gore for five or six years . . .
/s/ W. J. Hughes
DEPOSITION: CALEB HUGHES (COLORED).
Aged 64 years.
I was living with Hughes . . .
. . . John Hughes was in the army . . .
I was the slave of John Hughes at the time.
Caleb Hughes (his mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JOHN HUGHES of Davidson Co. TN against William Eller & Francis M. Goolsby of Jackson Co. TN & Joel Cross of the State of GA.
Adds nothing but residences of the parties, in the title. -bp.
Deposition taken: 15 Sept. 1873 in Nashville TN.
DEPOSITION: FRANCIS M. GOOLSBY.
Aged 57 years.
Eller told me that he had a relation where he came from that this place, the Mahan place, would suit and he wanted to buy. The Mahan place was then owned by my brother and was for sale. Eller's friend came out and contracted for the place but never complied. My brother then sold to Wm. Holleman, Eller's son-in-law and he sold to Tittle, another man from Cross & Eller's country and Cross sells his half the Hughes farm to Tittle, the same man who bought the Mahan place.
/s/ Francis M. Goolsby
Depositions taken: no date.
DEPOSITION: B. W. ROBERTS.
59 years old [unsure of second number -bp].
I know the land in controversy. I was raised close by it and have known it all my life or ever since I knew anything. I have a farm that lies on the river . . .
B. W. Roberts (his mark)
DEPOSITION: THOMAS C. WILLIAMSON.
55 years.
I know the land in controversy. I have known it all my life. I was born and raised on the land. I lived there from my infancy up to about 35 years of age.
/s/ T. C. Williamson
DEPOSITION: WILLIAM ELLER.
I am the same William Eller who is a party to this suit.
I lived in Dade County Georgia prior to that time.
I have lived on small rivers, one in North Carolina and one in Georgia . . .
/s/ Wm. Eller
DEPOSITION: JOEL CROSS.
Quest. Are you the same Joel Cross that is a party to this lawsuit?
Ans. I am.
I was born in Tennessee near Chestnut Mound now Putnam County, but my parents moved to the State of Georgia when I was three years old and I was raised in Georgia from that time, except one year we lived near Chattanooga, and never lived on Cumberland River until two years ago when I moved to the place I now live on.
Quest. Who did Tittle sell to? And when did he sell?
Ans. I understand that Tittle sold to Bone Myers about 1869 or 1870 and Bone Myers sold to his father, White Myers. And he sold to James D. McKinley who now lives on and occupies the land.
/s/ Joel Cross
Deposition taken: 22 Oct. 1873 at Nashville TN.
DEPOSITION: FRANCIS M. GOOLSBY.
/s/ F. M. Goolsby
Depositions taken: 30 May 1873.
DEPOSITION: BEN FURGESON.
41 years old.
/s/ B. F. Furgerson
DEPOSITION: FRANCIS D. PURSLEY.
43 years old.
I bought the place called the Carter's place of Goolsby, the place Stanton sold to Goolsby, as I understood.
/s/ F. D. Pursley
DEPOSITION: WILLIAM HOLEMAN [HOLLIMAN].
32 years old.
I have had some knowledge of the place [in controversy] all my life; was raised close to it . . .
I married William Eller's daughter.
[William Stanton] is now a Merchant in Granville in this county, but at the time he proposed to sell me the place he was doing Business at Nashville with Manear & Hall . . .
Quest. Had not William Stanton been a merchant in Granville before and up to the time he went into business with Pigue Manear & Hall at Nashville?
Ans. He had.
/s/ W. L. Holliman
REPORT OF SALE.
1 March 1875.
. . . the tract of land in the pleadings & Decree described lying on Cumberland River, South Side thereof, above the mouth of Martin's creek and bounded by Cumberland River, the Webb Smith tract, the Mahan tract and other lands, in Civil District No. 5 of Jackson Co. TN, when John Hughs became the purchaser, he being the highest and best bidder at the price of $3000 . . .
PLAT OF CROSS & ELLER TRACT.
REPORT.
No date.
In the case of David C. Shepherd & James M. Shepherd, complainants, against Augustine Shepherd et. als., defendants, the Clerk & Master reports to the Court that Sarah Baker Shepherd died seized and possessed of five tracts of land lying in Jackson Co., as follows, to wit: one tract containing 80 acres . . . one tract containing 15 acres . . . one tract containing 150 acres . . . one tract containing 30 acres in which the widow of John Shepherd died aged 27 [unsure of first number -bp] years, her dower . . . one tract containing 4 1/2 acres, well improved, in which the widow also has dower . . . one improved town lot . . . 3 unimproved town lots in Granville . . . one other unimproved town lot . . . that said land lies principally on the waters of Cumberland River and Martin's creek . . .
ORDER.
27 Jan. 1848.
. . . there are two negro slaves of said estate [that of Letty Roberts], to wit, Polly aged 7 or 8 years and Jane aged one year and that there are eight distributees [not named].
The slaves were ordered sold. -bp.
REPORT OF SALE.
19 Feb. 1848.
. . . the two slaves [were sold] when John K. Sadler became the purchaser of Jane at the price of $126 . . . James M. Shepherd became the purchaser of the negro girl Polly . . . at the price of $352 . . .
Depositions taken: Oct. 1849.
DEPOSITION: ZADOCK B. ROBERTS.
Aged about 56 years.
Quest. Are you acquainted with the fact that Ridley Roberts (one of the defendants in the present suit) lived with Letty Roberts, deceased, next before her death?
Ans. Yes Sir, I am acquainted with the fact.
Quest. Did he and his family live in her house with her?
Ans. Yes Sir.
Quest. How long did Ridley live with her?
Ans. I am not able to say exactly, but would say some two years or better.
Quest. Is Thomas J. Roberts, one of the defendants in this suit, the reputed son of Ridley?
Ans. He is said to be his son.
Quest. Has he always recognized him as such?
Ans. He has ever since he fetched him from his mother's. He has so far as my knowledge extends.
Quest. What age was Thomas J. when Ridley went to live with Letty Roberts?
Ans. Somewhere between 15 and 18 years old I would think, but I do not know his age.
/s/ Z. B. Roberts
DEPOSITION: BUCHANNON W. ROBERTS.
Aged about 30 years.
[Thomas J. Roberts] is the reputed son of Ridley and he has always recognized him as such.
/s/ B. W. Roberts
DEPOSITION: JAMES T. QUARLES.
Aged about 52 years.
Quest. Are you a practicing attorney at the Gainesborough Bar?
Ans. I am.
Quest. How long have you been a practicing Attorney at this Bar?
Ans. About 28 years.
/s/ James T. Quarles
DEPOSITION: BENJAMIN B. WASHBURN
31 years of age.
Quest. Are you a practicing attorney at the Gainesborough Bar?
Ans. I am.
/s/ B. B. Washburn
Deposition taken: 26 Dec. 1849.
DEPOSITION: MATHEW C. MC KINLEY.
About the age of 45 years.
I was there a few times while Ridley lived with his mother, Letty Roberts . . .
Quest. How many children had Ridley in his family while living with Letty Roberts?
Ans. He had but two of his own, Thomas and James.
Quest. How old would you think Thomas J. Roberts was at the time Ridley Roberts went to live with Letty Roberts?
Ans. I suppose he was between 13 and 15 years old at that time.
Quest. Did Z. B. Roberts live on the same plantation with Ridley while Ridley lived with Letty Roberts?
Ans. He did a part of the time, if not all the time, at the upper end of the plantation.
/s/ M. C. McKinley
SHERIFF'S LEVY.
27 Jan. 1847.
. . . levied on Ridley Roberts interest in six negroes, to wit, Sylva and her six children, Esther, Milly, Dicy, George, Ellick in the possession of H. Williamson, Sarah in the possession of D. G. Shepherd [?] . . . for sale on the 14th day of March next at Gainesboro.
Deposition taken: 28 Jan. 1850.
DEPOSITION: MARK HOLLIMAN.
Aged about 80 years.
Thomas J. Roberts is not Ridley Robert's present wife's child but he is his reputed son.
/s/ Mark Holliman
DEPOSITION: JAMES W. SMITH.
Aged about 79 years.
. . . my son James . . .
/s/ Jas. W. Smith
DEPOSITION: JEFFERSON A. THOMAS.
Aged 36 years.
I came to this county in 1844 to the best of recollection. She [Letty Roberts] died in 1845 to the best of my recollection.
/s/ J. A. Thomas
BILL OF COMPLAINT.
12 Nov. 1844.
. . . Robert G. Hughes & Harrison J. Hughes of the County of Putnam, formerly Jackson, State of TN and William I [?] Hughes of said County of Jackson, beg leave to show that James McKinley departed this life intestate in said County of Jackson possessed of considerable property, more than two years ago, and that a certain Mathew McKinley of said county was by the County Court of said county in 1839 appointed administrator of the estate of said James McKinley . . . sold at public sale the slaves belonging to said estate . . . Your orator Robert G. Hughes purchased one of the negroes at said sale at the price of $281 . . .
Your orator further shows that your orator Robert G. is married to Marena McKinley, one of the distributees of the estate of said James McKinley, deceased . . .
Summary: the note he gave for the slave, with Wm. I. [?] Hughes and Harrison J. Hughes as securities, remains due and unpaid. He believes that his wife's share of the estate will cover this note. Wants the estate distributed. -bp.
Depositions taken: 16 & 17 Jan. 1905 at Livingston TN.
DEPOSITION: J. B. DAVIS.
I will be 24 years old the 10 of next April. I reside in the 11th Civil District of Overton Co. TN near Reecer. I follow farming.
Quest. Are you the complainant J. B. Davis . . .?
Ans. Yes Sir.
Quest. What relation are you to Jno. A. Hull, if any?
Ans. I married his niece, Mary Etta Hull.
Quest. Who was the father of Mary Etta Hull and what relation was he to Jno. A. Hull?
Ans. Thomas Hull was her father, and he was a brother to Jno. A. Hull.
Quest. Where did Thos. Hull and your wife Mary Etta (Hull) Davis, if dead, when did each die and where?
Ans. They are both dead. I don't know where and when Thomas died of my own knowledge. It is said he died in the 11th Civil District of Overton Co. My wife, Mary Etta Davis, died in the 11th Civil District of Overton Co. on April 23rd 1899.
She left one child which was my child. It's name was Porter Ewing Davis.
The child Porter Ewing Davis was born April the 4th 1899. We was married on the 13th day of April 1898.
Quest. Where is said child now? If dead, when did it die?
Ans. He's dead, and died on Nov. 14, 1899, about seven months after it's mother died and it died in Overton Co. TN.
Quest. State if Mary Etta Davis was the only child of said Thos. Hull, if you know.
Ans. Yes. She was his only child and he died before Mary Etta died.
They both died intestate.
She [Mary Etta] was born Nov. 14, 1881 and died April 23, 1899, which would make her 17 years, 4 months and 9 days old at the time of her death.
Quest. Do you know the name of the grandfather of your wife, Mary Etta Davis? If so, give it.
Ans. His name was Morgan H. Hull.
/s/ J. B. Davis
DEPOSITION: JNO. A. HULL.
I was 44 years 17th of last March. I live near Nettle Corner [?], Overton Co. TN. Am a farmer and am one of the complainants in this case.
He [Thomas L. Hull] was born Nov. 19, 1861 and died Sept. 4, 1881, which made him 19 years, 9 months and 20 days old at the time of his death. He died leaving no will.
Morgan H. Hull was our father and brother Thomas and I were his only children.
[Morgan H. Hull] was killed during the late war. His mother drew from the U. S. Government a dependent pension for quite a number of years prior to her death on account of his death. He left no will. If he did, we never heard of it.
We moved into this county [Overton] in about the year 1869.
Quest. Who do you mean by "we"?
Ans. I mean my mother and my brother Thomas L. Hull and my Aunt Caroline Hull and her two children.
We moved from Indian Creek, Fentress County, TN and we moved from Jackson Co. TN to Indian Creek. My mother is now dead. She died in the year 1884.
We went to Indian Creek in April 1861, so my mother often told me. We moved from the land described in the original bill in this cause, being the land deeded by Jno. J. Brown to my father, Morgan H. Hull on the [blank] day of Nov. 1858, lying in Jackson Co.
I was born on it [this land in Jackson Co.]
B. F. Davis is the father of the complainant J. B. Davis.
[J. Phipp] claims about 15 acres on the northeast corner of the tract. He moved on it a year ago last Dec.
Harrison and Johnson is not in possession of any part of this land, but has cut and removed a considerable amount of fine merchantable timber worth at least $300 or $400. Wm. Overton assisted in removing the timber and Sam Johnson claims an interest in the land--but neither are in possession.
My father carried my mother and I to my Uncle Andy Hull's on Indian Creek in the year 1861, to remain there until he returned home from the army. He was a Union soldier. He went off to the army and returned the next summer or fall on a furlough and after remaining a short while he left for the army and never returned. We understand he was killed. He left my grandfather Jonathan Hull who lived near the land to look after it for him. My father had built a dwelling house and barn on the tract and had cleared, fenced, and cultivated in corn one year about eight acres and had deadened more timber preparatory to clearing. My grandfather looked after it, kept it in possession for my father, paying the taxes, etc. until about 1873 or 1874 and until he got too old to look after his own business. My mother left means with him to keep the taxes paid up and to look after the land and told him when he used the means left by her to let her know and she would furnish him more means. He never let her know anything about it further. My mother died in 1874 . . .
My father, when he left for the army, left all his valuable papers, including his deed to the land in controversy, with my grandfather, Jonathan Hull, and when he died he left these papers at his residence and his widow Nancy Hull took charge of same and turned them over to her grandson, Alex Hull, where I found my father's deed in the year 1885 . . .
[My brother Thomas Hull] was married. He married Elizabeth McDonald on July 25, 1880. In Sept. 1881 he died and about two months later his wife gave birth to his only child, a girl named Mary Etta.
/s/ John A. Hull
DEPOSITION: A. H. ROBERTS.
/s/ A. H. Roberts
DEPOSITION: B. F. DAVIS.
I am 49 years old. I reside in the 11th District, Overton Co. TN, near Reeser. Am a farmer. The complainant J. B. Davis is my son. He [J. B. Davis] was 23 years old the 10th day of last April.
/s/ B. F. Davis
MARRIAGE BOND & LICENSE OF J. B. DAVIS & MARY ETTA HULL.
Overton Co. TN.
I Solemnized the Rite of Matrimony between the within named parties on the 13 day of April 1898.
/s/ P. E. Johnson, M. G.
DEED.
Nov. 1858.
Summary: from John J. Brown to Morgan H. Hull for $90, a tract of land in Jackson Co., District No. 16, containing about 100 acres, bounded . . . conditional line between Thomas Smith and John J. Brown . . . William Bower's south boundary line . . . Thomas Gaw's line . . .
MARRIAGE BOND & LICENSE OF THOMAS HULL & ELIZABETH MC DONALD.
Overton Co. TN.
By virtue of the above license I have this day solemnized the Rites of Matrimony between the parties therein named this July 25, 1880.
DEMURRER AND ANSWER TO THE ORIGINAL BILL.
No date.
Respondent Harrison Johnson states that his father Samuel Johnson, who is now dead, a good many years back, about 1874, purchased said tract of land from Richard Brooks and took a warranty deed there for and have been in possession, his father holding it up to his death and then willed it to respondent Harrison Johnson and his brother D. N. Johnson.
Deposition taken: probably 9 or 10 Aug. 1904.
DEPOSITION: E. J. BROWN.
Age 60 years.
[Live] on Roaring River. [Am a] miller.
My father was Jno. J. Brown. He is dead. He has been dead some five or six years.
He [my father] sold it [the land in controversy] to Morgan H. Hull. He paid him a yoke of cattle for it is my recollection now.
Quest. How long have you been living in Jackson Co.?
Ans. All my life.
I saw him [Morgan H. Hull] last at Florence, South Carolina.
Quest. Was he sick or well?
Ans. He was not well.
Quest. Was he in prison?
Ans. Yes Sir. He was in prison.
Ed. Brown (his mark)
Deposition taken: 10 Aug. 1904.
DEPOSITION: JOHN A. HULL.
Age 44 years.
My name is Jno. Andrew Hull. My occupation is farming, teaming, & etc. [Residence] in the 11th District of Overton Co.
My father was Morgan H. Hull and my mother was Mary Jane Hull. They are dead. I suppose. I know ma is and suppose pa is. I suppose pa died sometime in 1865 and ma died March 28, 1884, I think.
Quest. Do you know how came your mother to move off the place?
Ans. She said that the war came up and pa was going into the war and carried me and her back to her people.
Quest. How long has she [Mary Etta] been dead?
Ans. I cannot state that as I was living in Kentucky at the time.
I heard that there was a portion of it [the land in controversy] sold for tax.
My mother drew a pension for him [Morgan H. Hull].
I lived on Indian Creek in Fentress County when he carried me and ma when he started off. I was a little over a year old when I went there. Left there when I was about ten years old. I stayed one season at grandfather Hull. We moved from Indian Creek to 11 District of Overton Co. I think I left this place in 1877. Moved about 3/4 mile I think, then I moved in edge of Pickett Co. I stayed there five or six months. Then I moved back in the 11 District of Overton Co. in the neighborhood where I was before. I stayed about two years at this place. I move another [unreadable] in the same neighborhood and made a crop and my brother died and ma wanted to move back on her land again in the same neighborhood I lived. Then about 3 years, during time I was there, ma died, and I moved to Fentress County and stayed some four or five months. Then I moved back in 11 District of Overton County on Caroline Hull's land and stayed then three or four months there. Then I went to Kentucky and stayed there five or six months and then came back in same district at Overton Co. I stayed there six months, then I went down in same district about two miles down toward Pickett County. I stayed there a little over two years. I went from there to Pickett County. I lived there about three or four months, then I moved back to same home I moved out of and stayed there a month or a little over. Then I went back on Aunt Caroline Hull's land and lived there six or eight months. Then I moved to old man McDonald's and lived there about seven or eight months. Then I moved to Pickett County and stayed there one or two months and moved back on Aunt Caroline Hull's land and lived there about two years, then moved Pickett County and lived there about eight or nine months. Then I moved back in 11 District of Overton County and stayed there about eighteen months. Then moved to Sydney Davis on West fork and stayed there seventeen or eighteen months, and moved to Monroe County, Kentucky and stayed there about three years. Moved back 11 District of Overton again. I am still in that District but have moved some eight or ten times since.
Mr. Johnson asked me yesterday evening if I had not that my father was living [sic]. I told him that Van Walker told me that he had heard that my father was living in Detroit, Michigan, and I told Mr. Johnson that he said that there was a man in here buying logs and was measuring a raft on Roaring River. Someone remarked about there being a good chimney and some said that one of Bill Bowers building. The man raised up and said that that reminded him of what old [?] man Hull told him to inquire about. That if he was out on Cumberland River to inquire for his brother in law Billy Bowers, a stone mason, and if his father and mother was yet living.
Quest. Was your father a brother-in-law to Billie Bowers?
Ans. I reckon so. Billy Bowers said to have married his sister.
Quest. Billie Bowers was a stone mason, was he not?
Ans. Said to be.
He [my father] went off at the beginning of the war, April 1861.
I disremember the Company, but he belonged to the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, I think Company B.
I was borned 19 March 1860 and he [Thos. L. Hull] was borned 19th Nov. 1861.
/s/ John A. Hull
Depositions taken: Aug. 1904.
DEPOSITION: WM. SMITH.
My age is 68 years. My occupation farmer in 6th District of Jackson Co. TN.
I lived in Clay County at the time that Hulet Hull and Mr. Brown traded, I suppose.
/s/ Wm. H. Smith
DEPOSITION: ANDY SMITH.
I suppose I am 39 years old. Farming in 6th District of Jackson Co.
I am of kin to both parties [unreadable] in both sides.
/s/ A. B. Smith
Deposition taken: 19 Jan. 1905.
DEPOSITION: E. C. SMITH.
I will be 70 years old next March; I reside in the 6th District of Jackson County. I am a farmer.
I have known the land [in dispute] 60 years, probably.
Thos. Smith was my father. I understood from him that he owned land adjoining the Hull land.
Hewlett Hull is Morgan H. Hull.
John J. Brown has been dead some 6, 8, or 10 years.
/s/ Enoch C. Smith
Depositions taken: 27 Oct. 1908.
DEPOSITION: MARTIN HUNTER.
I am 28 years of age. I live on Buck Branch in the 1st District of Jackson Co. . . Mary Lawless, the mother of Ernest Lawless, was my sister.
In Mary's lifetime, my mother, Lizzie Hunter, paid $5.00 to L. K. Smith to go as a credit on the land Mary had bought from Quales [Quarles]. It was paid with mother's money. Mary Hunter, before she married, agreed with the complainant Joseph Hunter, that he might have the land if he would pay for it. I heard the agreement between them. She agreed to make him a deed for the land. Complainant took possession of the land under this agreement. She moved off and left it and he has had possession of the land ever since, claiming it as his own.
Martin Hunter (his mark)
DEPOSITION: JOSEPH HUNTER.
I am 27 years old. I am the complainant in this case. I know the land in controversy. My sister, Mary Hunter, married Luther Lawless about nine or ten years ago and the defendant Ernest Lawler is her son. She died something like two years after her marriage to Lawless and left defendant as her only living child and heir.
She bought the land described in the bill in this cause from Miss Belle Quales [Quarles] and her two sisters . . .
. . . John S. Quales [Quarles] as attorney in fact for his sisters Susan, Belle and Sallie Quales [Quarles] . . .
. . . my brother Martin . . .
. . . my mother, Elisabeth Hunter.
/s/ Joe Hunter
DEPOSITION: ELIZABETH HUNTER.
I am about 54 years old. Complainant Joseph Hunter is my son and Mary Lawless nee Mary Hunter was my daughter.
Joe and I have lived in the house on the land [in dispute] . . .
Elizabeth Hunter (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JOSEPH HUNTER AGAINST ERNEST LAWLESS, both of Jackson Co. TN.
No date.
. . . on the 19th day of July 1897, Mary Hunter, the mother of defendant, purchased a tract of land, hereinafter described, from Sallie W. Quarles, Belle Quarles, Susan M. Quarles and John S. Quarles . . .
Said land is bounded and described as follows: lying in the First Civil District of said county, on the east side of Doe creek, beginning at a stake in the middle of the public road leading from Gainesboro to Roaring river, Jonas G. Stafford's southwest corner, which is 90 feet south of Whit Williams southwest corner in the James Young south boundary line, running then southward with the middle of the road 165 feet or more to Sidney Minor, now G. L. McGlasson's corner, then west passing a few feet north of a crooked apple tree 300 feet or more to a corner of said McGlasson's tract, a point directly south of Jonas G. Stafford's southeast corner, then west 300 feet with said Stafford's line to the beginning, being part of the Simeon Putnam entry or grant, conveyed by him to James Jones, by will transmitted to Polly Jones his wife, who was afterwards Polly Cornwell, and which was afterwards sold in the case of A. B. Botts, Admr. of Polly Cornwell, dec'd., against James W. Lock et. als. in the Chancery Court of said county, to J. S. Quarles, Dec. 15, 1871 and confirmed to him April 24, 1872, on M. D. F. of this court, page 314, which was also sold by J. S. Quarles to Sallie W. Quarles, Isabella F. Quarles and Susan M. Quarles and transferred to them by deed dated May 21, 1875, registered in deed book "A", page 360, Jackson Co. TN.
Note: Most of these contain just one document, either a Bill of Complaint or a Divorce Decree. Rarely are complete marriage dates given. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MERCILA ANGELINE HAILE AGAINST MANSEL HAILE, both of Jackson Co. TN.
18 April 1898.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN in 1895. She claims cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment and failure to provide. She wants a divorce and restoration of her maiden name, Mercila Angeline Pharris. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF W. L. HALFACRE OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST ANNER HALFACRE OF PARTS UNKNOWN.
27 March 1890.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. in Oct. 1889. He charges that his wife committed adultery with David Julian [?], the half brother of complainant, and she left complainant and went to parts unknown with Julian. -bp.
DIVORCE DECREE OF AGNES HAMLET VS. DANIEL HAMLET.
11 July 1903.
Summary: marriage date not given. Defendant has abandoned complainant, refused to support her and been guilty of cruel and inhuman treatment. Divorce is granted, attached property to go to complainant. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF LANDONA HAMMOCK OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST WILLIAM HAMMOCK OF PARTS UNKNOWN.
5 July 1886.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN in Sept. 1884. Defendant was guilty of stealing a jug of Backing [?] of one Ben Chaffin and fled the country and has gone to parts unknown, leaving her in a destitute condition.
She asks for divorce. -bp.
Landona Hammock (her mark)
DIVORCE DECREE OF ROBERT HAMMONDS VS. MANDA HAMMONDS.
9 March 1900.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN on 31 July 1897. At the time she was pregnant without complainants knowledge and he separated from her as soon as that fact became known. -bp.
Divorce granted.
ELIZABETH HANCE VS. M. W. HANCE.
DEPOSITION: ELIZABETH HANCE.
6 Nov. 1901.
I am 64 years old. Reside in Jackson Co. TN.
Quest. When were you and defendant married?
Ans. Feb. 7, 1884.
[Have lived in Jackson Co.] all my life.
Defendant left me in Dec. 1893. He just got tired of staying I reckon, and left.
He has not supported me or furnished me with any moneys or other necessaries of life since he left me. I have made my living by my own labors and managements.
Quest. How old is defendant?
Ans. About forty years old, I think.
E. Hance (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF ELIZABETH HANCE AGAINST M. W. HANCE, both of Jackson Co. TN.
Summary: they were married 7 Feb. 1884 in Jackson Co. TN. She charges abandonment and failure to support. -bp.
There is an Answer by M. W. Hance, which merely supports what Elizabeth says, and adds nothing new. -bp.
THE PETITION OF PENETTA HARP OF OVERTON CO. TN AGAINST DANIEL HARP OF JACKSON CO. TN.
13 Sept. 1867.
Summary: they were married in Overton Co. TN on or about 26 Oct. 1865 and moved to Jackson Co. immediately after their marriage. He did not live with her more than three weeks, when he deserted her. She charges that he was at that time committing adultery with one Eliza Hull, a lewd woman. He has refused to provide for complainant. He is now living openly with Eliza Hull, as man and wife. She asks for divorce and support if he has any property. -bp
Penette Harp (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF BELLE HARPER AGAINST JOHN HARPER, both of Jackson Co. TN.
17 Feb. 1891.
Summary: they were married on 6 April 1889. She complains of physical and verbal abuse, abandonment in Sept. 1890 and failure to provide. She says that defendant committed adultery before and after Oct. 1889 with Serelda Roberts and with other lewd women. She asks for divorce and restoration of her maiden name, Belle Baldwin. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JOHN F. HAWKINS AGAINST SARAH HAWKINS, both of Jackson Co. TN.
4 March 1861.
Summary: they were married on the last day of July 1858 in Jackson Co. TN. Due to her "turbulent and outrageous temperament, they have had some difficulty." He says he has been virtuous but she is "eternally at war with him about other women" and accuses him of various crimes. He believes from her threats that she will take his life.
Asks for divorce. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF CABBIE HARRIS OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST CALVIN HARRIS, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE.
28 April 1906.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN in March 1894. She charges abandonment and failure to provide.
She asks for divorce. -bp
Cabbie Harris (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF CLAUDA HARRIS AGAINST BENTON HARRIS, both of Jackson Co. TN.
No date.
Summary: they were married in Jackson County TN on 14 Aug. 1913. They lived together until 5 April 1914. They were living on the farm of W. W. James [?] in the 11th Civil District of said county when defendant hit and shoved complainant and threw her out of their home. She has now gone to live with her widowed mother. She is now in an advanced state of pregnancy.
She asks for divorce and a portion of their personal property. -bp.
/s/ Claudie Harris
22 March 1894.
Summary: they were married in March of 1891, near Bellwood, Wilson Co. TN. They lived together as husband and wife about one year.
Defendant refused to provide, abused her and threatened to kill her. She has therefore left him.
She asks for divorce, alimony, and that her name be restored to Lucinda Sadler.
Lucinda Harris (her mark)
DIVORCE DECREE - MARY HARRIS VS. POLE HARRIS.
No date.
Summary: she charges cruel and inhuman treatment. Divorce granted; the plaintiff is to have custody of the child mentioned and the household furniture.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MARY HARRIS AGAINST POLE HARRIS, both of Jackson Co. TN.
No date.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN in Nov. of 1913. She charges verbal and physical abuse, and that he is a drunkard. They have a girl child about five months old.
She asks for divorce, custody of the child, and the household furniture.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF LENA HEADY VS. MARLIN HEADY, both of Jackson Co. TN.
20 Jan. 1904.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN on 20 Jan. 1904. She charges verbal and physical abuse. When she was about to deliver her child, he turned her out of their house and forced her to go to the Poor House until she could recover and work to support herself and her child. He refuses to provide for her.
/s/ Lena Heady
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JESS HEADY OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST ELIZA HEADY OF PUTNAM CO. TN.
7 Sept. 1901.
Summary: they were married 16 July 1895. They lived together until about 1 April 1901, when the defendant left him. The defendant was guilty of adultery with one Abe Hestand. He further charges that the defendant caught a bad disease and gave it to complainant. She was also guilty of adultery with Tobias Keith, Billey Lem Loftis and Dan Parton and various others. The defendant left the country and ran off with Abe Hestand.
Jessee Heady (his mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF DAISEY HEINS AGAINST H. C. HINS, both of Jackson Co. TN.
27 Oct. 1908.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. in Jan. of 1894. About three years ago the defendant became neglectful of complainant and her family and for the past three years he has remained away from them most or a great deal of the time. Finally, about six months ago, he abandoned complainant entirely. During the past three years he has failed and neglected to provide a means of living for complainant and her children. She also charges physical and verbal abuse.
She asks for a divorce. -bp.
/s/ Daisy Heine
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF H. C. HEINE AGAINST DAISEY HEINE, both of Jackson Co. TN.
31 July 1909.
Summary: they were married in Jackson County TN in Dec. 1894. They separated in Jan. 1908. They have two children, George W., aged about seven years and Thomas A., aged about six years. Defendant has been guilty of adultery with Luke Mercer and various other persons. Since learning of it, he has not lived with her.
He asks for divorce. -bp.
/s/ Henry C. Heine
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF WILLIAM HENLEY OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST NANCY A. HENLEY OF PUTNAM CO. TN.
9 Sept. 1887.
Summary: they were married in Putnam Co. TN 15 Feb. 1884. The defendant abandoned complainant on 9 Jan. 1885 and still refuses to live with him.
/s/ William Hendley
THE PETITION OF MINNIE HESTAND AGAINST ABE HESTAND, both of Jackson Co. TN.
12 Sept. 1902.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN on or about 22 Sept. 1901.
She charges physical abuse. They have personal property and a crop of corn on the lands of James W. Stafford, of about 3 1/2 acres growing around the house where defendant and petitioner live.
She asks for divorce, restoration of her maiden name of Minnie Stafford, and alimony. -bp.
Minnie Hestand (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF M. C. HICKS OF JACKSON CO. AGAINST CORDA HICKS OF STEWART CO. TN.
2 July 1911.
Summary: they were married in Stewart Co. TN in July of 1908, and lived together as man and wife until the following Sept., when they separated and have lived apart ever since. During the time they lived together, defendant was guilty of repeated acts of adultery with one Dallas Stubblefield. -bp.
Mack Hix (his mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF G. P. HICKS AGAINST MALISSA B. HICKS, both of Jackson Co. TN.
23 Feb. 1910.
Summary: they were married about 16 years ago. He charges the defendant has been guilty of adultery with B. F. Lee.
On the date of their marriage, the complainant was the owner of the following tract of land, lying in the 2nd District of Jackson Co., bounded on the North by J. A. Hicks, on the East by Nancy Garrison, the South by Jim and Sid Craghead, on the West by Martha Speakman, containing about 60 acres and worth about $1000. They also had some personal property, which was paid for by the complainant.
They have a boy by virtue of their marriage, named Thomas Oscar Hicks, about 13 years old.
He asks for divorce, the property and custody of the child. -bp.
/s/ G. P. Hix
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JOHN HOGAN OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST FRANCIS HOGAN OF PUTNAM CO. TN.
4 July 1910.
Summary: they were married in Putnam Co. in 1902, and have been resident citizens of Jackson and Putnam Counties ever since. Immediately after their marriage, the defendant began to be abusive to complainant. He soon found that the defendant was pregnant by another man at the time of their marriage, and had kept it a secret from him. Still, he told her that if she would move with him from Cookeville, Putnam Co. TN to Jackson Co. TN, on a farm, he would support her, but she refused.
He asks for divorce. -bp.
John Hogan (his mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF DAISEY HOLDER OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST JAMES HOLDER OF PARTS UNKNOWN.
22 Dec. 1902.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN in Jan. of 1901. They lived together until about the last days of Aug. 1901.
She says that defendant is a horse trader and moves about and is by some called a gypsy. After their marriage, they moved to KY. The last of Aug., defendant gave to complainant some money, and told her to go visit her father in TN. She has not seen him since. He declines to allow her to come to him. He has informed her by letter that he will not live with her any further. The last she heard of him he was in a place called Sportersville, Virginia. As the issue of their marriage, she has a little girl child near a year old named Willie Joe.
Complainant was born and raised in Jackson Co. TN.
She asks for divorce, custody of the child, and alimony. -bp
/s/ Daisy Holder
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF IBBI HOMES [HOLMES?] AGAINST JAMES HOMES [HOLMES?], both of Jackson Co. TN.
1881.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN in June of 1878. She charges that defendant abandoned her in April of 1881 and left the country. He has wholly refused to support her. She was very young when she married, and married against her parent's wishes. The defendant committed acts of adultery with one Isabel Medders alias Isabel Keath. She asks for divorce and that her named be changed back to her maiden name of Medders. -bp
Ibbi Homes (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF J. E. HOPKINS OF WHITE CO. TN. AGAINST W. H. HOPKINS OF JACKSON CO. TN.
14 July 1906.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. about seven years ago. She charges him with physical abuse. As the result of their marriage, they have a daughter six years old the 15 of Sept. 1906, and he has never supported her.
She asks for divorce and custody of the child. -bp.
/s/ Mrs. J. E. Hopkins
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MARIZIA HUDSON OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST JAMES HUDSON OF PARTS UNKNOWN.
9 Aug. 1882.
Summary: they were married 14 Jan. 1878 in Jackson Co. TN and lived together as husband and wife until last Jan. She charges the defendant with abandoning her and her two children, one about four years old and the other one year old. Since he left, he has failed to provide anything for them.
She asks for divorce and custody of the children. -bp.
/s/ Marizia Hudson
ORDER TO THE SHERIFF.
1st Mon. in Nov. 1896.
Summary: Nancy E. Huff obtained a Judgement against Sam Huff for the cost of the suit of Nancy E. Huff against Sam Huff for divorce, and personal property was ordered to be sold to pay costs and solicitor's fees. -bp.
FINAL DECREE.- DIVORCE, SAM H. HUFF VS. AMANDA HUFF.
11 Nov. 1892.
Summary: the defendant abandoned the plaintiff. They had one child as the issue of their marriage. Divorce granted, custody of the infant child to go to the defendant. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF EADITH HUFHINES [EDITH HUFFINES] AGAINST A. S. HUFHINES, BOTH OF JACKSON CO. TN.
13 June 1876.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN 19 Dec. 1871, where they have resided ever since. She charges that the defendant abandoned her about 34 months after their marriage and has refused to support her. He was guilty of various acts of adultery with one Jane Lancaster and various others, and he was a notorious and habitual drunkard.
She asks for divorce. -bp.
Eadith Hufhines (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF A. S. HUFHINES AGAINST EDITH HUFHINES, both of Jackson Co. TN.
9 Feb. 1876.
Summary: he believes the marriage should be null and void as he was very drunk at the marriage and incapable of making a contract and that the was "forced" into the marriage. He says they only lived together about two months. He states he only lived with her that long because he was forced to do so. -bp.
/s/ A. S. Hufines
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF STANTON HUNTER OF JACKSON CO. AGAINST NANCE HUNTER OF PUTNAM CO.
22 Oct. 1910.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN on 13 Sept. 1906. The defendant refuses to live with complainant and lives with her mother in Putnam Co. and abandoned complainant in July 1908.
He asks for divorce.
/s/ Stanton Hunter
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF DAISEY HYPACK OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST SHERMAN HYPACK WHO IS NOW IN DAVIDSON CO. TN, confined in the State Penitentiary.
25 May 1898.
Summary: they were married in Jackson Co. TN in March of 1897, at which time the defendant was indicted for house breaking and larceny at Carthage TN and also at Gainesboro TN. In Nov. he was convicted at Carthage of the offense of larceny and sentenced to five years in the State Penitentiary. Petitioner is advised that these facts are grounds for divorce.
She asks for divorce and that her maiden name of Daisey Petty be restored. -bp.
Daisey Hypack (her mark)
DIVORCE DECREE. - DAISY HOLDER VS. JAMES HOLDER.
No date.
Summary: divorce granted, custody of the infant child, Willie Mae Holder, to be with complainant.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF BETTIE JACKSON AGAINST JAMES JACKSON, both of Jackson Co. TN.
24 March 1902.
. . . she and the defendant were married in Jackson Co. TN on the 13 day of May 1896, where they have ever since lived . . .
Summary: she states that they lived together as husband and wife until Sat., March 22, 1902, when on account of the cruel and inhuman manner in which defendant had treated her, she was forced to leave him. She charges verbal and physical abuse. -bp.
. . . she and the defendant lived at Flynn's Lick in the year 1901 . . .
Complainant states that she and defendant have, as the issue of their said marriage, two children, the oldest named Bertha aged four years, and Geneva aged one year . . .
She asks for divorce, all of the personal property and custody of the children. -bp.
Bettie Jackson (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF BETTIE JACKSON AGAINST JAMES JACKSON, both of Jackson Co. TN.
27 July 1903.
Complainant states that she filed a bill for divorce against defendant some two or three years ago, and defendant made promises to her to treat complainant better, and thereupon persuaded complainant to return to him.
She complains of verbal and physical abuse. -bp.
. . . defendants son by his first wife . . .
Complainant states that they own the following in property, one lot in the town of Gainesboro, situated on the west side of the public square, bounded on the north by James Williams, on the west by W. E. Ragland, on the south by the street running on the south side of the public square, worth about $400. She states that she and defendant live on said land and that there is [a] balance of purchase money still due on said lot, to James Williams.
. . . she is now staying with her father for protection . . .
She asks for an injunction for protection, divorce, restoration of her maiden name, Bettie Hawkins, custody of the children and alimony. -bp.
AFFIDAVIT.
3 Dec. 1885.
F. M. Jackson to Enoch Jackson.
For raising, feeding and clothing and paying doctor bills and schooling of F. M. Jackson from infancy to date he was sixteen years old, from 29 Feb. 1869 to date sixteen years old.
First four years at $100 per year: $400.
Next two years at $50 per year: $100
Next ten years at $25 per year: $250
Total: $750.00
SETTLEMENT.
3 Dec. 1885.
F. M. Jackson, minor heir of Horatio Jackson, deceased.
Received from the Government on a Pension Certificate, $1108.67.
SUMMONS.
28 July 1881.
Enoch Jackson, Guardian of Francis Marion Jackson, a minor heir of Horatio Jackson, deceased.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF HENRY JACKSON, LOGAN PIPPIN, J. W. SMALLWOOD AND JAMES HOPKINS, ALL OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST JAMES W. DRAPER & W. C. GORE OF JACKSON CO. TN.
19 Dec. 1882.
. . . on the [blank] day of April 1872 one James Mansell died intestate in Jackson Co. TN . . . Henry Jackson was duly appointed . . . Administrator of the estate of said deceased and gave bond with his co-complainants herein and one J. B. Mansell (who is now dead and died insolvent leaving no estate and no issue . . .).
. . . W. C. Gore, a Deputy Sheriff of Jackson Co. TN . . .
There was a protracted litigation between two widows and two sets of children of deceased.
FINAL SETTLEMENT.
1st Monday in April 1875.
. . . Henry Jackson, Guardian to Parsetta Jackson, minor heir of Eli P. Jackson, deceased . . .
SETTLEMENT.
July Term 1879.
. . . Henry Jackson, Guardian of Sydney S. Jackson, a minor heir of Eli P. Jackson, deceased . . .
Received of Henry Jackson, Guardian of Sydney S. Jackson, in full of all my claims I have against him as my Guardian, being now 21 years old.
June 6, 1879.
Sydney S. Jackson (his mark)
SETTLEMENT.
1st Monday in Dec. 1876.
. . . Henry Jackson, Guardian to Grundy R. Jackson, minor heir of Eli P. Jackson . . .
SETTLEMENT.
1 April 1876.
Martha S. Jackson; Henry Jackson, Guardian.
FINAL SETTLEMENT.
1st Monday in April 1875.
. . . Henry Jackson, Guardian to James M. Jackson, minor heir of Eli P. Jackson . . .
Depositions taken: Aug. 1880 & 1 Sept. 1880.
DEPOSITION: JAMES L. YOUNG.
Aged 24 years.
Elizabeth Mansell was in possession and had control of said land. My father rented some of said land from her in the year 1878 and paid her the rents in the fall. R. C. Mansell told me that Elizabeth Mansell furnished him the land and a team for the year 1878 and he gave her half he made on the land. When my father went to gather his corn, Bob and Rich Mansell went there with him. Father proposed to take his corn on the ridge and let them have their's in the hollow and they said they could not do that, they feared Mam would not like it.
Quest. Say if it is not a fact that you married a daughter of the complainant Henry Jackson . . .
Ans. I married one of his daughters.
/s/ J. L. Young
DEPOSITION: GEO. R. LOFTIS.
Quest. How many heirs are there that are entitled to share in said land?
Ans. I think there are eight of them.
Quest. . . condition of R. C. and R. E. Mansell.
Ans. Of course the boys are poor and have been hard run and had very little to buy anything with during the last five years. If they had I never knew. Bob has been sick right smart three or four years back. They did not have a chance to make very much, only as they worked for it. Bob stayed at his mother's during his sickness and Rich had to wait on him. He was sick I think that time about one year.
Polk and Rich and Bob stayed with her [Elizabeth Mansell] more than any of the balance.
G. R. Loftis (his mark)
DEPOSITION: THOMAS D. YOUNG.
I reckon she [Elizabeth Mansell] was getting along in age. I suppose 65 or 70 years [in 1878].
/s/ T. D. Young
DEPOSITION: DAVID LYNN.
Aged 66 years.
David Lynn (his mark)
DEPOSITION: JOHN PHY.
Aged about 38 years.
John Phy (his mark)
DEPOSITION: A. J. WAY.
R. C. and R. E. Mansell were single at that time and are now single.
Rich C. Mansell had sore eyes.
His eyes were very bad.
/s/ A. J. Way
DEPOSITION: R. H. MEADOWS.
/s/ R. H. Meadows
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF HENRY JACKSON AND HIS WIFE NANCY JACKSON & J. B. MANSELL, ALL OF JACKSON CO. TN AGAINST WILLIAM J. MANSELL, ROBT. E. MANSELL, RICHARD C. MANSELL, JOHN LOFTIS AND HIS WIFE MARY E. LOFTIS & JAMES POLK MANSELL, ALL OF JACKSON CO. TN & WILLIAM LYNN AND HIS WIFE EMILINE LYNN OF CLAY CO. TN.
13 Dec. 1879.
. . . Elizabeth Mansell died intestate in Jackson Co. TN on the 8th day of March 1879 . . . R. E. Mansell was appointed her administrator . . .
Complainant Nancy Jackson who intermarried with complainant Henry Jackson & J. B. Mansell & W. J. Mansell, Robert E. Mansell, Emiline Lynn who intermarried with Wm. Lynn & Mary E. Loftis who intermarried with John Loftis, Richard E. Mansell & Robt E. Mansell & J. P. Mansell are the only children and heirs at law of said deceased, Elizabeth Mansell.
Complainants aver that Elizabeth Mansell died seized and possessed in fee simple of the following described tract of land, to wit, lying on the waters of Morrison's creek of Roaring River in the 9th Civil District of Jackson Co. TN and bounded by the lands of Jesse Heady, Marion Loftis, Mack Allen, Patsey Loftis, James M. Loftis and perhaps others, being the land whereon she died and where defendants R. C. & R. E. Mansell now live.
They charge that R. C. & R. E. are liable for rents as they are living on and cultivating the land. They are also cutting timber and preparing to sell it. Complainants want to share in the proceeds of any logs already sold and to prevent the sale of any more. And they want the land sold and the proceeds divided. -bp.
AN ARTICLE OF AGREEMENT made and entered into between Elizabeth Mansell of the one part and Richard C. Mansell & Robert E. Mansell of the other part . . . the said Elizabeth Mansell has this day sold and do hereby transfer and convey to the said Richard C. Mansell & Robert E. Mansell for the consideration of $125 to me in hand paid and the further consideration that the said Richard C. and Robert E. Mansell shall feed, clothe and care for her during her natural life and have her decently buried after her death, the following described tract of land lying in District No. 9 of Jackson Co. on Morrison's creek of Roaring River, containing by estimation 75 acres . . . William Gray's beginning corner . . . between Abner Chaffin and John Fox . . .Laban Loftis' line . . . to the Grave Yard hollow . . .
2 April 1878.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JAMES M. HAILE & HIS WIFE A. M. HAILE, who is a minor . . . of Jackson Co. TN against Henry Jackson & Sallie Mansell of Jackson Co. TN, Jane Spears & her husband Amos Spears of Kentucky & Emily Mansell of Missouri, who married a man whose name is unknown.
. . . James Mansell departed this life intestate in Jackson Co. TN on [blank] day [blank] 1872, that Agatha M. Haile, who married James Haile and is a minor, Jane Spears, who married Amos Spears and Emily Mansell, who married a man whose name is not known, are the heirs at law of James Mansell, deceased, that Sallie Mansell is his widow, that Henry Jackson was . . . appointed and qualified as Administrator of James Mansell, deceased . . . he [James Mansell] died seized and possessed in his own right of the following tract of land, to wit, one tract of land lying in Jackson Co., District No. [blank], bounded by Elmore Carrington, James Petty and others, containing about two or three hundred acres; one other tract of land lying on the head of Rush Fork in Jackson Co., District No. [blank] and bounded by lands of James Bilbrey [?], containing sixty acres; one other tract of land lying near to the above described and containing 100 acres . . .
. . . Henry Jackson and Sallie Mansell, the widow, are brother and sister . . .
They believe the widow and the Administrator have been colluding to deprive the heirs of their inheritance. -bp.
SETTLEMENT.
6 Dec. 1904.
. . . Ibera J. Jackson, as Guardian of Sallie Ann, America V. B., Logan Mack, Joseph E. & Iler S. Jackson, minor heirs of Amos G. Jackson, deceased . . .
Makes note of Pension checks received. -bp.
Guardian's name later changes to Ibera J. Bullington. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF JOHN J. JACKSON AGAINST JOEL HENLEY, ADMR. OF ELIAS JACKSON, DECEASED, MALVERY CHAFIN & ABSOLUM CHAFIN OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, INFANTS EPHAM JACKSON, ELI JACKSON OF JACKSON CO., SARAH HIDE OF UTAH TERRITORY, EADWARD JACKSON, JOHN DAVIDSON & SUSAN HIS WIFE, JOSHUA JACKSON, PHEREBY, LUCINDA, NARCISA JACKSON, CHILDREN OF AMOS JACKSON OF JACKSON CO. TN & ELIAS JACKSON OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, JOSEPH JACKSON OF PUTNAM CO. TN, CHARLES JACKSON OF JACKSON CO. TN.
9 March 1859.
. . . he is one of the heirs of Elias Jackson, deceased, that Absolum Chafin and Charles Jackson are his brothers and that they are the children of Elizabeth Jackson, a daughter of Elias, deceased, and they with the defendants are his heirs at law.
He believes the estate has never been properly settled.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MAHALEY A. JACKSON AGAINST ELIAS JACKSON, both of Jackson Co. TN.
18 Dec. 1850.
. . . some years ago she intermarried with the defendant in Jackson Co. TN and lived with him in wedlock several years, and until he was confined in the State Penitentiary for counterfeiting, which happened about May 1847. Defendant served three years in the penitentiary and was released last Spring. Your oratrix has four small children (the oldest living now about ten years of age) by the said Elias. Since his return from the penitentiary, the defendant has not lived with your oratrix and she is informed and believes that he is living in lewdness with a woman by the name of Polly Pippin.
. . . the defendant has lately taken from the complainant his two daughters, the horse, a cow and some of the hogs. Your oratrix is informed that one of her daughters is living at Henry [or Harvey] Jackson's and the other at the house of a man named John Davidson . . .
. . . her children, viz., Edith and Julia F. Jackson . . .
She asks for divorce, custody of the children and all property. -bp.
Mahaley Jackson (her mark)
DECREE.
MAHALEY JACKSON VS. ELIAS JACKSON.
16 July 1851.
Divorce granted. Attached property to go to plaintiff. Plaintiff to have custody of four children. -bp.
SETTLEMENT.
Aug. 1881.
J. S. Jackson, guardian of E. S. Jackson, Breckenridge Jackson & W. H. Jackson, minor heirs of E. S. Jackson, deceased.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF J. M. JACKSON AGAINST L. J. JACKSON, both of Jackson Co. TN.
7 Aug. 1889.
. . . he and defendant were married in Jackson Co. on the 19 day of May 1876 and have lived together as husband and wife since that date. Your orator further charges that they had lived together happily until recently when defendant proved untrue and violated her marriage vows by being guilty of divers lewd acts of adultery with one W. S. Jackson, Jr. and one John Davidson and perhaps others.
Your orator further charges that he and defendant are the parents of the following children, Uriah Jackson, aged 13 years, Martha L. A., aged 11, B. B. aged about 7, Mary aged about 3 years and William A., aged about 2 years.
He asks for divorce and custody of the children. -bp.
/s/ J. M. Jackson
THE SEPARATE ANSWER OF LETHA J. JACKSON.
29 Aug. 1889.
She claims he abandoned her about the time of the filing of his bill, and left her without support. She denies adultery on her part, but says he has been guilty of this with one Sarah Rush and others. -bp.
. . . his brother, Grundy Jackson . . .
She asks for divorce, custody of the children and their property.
Letha J. Jackson (her mark)
THE SEPARATE ANSWER OF ELIJAH PRICE.
No date.
Said Elijah Simons [Simmons] at his death left four daughters. The oldest, Francis, who intermarried with Robert Nimms, next Milley who intermarried with Drury Smith, next Polly who intermarried with William Denis and the youngest, Mahalay, the complainant, who intermarried with Elias Jackson, as stated in the bill. They are all dead except Mahala, but left children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Deposition taken: no date.
DEPOSITION: E. A. BROWN.
E. A. Brown (his mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MAHALA JACKSON AGAINST ELIJAH PRICE, both of Jackson Co. TN.
14 March 1885.
. . . Elijah Simmons died intestate in Jackson Co. TN on or about the [blank] day of [blank] 1845 . . .
She states that he died seized and possessed of the following described tract of land, Granted by the State of Tennessee to her said father, Elijah Simmons, by Grant No. 7824, lying in said county, District 11, on the waters of Flynn's creek and bounded as follows, to wit, . . . east bank of Lacy's branch near the mouth of Haile Hollow . . . crossing the mouth of Morrises Branch . . . Entry in the name of John Wilson, the place whereon William Birdwell's heirs now reside . . . a 45 acre tract of said Simmons . . . Edward Morrises old tract near Flynn's creek . . . containing 150 acres more or less.
She states that her father at his death was comparatively a poor man and resided on a small place adjoining this, on which he died.
She states that she intermarried with Elias Jackson and had four children, named Julia, Eda, George and William, all of whom are still living. She states that William is living in Texas and she knows nothing of him. He daughter Julia left her a number of years ago and, she is informed, resides somewhere in the State of Texas.
Mahaly Jackson (her mark)
ANSWER OF JAMES DRAPER to a Bill of Complaint filed in the Chancery Court at Gainesboro by Drury Smith and his wife Milly, complainants . . .
6 Feb. 1851.
. . . the outstanding debts against the estate of Elijah Simmons greatly exceeded the assets . . .
A tract of land had to be sold to pay the debts. James Mercer was the highest bidder for this tract, but he failed to complete the sale and has since left the state. James Draper then became the purchaser. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MAHALA JACKSON of Jackson Co. TN against Drue Smith & Milly Smith his wife & Eliza Nims, Joseph Nims, Caroline Rush & Elija Craig of Jackson Co. TN & Calvin Dennis, Charles Dennis & Cansada Dennis of the State of Missouri, Thomas L. Bransford of the State of Kentucky & James Draper & William Rush of Jackson Co. TN.
No date.
[This document is very hard to read because of bleed through. -bp.]
. . . her father, Elijah Simmons, departed this life intestate in Jackson Co. in the year 1845, leaving your orator who is his daughter, Milly Smith who is the wife of defendant Drue Smith another daughter, and the defendants, Eliza Nims, Josiah Nims, Caroline Rush & Elijah Craig, children of a deceased daughter, to wit, Francis, and Caroline Dennis, Charles Dennis and Cansada Dennis, also children of a deceased daughter, viz., Polly, his only heirs at law.
Defendant Smith now lives upon one of the tracts of land, about fifty acres, that Elijah Simmons owned at his death. -bp.
PETITION FOR DIVORCE.
MAHALA L. JACKSON AGAINST JAMES JACKSON.
20 April 1899.
. . . she and the defendant were married in Jackson Co. TN in May 1897 and lived together about six months when petitioner left defendant. The defendant pretended to be jealous and used abusive language.
She also complains of threats to her life and adultery. She returned to him two or three times, hoping he would do better. When not living with him, she lived with her father. -bp.
Petitioner states that she and the defendant have one child by virtue of said marriage, about one year old, named Birdia Ader Jackson . . .
She wants divorce, the personal property and custody of the child. -bp.
Depositions taken: 29 June 1899.
DEPOSITON: J. O. SMITH.
. . . I have lived in her [Bettie Jackson's] immediate neighborhood since she was a little girl.
/s/ J. O. Smith
DEPOSITION: WM. BRANCH.
I am 23 years old. I own a farm. I live in Jackson Co. TN.
I was raised right close to her [Bettie Jackson].
Bill Branch (his mark)
DEPOSITION: BEN MEADOWS.
I reside near Gainesboro at Brook's Ferry.
I am about 30 years old and am a ferryman by occupation.
. . . Bettie's home, that is John Hawkins . . .
/s/ Ben Meadows
PETITION.
21 Sept. 1905.
. . . since the filing of the Bill of Matilda Jackson for Divorce and Alimony . . . the plaintiff and defendant have gone back together and are now living together.
He asks for a lien on the property to pay court costs and attorney fees. -bp.
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MATILDA JACKSON AGAINST JOHN JACKSON, both of Jackson Co. TN.
17 April 1905.
. . . she and the defendant were married in said county about twenty years ago and have lived in said county ever since.
She complains of verbal and physical abuse. -bp.
Complainant and defendant have had born to them, the issue of their said marriage, eight children, two girls and six boys, ranging from 19 to 4 years of age, and the defendant is a profane, vulgar man, very cruel to said children . . .
Asks for divorce and custody of the children. -bp.
Matilda Jackson (her mark)
THE BILL OF COMPLAINT OF MAUD JACKSON AND LANDIN J. JACKSON, minors who sue by their next friend S. L. Jackson, citizens of Putnam Co. TN against A. W. Flatt & B. T. Flatt of Jackson Co, TN & W. T. Parker of Overton Co. TN.
1 July 1904.
Complainants charge that Jessee Flatt died intestate in Jackson Co. TN several years ago, leaving surviving him his widow Jennie Flatt and the following named children and grandchildren, to wit: Dorcus, who intermarried with Geo. Julian, Lizzie, who intermarried with S. L. Jackson; she has since died leaving complainants Maud Jackson and Landin J. Jackson her only children and heirs at law, A. W. Flatt, B. T. Flatt, Claud Flatt, another son who has since died single, leaving no heirs, and Kibbie Flatt, who has since intermarried with J. G. Jackson.
Dorcus Julian and her husband and Kibbie Jackson and her husband have since the death of Jessee Flatt, sold and conveyed their interests in the land hereinafter described, to defendants A. W. and B. T. Flatt, and for this reason they are not made parties to this suit.
The said Jessee Flatt at the time of his death was the owner of the following described real estate, to wit: lying in the 12 Civil District of Jackson Co. TN on the waters of Martin's creek, containing about 300 acres, the same where Jessee Flatt lived at the time of his death and the same now occupied by his widow, now bounded by the lands of Wm. Carrington, James Goolsby or Waller, James McHenry, Wade Goolsby, Ellison Goolsby, Ben Julian, Willis Meadows, and others.
The widow, Jennie Flatt, is still living and it is conceded that she is entitled to occupy and hold said land as a homestead during the remainder of her life.
They charge that defendants Flatt and or all of them have since the death of Jessee Flatt cut and removed a large amount of valuable timber from said land . . .
They want their share of any timber sold, and they want the land sold, subject to the widow's homestead, and the proceeds divided. -bp.
FINAL DECREE.
28 Sept. 1904.
. . . the compromise agreement made between complainants by their father and next friend, S. L. Jackson and the defendants A. W. Flatt and B. T. Flatt . . .
Depositions taken: 3 Sept. 1904.
DEPOSITION: WM. CARRINGTON.
I am a cousin to Jackson, the father of the minors. I own the land on which I live adjoining the land involved in this case.
/s/ W. E. Carrington
DEPOSITION: E. JULIAN.
I am 47 years old. I am not related to the parties to this suit.
I own the lands on which I live.
/s/ Elmoe Jackson
THE JOINT AND SEPARATE ANSWER OF A. W. & B. T. FLATT.
28 Sept. 1904.
. . . the widow is still living and in fairly good health and is about 57 years old.
They say that the widow sold enough timber from the land to pay $250 to $300 of debt that Jessee Flatt left at his death. No other timber has been sold. -bp.
Deposition taken: 28 Sept. 1904.
DEPOSITION: B. T. FLATT.
I am one of the defendants to this suit. I know the tract of land [in dispute]. I was raised on the place.
I was in the west when part of the timber was sold.
The compromise gives them [the complainants] $155.00 for their share and they are not liable for any costs.
/s/ B. T. Flatt
Deposition taken: 8 Aug. 1904.
DEPOSITION: S. L. JACKSON.
I am 33 years old. I am the father of the complainants in this case. Their mother is dead. Maud is eight years old and Landen is six.
/s/ S. L. Jackson
END OF REEL.
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