pDivorce 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.ppbrppOnly 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.ppbrppThis book contains abstracts from legislative petitions requesting a divorce and acts of Tennessee granting a divorce if approved.6527965279ppUnder early Tennessee divorce laws, the Tennessee General Assembly state legislature granted divorces and privileges of feme sole until 1835.p