Preview
Class Year
1913
Description
Tanner Winston Jett, LL.B.
Owensboro, Ky.
Delta Kappa Epsilon; Henry Clay Law Society; Central Club.
"A fool there was, and he made his prayer, Even as you and I, To a rag and a hone and a hank of hair." "Duke," whose real name is Jett, persists in saying that his home is in Davies County instead of Breathitt. That may be, but we wonder what has become of the home he worked so hard for during his "heart-breaking'' career at Central. Even though he lost one home since coming to State he brought with him his never-failing good humor, and is still just as earnest and sincere as ever. We venture the statement that few fellows have ever made more friends in one year at State than "Duke."
-The Kentuckian, 1913
------------------------------------
Tanner Winston Jett (January 1, 1888 - February 25, 1925) was born in Daviess County, Kentucky to George A. Jett and Artie Belle Schenck. Jett worked on the family farm and as a grocery clerk before attending Centre College. He then attended the University of Kentucky and received his LL.B. in 1913. Jett returned to Daviess County after graduation and practiced in the offices of Clarence Finn and E. B. Anderson. In 1915, he became a solo practitioner. Jett was twice elected Owensboro city prosecuting attorney; however, he was forced to resign during his second term due to illness. Jett contracted influenza during the 1918 epidemic--this illness caused him life-long health issues. Jett again contracted influenza in 1920--his wife, Pauline Rice, was infected while tending to him and died from the illness. In 1922, Jett retired from legal practice and moved to Colorado to recover from tuberculosis. Jett moved back to Owensboro shortly before his death in 1925.
