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.