Refugio County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Wednesday, December 3, 1884
Add to My HeroesCornelius Sweeney
Jailer Cornelius Sweeney succumbed to a gunshot wound when a group of men opened fire on the jail.
A subject had been arrested for sexual assaults. For days, a mob would form and threaten to break the prisoner out of jail. Finally, on August 24th, a group of men fired at the guards, striking Jailer Sweeney and starting their assault on the jail. Civilians came to the aid of the guards and forced the mob to retreat. When the riot was over, the prisoner was found dead in his cell.
Jailer Sweeney succumbed to his injuries three months later.
Jailer Sweeney was a Civil War veteran. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, four stepdaughters, and a stepson.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, August 24, 1884
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsCorneilus,
On today, the 140th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Refugio County.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
December 3, 2024
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