Charles G. Neese was born in Paris, Tennessee on October 3, 1916. He received an undergraduate degree from Cumberland University in 1936. He studied law in 1938 and was in private practice throughout his life. Neese managed Carey Estes Kefauver’s campaign for the United States Senate. He was an administrative assistant to Senator Kefauver from 1949 to 1951. Neese died in Nashville, Tennessee on October 22, 1989.
United States Senators Estes Kefauver and Albert Gore Sr. recommended that Neese be appointed as a federal judge. In 1961 President John F. Kennedy appointed Neese as a judge for the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Neese assumed senior status in the federal judiciary on August 31, 1982.
Charles Neese’s papers contain his personal correspondence with family and associates, newspaper articles, photographs, and scrapbooks that reflect his work and accomplishments. Further, this collection includes speeches delivered to various organizations. There is also material written by Neese describing the history of Tennessee government. There are copies of Neese’s two manuscripts, “Amazing Race” and “Estes was Bestes.” The collection is stored in approximately 7.5 linear feet of boxes.