Jerry Cornett
1920
Jerry Cornett.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff Jerry Cornett succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained three two weeks earlier while attempting to arrest several men for possessing moonshine on April 3rd, 1920.
Deputy Cornett and several other deputies were checking the Fourseam Block Colliery Company mine camp on Buffalo Creek, three miles from Hazard when they encountered the group. A shootout ensued when the posse attempted to place the men under arrest.
Two of the subjects, Deputy Cornett, and a second deputy were wounded. Deputy Cornett was taken to the hospital in Hazard where he died on April 20th, 1920.
Both suspects were charged with murder. One was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1923 the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that he should have been charged with manslaughter and ordered a new trial which the result of is unknown.
Deputy Cornett was a veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife.
Deputy Cornett and several other deputies were checking the Fourseam Block Colliery Company mine camp on Buffalo Creek, three miles from Hazard when they encountered the group. A shootout ensued when the posse attempted to place the men under arrest.
Two of the subjects, Deputy Cornett, and a second deputy were wounded. Deputy Cornett was taken to the hospital in Hazard where he died on April 20th, 1920.
Both suspects were charged with murder. One was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1923 the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that he should have been charged with manslaughter and ordered a new trial which the result of is unknown.
Deputy Cornett was a veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Service Record
Also Served
Perry County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp0z2vfx5vf8f5773f4g
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Jerry. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor Jerry.
Leave a Tribute