Dispensary Constable John Bennett Cornwell

Dispensary Constable John Bennett Cornwell

South Carolina State Dispensary Commission, South Carolina

End of Watch Thursday, December 7, 1899

Add to My Heroes

John Bennett Cornwell

Dispensary Constable John Cornwell succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained as he and another constable attempted to arrest two men for possession of several kegs of illegal liquor. They had encountered the suspects near the Southern Railway Bridge in Greenville County.

As the other constable began loading the illegal liquor into the constable's buggy one of the suspects began arguing with Constable Cornwell. During the ensuing struggle the man produced a revolver and shot Constable Cornwell at point blank range.

Constable Cornwell and the the other constable both returned fire, striking the suspect several times. The other constable was wounded in the shootout. Constable Cornwell and the suspect both succumbed to their wounds two days later. The second suspect escaped from the scene.

Constable Cornwell was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Tuesday, December 5, 1899
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

alcohol violation

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Constable Cornwell,
On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of South Carolina.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 7, 2019

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.