In the early summer of 1901, a male, Silas Wilder, who served as the Chief of Police in Corbin, Kentucky, met a violent and untimely end. On Saturday, June 8th, a tense situation unfolded that would ultimately claim his life and that of a fellow lawman. Chief Wilder and Whitley County Deputy Sheriff David Branham were called to action to confront a man who was reportedly terrorizing the local citizens.
The officers located the individual and, in the line of duty, attempted to place him under arrest.
As Deputy Branham ordered the man to surrender, the situation escalated tragically. The suspect, defying the command, drew a weapon and fired a shot that proved instantly fatal for Deputy Branham. In the ensuing chaos, the gunman then turned his weapon on Chief Wilder, inflicting a mortal wound. Despite the severity of his injuries, Chief Wilder exhibited immense bravery and managed to return fire on his assailant.
In his final act of service, Chief Wilder successfully neutralized the threat, shooting and killing the suspect at the scene. This act, however, came at the greatest personal cost. Chief Wilder succumbed to his wounds the following day, on June 9, 1901. Because the lone perpetrator was killed during the confrontation, no arrests were made in connection with the deaths of Chief Wilder and Deputy Branham. The community was left to mourn the loss of two dedicated officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their city.
