Collection Title: Jackson Purchase Oral History Project – Politics and Government
Series Number: OH162
Interviewee: Cornett, John Chris, 1910-1993
Interviewer: James W. Hammack, Jr.
Date interviewed: July 7, 1974
Processed by: Processed on February 14, 2012 by Benjamin J. Drake
Date processed: February 20, 2012
Description: 2 sound disc (94 minutes)
Abstract: John Chris Cornett discusses the politics in the State of Kentucky from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. During the first half of the interview he examines the coal industry in Kentucky and reasons for running for political office which focused on the elections of judges. The second half covers his opinions on major legislation during his tenure as State senator, including the Cook Bill, Worker's Compensation legislation and the Black Lung Bill. The interview concludes with a discussion on Governor Wendell H. Ford.
Biographical / Historical note: John Chris Cornett was born in Florence, Indiana on August 6, 1910. He graduated from Knott County High School and attended Morehead State Teachers College (now Morehead State University), the University of Kentucky and the Cumberland Law School. He taught at public schools for twelve years before entering politics. From 1938 to 1940 he served as State Representative for Knott and Magoffin Counties. In 1941, he was elected County Judge for Knott County. Cornett was appointed Circuit Court Judge in 1950, a position which he held for over twenty years. He also served as State senator of the 29th District from 1972 to 1976. Cornett later served a second term as Circuit Court Judge from 1976 to 1984. He died on June 3, 1993 in Lexington, Kentucky.
General information: No user access to original recordings. Use audio user copies, digital derivatives, transcripts, and/or tape indexes. This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Permission for reproduction must be requested from Murray State University.
Subject Headings / Descriptors:
Cornett, John Chris, 1910-1993
Kentucky – Politics and government.
Knott County (Ky.) – Politics and government.<
Magoffin County (Ky.) – Politics and government.
Judges – Kentucky.
Legislators – Kentucky.
Circuit courts – Kentucky – Officials and employees – Selection and appointment.
