Tennessee Divorces 1797-1858

Divorce was the last resort for unhappily married persons in the early 1800s because of the ensuing shame, embarrassment, and ostracism. Nevertheless, when a marriage could no longer be tolerated, a divorce was sought, either through the courts, or by petitioning the Tennessee General Assembly for a decree.

Only a small number of divorces were sought by petition to the General Assembly, 1797-1858. The others were brought before the superior courts between 1799-1809, then from 1809-1835 in the circuit courts, and since 1835, either in the circuit or chancery courts.

This book contains abstracts from legislative petitions (requesting a divorce) and acts of Tennessee (granting a divorce if approved.)

Under early Tennessee divorce laws, the Tennessee General Assembly (state legislature) granted divorces and privileges of feme sole until 1835.

Author: Gale W. Bamman, Debbie W. Spero
Publisher: Janaway Publishing, Inc.
Published: 10/31/2023
Pages: 134
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.41lbs
Size: 8.99h x 5.98w x 0.29d
ISBN: 9781596414815

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