Springfield-Greene
County LibraryAPPEALS
APPEALS, CHANGES OF VENUE AND REMOVAL. 1934 - 1944. 1 vol. Book number 1.
This book contains the cases that were sent to another court. Gives the date of the record, names of the plaintiff and defendant, who received the transcript; whether the case is an appeal, removal, or change of venue; date for appellate court; number of check used to pay the fee; and signatures of the Circuit Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
MANDATES. 1920 - 1936, 1962 - 1977. 2 vols. Book numbers 2 - 3.
These books contain the decisions from the Missouri Supreme Court and the Springfield Court of Appeals of cases appealed from the Greene County Circuit Court. The decisions are classified as Affirming, Refusing, Reversing, or Remanding (sending back to original court for further action). The books are divided according to these classifications. Gives names of appellants, respondents (the party that is against an appeal), court clerks, and deputy clerks, the decision of the higher court, date the case was entered into the records of the higher court; and when the decision was filed with the Greene County Circuit Clerk. Also gives a box number (from the old system of storing papers) and a JUDGMENT RECORD BOOK number and page reference.
Arranged chronologically within divisions. Indexed.
RECORD OF APPEALS.1881 - 1893. 1 vol. Book number 4.
This book contains records of cases appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court. Gives case number, name of plaintiff and defendant, name of plaintiff's attorney, nature of action, date of judgment, term appealed, who appealed, date of transcript, order of higher court, and remarks.
Arranged chronologically.
ASSIGNMENTS
ASSIGNMENTS. 1879 - 1901. 1 vol. Book number 5.
An assignment is a transfer of a debtor's property to another person and the assignee (who will sell it in order to pay the debt). This book records the "Bonds of Assignment" when securities were posted to assure that the assignee would carry out his duties. Gives names of the debtor, principal(s), securities (people who put up the money for the bond), assignee, amount of the bond, date signed by the principal and securities, and the date it was approved in Circuit Court.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
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DOCKETS
APPEARANCE DOCKETS.1877 - 1881. 2 vols. Book numbers 8 - 9.
These books contain records of appearances before the court. Gives the names of the plaintiff, defendant, attorneys, case number, type of case, court term, and date.
Arranged chronologically.
BAR DOCKETS. 1882 - 1884, 1889 - 1893, 1895 - 1896, 1898 - 1901, 1904, 1907, 1910. 30 vols. Book numbers 10 - 39.
These books are copies of court dockets printed for members of the bar. Gives the names of the plaintiff and defendant, type of case, and ruling of the last term and the present term. Each book contains either civil, criminal or tax suits.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 12 vols.
CIRCUIT COURT DOCKETS. 1833 - 1848, 1854 - 1858, 1873, 1878 - 1879, 1883 -1884, 1887 - 1888, 1920 - 1927. 27 vols. Book numbers 40 - 66.
Gives names of plaintiff, defendant, attorneys, and witnesses for each party; type of case; and remarks about the case. Some books give the order and date from the last term and the order and date of the present term.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 20 vols.
CIVIL DOCKETS. 1853 - 1883. 10 vols. Book numbers 68 - 77.
Gives names of plaintiff, defendant, attorneys, type of case, order From last term and order of this term. Book number 70 includes a disposition (the final settlement or remarks concerning the case by the court).
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - book numbered 69. (Title varies: CLERK'S DOCKET, Book numbers 78 - 517; CLERK'S DOCKET SHEETS, Book numbers 518 - 519; CRIMINAL COURT DOCKETS, Book numbers 521 - 525; and JUDGE'S DOCKETS, Book numbers 540 - 988.)
COMMON PLEAS DOCKET.1871 - 1881. 1 vol. Book number 520.
The Common Pleas Court had jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases until it was abolished. This book contains civil, criminal, and tax cases. Gives names of plaintiff, defendant, and attorneys; type of case, and orders from the last term and of the current term. Pages 1 and 238 are lists titled "Roll of Attorneys", which the Court required licensed attorneys who wanted to practice in Greene County courts to sign.
Arranged chronologically.
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DELIVERY DOCKET. 1902 - 1939. 1 vol. Book number 526.
This book records the placing of a legal document in the possession or control of another official. Gives date; names of plaintiff and defendant; date of delivery; type of legal document; amount of debts, fines, and costs; case number; who received the document; and if it was returned.
Arranged chronologically.
EXECUTION DOCKETS. 1856 - 1881, 1889 - 1956, 1971 - 1975. 13 vols. Book numbers 527 - 539.
An execution is the process of carrying out a judgment or decree. Information given in these books varies even within a particular book. The first book of this title, number 527, is a COMMON PLEAS COURT EXECUTION DOCKET. The Common Pleas Court was abolished, and its jurisdiction was distributed to other courts including circuit courts. Pages 26 - 64 gives name of an administrator, executor, or guardian; an abbreviation that indicates which court term and the name of the decedent or minor. Pages 65 - 157 also gives fees charged against estates. Pages 158 - 321 are labeled "Judgments in Probate and Common Pleas Court" and gives names of plaintiff and defendant, amounts of debt, costs and fees, a page number (book unknown), date issued, and notes concerning the satisfaction (payment) of the debt. Pages 322 - 371 are titled "Common Pleas Judgments," but give the same information. Book number 528 gives names of plaintiff and defendant, amounts of debt, damages and costs, date, the officer authorized to carry out the execution, date returnable, a book and page reference, and notes on return or satisfaction. Books numbered 529 - 539 gives in whose favor the judgment was rendered and when the execution was issued, but not date returnable.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 11 vols.
JUDGMENT DOCKETS. 1862 - 1869, 1871 - 1935, 1965 - 1974. 17 vols. Book numbers 989 - 1005.
Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, date of judgment, fees for debts, damages and services of officials, a reference to an unidentified book, date writ issued and if an alias writ was issued, and remarks about the case.A writ is a court order requiring that a designated action be carried out and an alias writ is a second writ issued when the action was not carried out. Books numbered 991 - 1002 gives names according to who the judgment favored and who it ruled against, and also gives the case number. Books numbered 1003 - 1005 follow the format in books numbered 991 - 1002 and also give the date the judgment was entered into the record books.
Arranged chronologically, except for numbers 1003 - 1005, which are alphabetical. Indexed - 9 vols.
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JUDGMENT LIEN DOCKETS.1935 - 1965. 4 vols. Book numbers 1006, 1006A, 1007 - 1008.
A judgment lien is a claim on the real estate of a person whom a judgment was rendered against. The holder of lien uses the money from sale of the real estate to pay the debt. Books give case number, name of person whom judgment favored, the person it was rendered against, date of judgment, nature of judgment, amount of debt and damages, a book and page reference to the JUDGMENT RECORD BOOKS and the date entered into record book.
Arranged alphabetically
JUSTICE DOCKET. 1939 - 1946. 1 vol. Book number 1009.
Gives names of justice of peace, plaintiff, defendant, and attorneys; type of case; fees of justice and constable; date writ of summons issued; date returnable; township of constable; and notes on the case.A writ of summons is a court order to appear in court.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
MOTION AND PLEAS DOCKETS.1889 - 1896, 1911 1929. 5 vols. Book numbers 1010 - 1014.
Gives names of defendant and attorney, the motion or plea filed, date filed, and the ruling or order of the Court.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 1 vol.
PAROLE DOCKET. 1902 - 1958. 9 vols.Book numbers 1015 - 1023.
Books numbered 1015 -1019 give case number, names of defendant and attorney, type of case, services rendered or orders from last term, order of present term, and date of order. Books numbered 1020 - 1023 give name, age, color, sex, marital status, and residence of the defendant. Information given about the case includes number, date convicted, court convicted in (Justice of the Peace or Circuit Court), crime convicted of, punishment, date of parole, book and page reference to the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS, conditions of parole, subsequent orders, and how and when parole was concluded.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY
CERTIFICATES OF ASSESSMENT.1963 - 1975. 1 vol. Book number 1024.
This book records notices of estimated contributions, interest, and penalties assessed against an employer who has neglected or refused to make payments to the unemployment compensation fund. These payments are called contributions. Gives name of employer; amounts of delinquent contribution, interest, and penalties; date of document; and date filed with the Circuit Clerk.
Arranged chronologically.Indexed.
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FEES
ABSTRACT OF FEE BILLS.1894. - 1895. 1 vol. Book number 1025.
This book records the fees charged for various court actions, especially the bills for board of prisoners. Gives date, a book and page reference to FEE BOOKS, name of prisoner, amount charged, and a total for each page. Some pages give the case number instead of a reference to the FEE BOOKS and pages 45 - 93 include the crime for which the prisoner was convicted. Pages 20, 35, 56, 70, and 85 contain the fees charged for other services to the court. Information given includes court term, name of criminal court clerk, a list of services the clerk performed for the court and the amount charged, total amount, and date paid.
Arranged chronologically.
ABSTRACT OF FEES RECEIVED. 1878 - 1927. 8 vols. Book numbers 1025A -1032.
These books record payments of fees charged to cover costs of actions taken in a case. Gives date paid, who paid, names of plaintiff and defendant, case number, and the amount. Book number 1032 contains criminal cases, the others contain civil cases.
Arranged chronologically.
BILLS OF COST.1878 - 1886, 1909 - 1914, 1922 - 1931. 6 vols. Book numbers 1033 - 1038.
Gives names of defendant (State of Missouri is the plaintiff), who the bills were charged to, the crime the indictment was based on, date returned, and notes on the case. Information on the costs of the case include date of action, names of each official, a list of services performed, the fee charged for each service, total for each official, and the total for the case. Also included are certificates, one from the judge and prosecuting attorney and another from the circuit clerk, stating that the bill of cost is "... true, full and complete." The judge and prosecuting attorney's certificate also gives the punishment.
Arranged chronologically.Indexed.
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BILL OF COST FOR BOARD OF PRISONERS.1891 - 1903. 14 vols. Book numbers 1039 - 1052.
Gives name of prisoner, crime convicted of, sheriff's fees, clerk's fees, and two certificates that state that the record is a "... true, full and complete." copy of the original. Book number 1052 gives the name of committing judge, date of commitment, date of release, number of days confined, cost per day, and date certified to the criminal court clerk. Book number 1052 is the only one that is arranged alphabetically.
Arranged chronologically.Indexed.
CRIMINAL COURT CLERK'S FEE BOOKS.1908 - 1910, 1912 - 1925, 1927. 5 vols. Book number 1053 - 1057.
Gives the date paid, who was to receive the payment, name of the case, case number, the amount, date paid, and to whom paid.
Arranged chronologically.Indexed.
FEE BOOKS - GENERAL. 1833 - 1843, 1852, 1854 - 1860, 1871 - 1873, 1893 - 1894. 5 vols. Book numbers 1058, 1058 A-C, 1059.
These books record criminal and civil cases. Information given includes names of plaintiff and defendant, a list of services rendered for the case, a fee for each service, the court term the service carried out, and a total amount for fees. Civil cases have separate lists of services for the plaintiff and services for the defendant.
Arranged chronologically.
FEE BOOKS - CIVIL. 1859 - 1863, 1865 - 1928. 81 vols. Book numbers 1060, 1060A - 1139.
Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, the date, a list of services, and amounts charged for services. Book number 1063 also gives the case number, date of the service, the official, date fee paid, and who paid.
Arranged chronologically.Indexed - 80 vols.
FEE BOOKS - CRIMINAL. 1859 - 1864, 1867 - 1869, 1873 - 1882, 1887 - 1890, 1892 - 1894. 8 vols. Book numbers 1140, 1140A - 1146.
Gives name of defendant, type of crime, list of services, and amounts charged for the services. Books numbered 1140, 1144, and 1145 also give the court term when the service was rendered, case number, the disposition (the final sentence or judgment in a case), and a reference to the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS.
Arranged chronologically.Indexed - 4 vols.
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FEE BOOKS - TAX SUITS. 1879 - 1880, 1891, 1895 - 1897, 1899 - 1901, 1903 -1911, 1919, 1926. 19 vols. Book numbers 1147 - 1165.
Gives names of Collector (the plaintiff), the defendant, case number, the official, services rendered in case, date service rendered, amount charged for each service, total for the case, and who or how the fees were paid.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 18 vols.
LEDGER AND INDEX. 1879 - 1886. 1 vol. Book number 1166.
As the subtitle on the pages read, this book is a record of "... All Fee Received and Disbursed By ..." the Circuit Clerk. Gives names of "whom due," plaintiff, defendant, case number, date collected, amount, and payment by the Clerk (date and "to whom" paid).
Arranged alphabetically.
OFFICER'S FEE BOOKS. 1871 - 1886, 1895 - 1915. 7 vols. Book number 1188 -1194.
These books record records of fees charged by various officials for services performed for a case. The officials include sheriffs, constables, justices of the peace, deputy sheriffs, clerks, and deputy constables. Book number 1188 is divided into 3 formats. Pages 1 and 2 gives names of plaintiff and defendant, court term, if a capias (a writ directing an official to arrest a named person) was issued, whether the fee was paid or carried forward, and a one dollar fee charged against all cases. Pages 3 through 23 gives the name of defendant, court term, name of criminal court clerk, list of actions, and amounts for each action. The rest of the pages gives name of defendant, court term, name of the official, and the amount of the fee. The other books give date received, to whom due, names of plaintiff and defendant, and the amount on the debit page; the credit page gives date when paid out, to whom paid, remarks, and an amount.
Arranged chronologically except for Book numbers 1190 and 1193 which are alphabetical. Indexed - 1 vol.
REGISTER OF FEES. 1890 - 1892. 1 vol. Book number 1215.
Gives date, names of plaintiff and defendant, case number, fee, and if "on assignment" (The debtor's property was turned over to another party who sold the property and paid off the debt with money from the sale).
Arranged alphabetically.
SHERIFF'S FEE BOOKS. 1895 - 1899, 1905. 2 vols. Book numbers 1216 - 1217.
Information in Book number 1216 includes names of plaintiff and defendant, two columns of names and fees (one labeled plaintiff and the other labeled defendant), and a total for each column of fees. Book number 1217 contains the newspaper notices of sales the sheriff was ordered by the Court to conduct. Information includes the names of the sheriff, who bought the land, and the amount paid. Some of the records include the fees of officials and/or the names of the plaintiff and defendant.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
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WITNESS FEE BOOKS. 1854 - 1861, 1866 - 1973. 37 vols. Book numbers 12i8 - 1254.
Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, date, name of witness, and amount. Book number 1219 gives number of miles and days, and county of residence. Book number 1221 also gives date when received, to whom due (witness), names of plaintiff and defendant, amount of fee, when paid out, to whom paid, and amount. Books numbered 1226 through 1254 also have records of sheriff's fees, gives date received, name of sheriff, name of case, amount, and when paid out.
Arranged alphabetically.(Title varies: WITNESS, JURORS, and OTHER FEES, Book numbers 1255 - 1260.)
FINES
RECORD OF FINES FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. 1871 - 1879. 1 vol. Book number 1261.
Gives case number, name of defendant, legal description of property, amounts of tax and interest, and action taken.
Arranged chronologically.
RECORD OF FINES, PENALTIES AND ETC. 1903 - 1931. 2 vols. Book numbers 1262 - 1263.
These books are records of "... of Fines, Penalties, Forfeitures and Judgments, imposed, adjudged or rendered in favor of the State of Missouri or County of Greene, ..." Gives date imposed, against whom imposed, in what case, on what account, the amount, by whom collected, date collected, amount collected, to whom paid, date filed, and remarks.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
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INDEXES
GENERAL INDEXES TO CIVIL CASES.1833 - 1974. 25 vols. Book numbers 1264 - 1288.
These books are indexes to the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS. One index covers more than one record book. Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, and the volume and the page number as the basic information. Books numbered 1264 through 1270 also give the case number and a box number (from old filing system), number 1271 through 1272; a reference to the FEE BOOKS, a box number, and date of entry; numbers 1273 - 1288, gives case number, box number, and date of entry. (Title varies: GENERAL INDEX TO TAX SUITS, Book numbers 1293 - 1295)
GENERAL INDEX TO CRIMINAL CASES. 1833 - 1893, 1932 - 1974. 4 vols. Book numbers 1289 - 1292.
These four books are indexes to the CRIMINAL COURT RECORD BOOKS. Each index covers more than one of the record books. Gives name of defendant, type of crime, judgment roll number, and depository box number (old filing system). The important reference to the record books is the "judgment entry" which gives book and page numbers and the year. Books numbered 1290 through 1292 also gives date filed, case number, date of final judgment, remarks, and a file number which is from the old filing system.
Arranged alphabetically.
INDEX AND FILING RECORDS OF JUSTICE OF PEACE CASES. 1887 - 1907. 3 vols. Book numbers 1296 - 1298.
Gives filing number, case number, name of defendant, date filed, date of billing, charge, disposition (the final judgment or action of the case), if paid, and date paid.
Arranged alphabetically.
INDEXES TO CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS. 1833 - 1856, 1860 - 1866, 1868 -1924. 87 vols. Book numbers 1299 - 1385.
Each volume is an index to an individual record book. Gives case name and page number(s).
Arranged alphabetically. (Title varies: Indexes to CRIMINAL COURT RECORD BOOKS, Book number 1387 - 1398; Index to CRIMINAL COURT RECORD BOOK - IN VACATION, Book number 1400; Index to EXECUTION DOCKETS, Book numbers 1401- 1405; Indexes to JUDGMENT DOCKETS, Book numbers 1406 - 1416; Indexes to TAX JUDGMENTRECORDS, Book numbers 1422 - 1435; and Indexes to JUDGMENT RECORDS, Book numbers 1417 - 1421.)
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INDEX TO CIVIL CASES - TAX CASES. 1870 - 1834. 1 vol. Book number 1386.
This book is an index of tax cases in the CIRCUIT COURT RECORDS BOOKS. Gives years involved, case number, legal description of the land, date filed, amount of tax, and remarks on the judgment.
Arranged chronologically.
JUDGMENTS
CRIMINAL CASES SETTLED ON TRUE BILLS. 1890 - 1896. 1 vol. Book number 1436.
A true bill is an endorsement by a grand jury that there is enough evidence to file criminal charges. Gives case number, name of defendant, date filed, date of billing, the crime, disposition (the final judgment or action in a criminal case), to whom made, amount, and remarks on judgment.
Arranged alphabetically.
JUDGMENT RECORD BOOKS.1912 - 1974. 71 vols. Book numbers 1440 - 1511.
These books record the final judgments of circuit court cases. Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, date, case number, type of case, a short summary of the judgment, and a formal report of the judgment. (See description of CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS. Books numbered 1882 - 1983.) Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 12 vols.
JUDGMENT RECORD BOOKS - TAX SUITS. 1909 - 1941. 9 vols. Book number 1512 - 1520.
Gives date; court term; names of the collector of revenue (plaintiff) and defendant; years of delinquent taxes; amounts of tax, costs, and interest; did the defendant appear in court to answer suit; and a legal description.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 5 vols.
PROBATE AND COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGMENTS. 1859 1881. 1 vol. Book number 1522.
Gives names according to whom the judgment favored and whom it went against; date of judgment; the nature of the judgment; general or special (a general judgment is when any personal property of the debtor can be sold and a special judgment is the sale of specified property); amounts of debt, damage and costs; a book and page reference (books identified); and note of satisfaction. This information is found on pages 1 through 25, on page 30 begins an alphabetical arrangement. Information given here includes alphabetized names of person whom the judgment was rendered against, and the person whom the judgment favored, date of judgment, two columns of numbers, one column of letters, and a third of numbers. The last two columns appear to be book and page references, but the books have not been identified.
Arranged alphabetically.
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JURY
GRAND JURY WITNESS RECORDS. 1869 - 1870, 1882, 1889 - 1903, 1905 - 1912,1914 - 1917, 1919. 50 vols. Book numbers 1523 - 1572.
Gives the names of the witness and the suspect, and the witness's testimony. These books are a good source for the cultural history of Greene County for the time period.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 22 vols.
GRAND JURY REPORTS.1900 - 1938. Book number 1573.
This is a folder containing various records of the grand jury. Some of these records are subpoenas, sheriff's fees, lists of jurors, attendance records, final reports, or oaths. This folder and its contents helps a person understand the duties and purposes of grand juries.
Arranged chronologically.
JURY COMMISSION RECORD BOOKS. 1911 - 1975. 4 vols. Book numbers 1574 -1577.
These books record the drawing of names for people to serve on a petit jury. The term "petit jury" distinguishes the trial jury from the grand jury. Gives name of judge who ordered the drawing of the jury and the division number of his court. Dates include day of order, day of drawing, and the day the jurors were to report for duty. Residence is also given for each person drawn. Also has a certificate from the court clerk that the "Order For Petit Jury" is a "full, true and correct copy ..." of the original.
Arranged chronologically.
LIENS
MECHANIC'S LIENS RECORDS. 1865 - 1942, 1967 - 1979. 9 vols. Book numbers 1599 - 1604.
A mechanic's lien is a claim on a building or the land on which it was built as security for payment of construction or repair work. Gives names of whom the lien was filed against, who filed, the amount owed, date filed, and a description of the work. Also gives a satisfaction of lien in which the holder releases the property held under the lien when the debt is paid.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 8 vols.
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MINUTES
MINUTE BOOKS - CIVIL. 1854 - 1864, 1869 - 1874, 1877 - 1961. 133 vols. Book numbers 1605 - 1738.
These books record notes of proceedings during circuit court sessions, later transferred to CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS. Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, date, court term, and the notes.Arranged chronologically. (Title varies: MINUTE BOOKS - CRIMINAL, Book numbers 1739 - 1765; and MINUTE BOOKS - TAX SUITS, Book numbers 1766 - 1777.)
PAROLE BOARD MINUTES.1921 - 1932, 1937 - 1955. 2 vols. Book numbers 1778- 1779.
Gives date; court term; name of defendant; and a one word notation of whether the parole was granted, deferred, revoked, or overruled. Some references also give the crime convicted of and/or case number.
Arranged chronologically.
VACATION MINUTE BOOKS.1919 - 1944. 4 vols. Book numbers 1780 - 1783.
These books record memorandums of court proceedings which were not held during the legally set time period for court sessions. Gives date, names of plaintiff and defendant, and the memoranda.
Arranged chronologically.
MOTIONS
CIRCUIT COURT MOTION BOOKS. 1911 - 1974. 55 vols. Book numbers 1785 -1839.
These books are records of only the motions (applications to the court for a ruling or order for an act to be carried out in the applicant's favor). Gives date, court term, names of plaintiff and defendant, case number, the motion, and the ruling on the motion. (See the description of the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS, Book numbers 1882 - 1983.)
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ORDERS
ORDER BOOKS - IN VACATION.1881 - 1944. 11 vols. Book numbers 1840 - 1850.
Orders are the directions from a court or judge that are not a part of the judgment. These books record the orders from a court session not held during the period for court terms established by law. Information givenincludes plaintiff and defendant, court term, date, type of case, and formal record of order. Books 1849 and 1850 contain criminal cases.
Arranged chronologically.Indexed - 9 vols.
ORDERS FOR EXECUTIONS.1919 - 1946, 1960 - 1964, 1970 - 1973. 7 vols. Book numbers 1851 - 1857.
Execution, as it is used here, means the process being used to carry out a decree or judgment of a court. In the cases recorded in these books an individual was judged to be in debt and a sale of the debtor's property was the process used to obtain money to satisfy the debt. A general execution is where any personal property of the debtor can be sold to satisfy the debt.A Special execution is the sale of specified property for the satisfaction of a debt. Gives date, a reference to the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS and FEE BOOKS, whether it was a general or special execution, names of plaintiff and defendant, when returnable, name of plaintiff's attorney, date issued, date delivered or date mailed, the county sheriff, and the signature of the deputy clerk. Some references also give the case number, docket number, and court division.
Arranged chronologically.Indexed - 1 vol.
ORDERS FOR SUBPOENAS. 1919 - 1927.1 vol. Book number 1858.
A subpoena is an order to appear in court and testify. It differs from a summons, which is an order to appear in court as a defendant. This book gives date, court term, a reference to the FEE BOOKS, docket number, court division, names of plaintiff and defendant, which party the subpoenaed witness's testified for, attorney for this party, date issued, date delivered or mailed, and signatures of the clerk and deputy clerk. Also includes letters from attorney, which are requests for issuance of subpoenas.
Arranged chronologically.
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PUBLICATIONS
PUBLICATION RECORD BOOKS.1916 - 1973. 12 vols. Book numbers 1859 - 1864, 1866 - 1870.
These books are records of cases in which the defendant was notified by Order of Publication in a local newspaper that a case had been brought against him or her. Gives names of plaintiff, defendant, and the plaintiff's attorney; type of case; date the defendant was required to appear in court; and name of the newspaper. (See the description of the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS, Book numbers 1882 - 1983.)
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 9 vols.
RECEIPTS
ATTORNEY'S RECEIPTS FOR FILES. 1864 - 1865, 1872. 2 vols. Book numbers 1871 - 1872.
The name of a lawyer is written at the top of a page on which is recorded the case file number and/or name of plaintiff and defendant, the date "taken out," and the date returned.
Arranged chronologically. (Title varies: RECEIPTS FOR FILES, Book numbers 1875 - 1876)
CLERK'S RECEIPTS FOR STATUTES. 1839 - 1856.1 vol. Book number 1873.
This book records the borrowing of the current volumes of Missouri Laws by justices of the peace or sheriffs during their term of office. Gives date and signature of the official.
Arranged chronologically. (Title varies: RECEIPTS FOR LAWS, Book number 1877)
RECORDS
BOARD OF PAROLE RECORDS. 1921 - 1962. 4 vols. Book numbers 1878 - 1881.
Gives date, name of defendant or parolee, case number, summary of ruling, and a formal description of the motion and the ruling.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
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CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS. 1833 - 1913. 102 vols. Book numbers 1882 -1983.
These books record the actions and judgments of cases heard in the Greene County Circuit Court before 1911. Books numbered 1832 through 1899 contain all rulings on every case, beginning with Book number 1900 each book contains records of only one type of case. These books are divided predominately according to civil and criminal cases, but a few books contain only tax cases or publication records. See page 15 for continuation of tax cases and page 13 for publication records. Beginning in 1911 case actions were divided according to judgments or motions and recorded in separate books, which did not replace the JUDGMENT RECORD BOOKS nor the CIRCUIT COURT MOTION BOOKS. These titles include PUBLICATION RECORD BOOKS, CIRCUIT COURT TAX RECORDS, and the CIRCUIT COURT DIVORCE RECORDS. Information given includes court term, names of plaintiff and defendant, type of case, and a description of the action taken.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 90 vols.
CIRCUIT COURT DIVORCE RECORDS. 1968 - 1974. 5 vols. Book numbers 1984 -1988.
Gives date, names of plaintiff and defendant, case number, a summary of the court 5 ruling, and a formal description of the action and the ruling on it. (See the description of the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS. Book numbers 1882 -1983)
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 2 vols.
CIRCUIT COURT TAX RECORDS. 1921 - 1932. 1 vol. Book number 1989
Gives date, names of plaintiff and defendant, case number, a summary of the court's ruling, and a formal description of the action and the ruling. (See the description of the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS. Book numbers 1882 - 1983.)
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
COMMON PLEAS COURT RECORD. 1856 - 1881. 3 vols. Book number 1990 - 1992.
The Common Pleas Court which had jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases was abolished. Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, date, a summary of the court's ruling, and a formal description of the action and ruling.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 2 vols.
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CRIMINAL COURT RECORD BOOKS. 1889 - 1974. 50 vols. Book numbers 1993 - 2043.
Greene County's Criminal Court was established by the Missouri General Assembly in 1889. Pages 1 through 6 of Book 1993 records the establishment of the court and the procedures of first day of the first session. These pages have historical value as well as insight into the duties of the court. Gives name of defendant, case number, date, a summary of the decision, and a formal description of the action and decision.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 15 vols.
MOTION AND PLEA RECORD BOOK.1893 - 1894. 1 vol. Book number 2044.
A motion is an application to the court for a ruling or order for an act to be carried out in the applicant's favor. A plea is the defendant's answer to a suit that has been filed against him or her and is the basis of the defense. Gives name of defendant, case number, type of crime, a summary of the decision, and a formal description of the motion or plea, and the decision.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
PLEAS RECORD BOOKS.1891 - 1913. 4 vols. Book numbers 2045 - 2048.
These books contain records of pleas from delinquent tax cases. Gives names of plaintiff (the county collector) and defendant, case number, a summary of the court's decision, a formal description of the plea, and the ruling on it.(See the description of the CIRCUIT COURT RECORD BOOKS, Book numbers 1832 - 1983.)
Arranged chronologically. Indexed - 2 vols.
PROBATE AND COMMON PLEAS RECORD.1879 - 1880. 1 vol Book number 2049.
This book is divided into sections labeled: Judgment of Dismissal, Proof of Publication, and Default "Judgment for Plaintiff." Gives date, court term, case number, and name of defendant (the plaintiff was the county collector). In the Judgment section the plaintiff dismissed the case. In the section titled "Proof of Publication" the plaintiff filed proof that a notice was published in the newspaper informing the defendant of the case brought against him or her. The last section "Default" records the failure of the defendant to appear in court which means that the plaintiff won the case. Also gives amount of debt, damages, and the total; a legal description of land, and year(s) of back taxes.
Arranged chronologically within divisions. Indexed.
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REGISTERS
ABSTRACT OF CASES FILED. 1875 - 1979. 11 VOLS. Book numbers 2051 - 2060.
Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, date filed, the type of writ issued, and date delivered to sheriff.
Arranged chronologically.
ABSTRACT OF TAX SUITS. 1910, 1918 - 1921, 1924. 4 vols. Book numbers 2061 - 2064.
These books are divided into sections titled "Outside Addition to the City," "Springfield City Real," "Irregular Descriptions," and "Farm Lands." Also included are two untitled sections, one based on township and range and the second has information from towns in Greene County, but not the City of Springfield. Gives location, current number, legal description, lot number, and name of owner.
Arranged chronologically.
REGISTER OF ATTORNEYS. 1892 - 1895, 1902 - 1926. 2 vols. Book numbers 2065 - 2066.
Gives names (signature) of attorneys, residence, date of admission, and remarks.
Arranged chronologically.
REGISTER OF INDICTMENT AND INFORMATION. 1922 - 1927. 1 vol. Book number 2067.
An indictment is a grand jury's written accusation that a person has committed a crime. An information is a similar accusation but is written by a public official. Gives case number, name of defendant, (State of Missouri is the plaintiff), date filed, date of indictment or information, and to whom delivered (name of sheriff).
Arranged chronologically.
TRANSCRlPTS
JUSTICE'S TRANSCRIPT RECORDS. 1854 - 1946. 13 vols. Book numbers 2068 - 2080.
These books record transcripts of justice of the peace cases filed with the circuit court. Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, the decision, date case began, signature of the justice of the peace, date filed and recorded, and signatures of the circuit Court clerk and deputy clerk. Book number 2080 contains one 1947 magistrate transcript record.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
17
MAGISTRATE TRANSCRIPT RECORD. 1963 - 1975.1 vol. Book number 2081.
This book records the filing of actions from a magistrate court with the circuit clerk's office. The magistrate court handled cases of minor offenses and conducted preliminary hearings. Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, case number, summary of action, formal record, costs, certificate of the magistrate court clerk, date filed with the circuit court clerk, and the amount paid for costs.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
TRANSCRIPTS, JUDGMENTS AND DECREES. 1887 - 1946.1 vol. Book number 2082.
This book is a RECORD OF CERTIFIED JUDGMENTS AND DECREES OF OTHER COUNTIES." Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, location of court, a summary of the decision, a formal description of the action, and date. Each case also contains certification that the ..."above and foregoing to be a true copy of the proceedings of the ..." other court.
Arranged chronologically.
TRANSCRIPTS OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS AND DECREES.1963 - 1975. 1 vol. Book number 2083.
Records judgments from courts and agencies in other Missouri counties and from cities and counties in other states. Gives location of court, names of plaintiff and defendant, and a formal description of the case. Each case also contains certification that the "... above and foregoing to be a true copy of the proceedings of the ..." foreign court.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
WITNESSES
LIST OF WITNESSES. 1933. 1 vol. Book number 2084.
This list of witnesses for the Grand Jury of the January, 1938 court term uses one page in a book titled "Appeal Record." Gives name of witness, number of days, and fee.
Arranged chronologically.
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WITNESS CLAIMS BOOKS - CIVIL. 1892 - 1895, 1906 - 1929. 6 vols. Book numbers 2085 - 2090.
Gives names of plaintiff and defendant, court term, names of witnesses, their address, which party they testified for, number of days, mileage, and the amount they were paid. In the civil case books some records give the case number, but in the criminal case books all records have the case number.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed. (Title varies: WITNESS CLAIMS BOOKS - CRIMINAL. Book numbers 2091 - 2106)
WRIT
ORIGINAL WRIT OF SUMMONS. 1897. 1 vol. Book number 2107.
A writ of summons is a court order which requires the sheriff to notify a person that a suit has been filed against him or her and when to appear in court to respond to the suit. Gives name of person to be served, what court issued the writ, note on delivery of the writ, who served the summons, and fees.
Arranged chronologically. Indexed.
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