Tennessee Divorces 1797-1858 - Paperback

by Gale W. Bamman (Author), Debbie W. Spero (Author)

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.