Coke, Lillian vs. Johnson, Phinas, Pfc. and Wright, Rufus Lee, 1954

The “General Sessions Warrants, Secretary of State Reponses” series, which dates from 1953 to 1960, includes copies of civil warrants, delivery receipts, and letters to defendants of civil warrants from the Tennessee Secretary of State. These were sent to defendants who failed to respond to their civil warrant summons date and advised the defendant a complaint had been filed against them. An affidavit from the Secretary of State was also included. This stated the summons date had been declared, and failing to appear at General Sessions Court would automatically settle the warrant in the plaintiff’s favor. The Secretary of State’s office required a signature from the defendant confirming delivery of the summons. This ensured all parties knew when to attend General Sessions Court.