", Stephenson said recently that he stopped packing heat because he "was afraid I was going to become forever known as the guy who shot himself in the butt.". Editor's Note: This story was originally published March 9, 1991. Due to recent postal mail increases, please add $10 s/h. Finally, the police brought Thomas in for questioning. Ferrum College offers bachelor's degrees in twenty-eight major degree programs. Franklin County Moonshine Heritage Festival | Moneta VA Its a bygone era, Adkins said. Moonshine still is discovered beneath 'cemetery' in Virginia . [Read the Rest.] Just south of. Lovingly edited by Lane Hash. "I didn't mention to the moonshiners anything the agents said and vice versa. The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935 by T. Keister Greer. Also during another trip, she told the jury Paul and Hubbard said Frank would never rest until Simmons was taken over the same road as he took Frank. After her testimony, the state rested, according to the newspaper. Index to either $5 each. It was donated by Heidi Callaway from the estate of her late husband Russell who is a son of Flanders B. Callaway Sr. Limited supply of 2020 Calendars. In Spirits of Just Men, author Charles Thompson wrote, An investigation ensued and the police found one witness named Tom Thomas, who said hed seen a West Virginia car at his establishment, called Toms Barbecue, the night of the murder.. [Read the Rest], Heres a few pics from a friend that was hiking around Jamison Mill Park on Philpott Lake in Franklin County, Virginia. Despite. There has been so much moonshine made in Franklin County that you can literally walk up any creek and find an old moonshine still. Now, we will take a deeper look at moonshine operations and where locals could get a. Patrick Morris Pugh ($10 plus $6 s/h). If youre looking to explore an area of Southwest Virginia that is immersed in beauty, history, and moonshine, Franklin County has to be on your list. We are a 501(c3) organization operated five days a week $19.95 (add $8 s/h). The per capita income for the county was $19,605. Here's a sample page. Theyre some of the smartest men Ive ever been around my entire life.. {{store.behavioralRules.productRules.orderFulfilledFromStoreMessage}}, {{store.behavioralRules.productRules.additionalBottlesCanBeOrderedMessage}}, {{store.behavioralRules.productRules.orderFulfilledFromWarehouseMessage}}. Huge thanks to Doug Minnix with help from Alan Messenger in collecting the information. Rainfall around a half an inch. Henry Lee Law (left) stands with his father, Amos Law. Its a perfect place to make it., And people are making it. Franklin County also acts as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Round the Mountain Artisan Trails, and is of course the Moonshine Capital. Holland: "Recollections of a Private" - by William Preston Holland, Co. G. 11th VA Infantry CSA. Prillaman whose family has been making moonshine in Franklin County since the late 1800s oversees the distilling of Twin Creeks seven liquors, which include a corn whiskey, fruit brandies and a sweet mash rye that took a silver medal in the 2018 American Craft Spirits Awards. (Shrink-wrapped, 2 1/2 inches thick. Instagram. New collections of Mrs. Mann's papers donated by her daughter Karen Comet. Finally, a third trial was moved to Salem, county seat of Halifax County, Va. Twigs of the Tree ($12 plus $4 s/h) Research by Maxey Perdue, Poff (George) - Furrow (Jacob), Luke-Stone-Waldron Collection ($20 plus $6 s/h), Prillaman. Stephenson describes run-ins with the menacing moonshiner and a subsequent decision to carry a handgun in his book, "A Night of Makin' Likker - Plus Other Stories from the Moonshine Capital of the World.". Watch 10 News for the latest local, statewide and national news, as well as the forecast from Your Local Weather Authority. We'll mail a copy for an additional $6. Franklin County moonshine legend Amos Law dies at 83. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Lumsden uses traditional methods, but hes seen major advancements over the years (though some things will never change). During the trials it was discovered that Franklin County produced between 500 and 1,000 gallons of moonshine daily and not an ounce could leave the county without a substantial monetary. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. However, three of the boys seemed to hesitate and exchange glances before saying no. The owner also denied seeing such a vehicle. This is the story of Paul and Hubbard Duling, two brothers from the backwoods of Nicholas County, who fought the law and almost won. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. And once you get started making liquor, it dont ever get out of your blood. "I'd get behind a few dollars on something and I might just get the still out of the barn and make a little.". Staff Writer. The school system includes 12 elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Unfortunately, Prohibition put an end to Virginias legal whiskey industry. Compiled by Claude C. Arthur. $15 a copy plus $8 s/h. There were 22,717 housing units at an average density of 33 per squaremile (13/km2). "They scooped up on me a few times, tried to bulldog me. Stanley says the organization is hosting a moonshine festival this Sunday in Franklin County. Thursday & Sunday. In those days, Stephenson frequently accompanied agents, state and federal, when they raided moonshining operations in the county. Illegal liquor is the way we made money. Call to see if we have your size.). For every 100 females there were 97.20 males. The racial makeup of the county was 88.95% White, 9.35% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. In fact, hes documented the history in a book he wrote. This site uses cookies to enhance the user experience and measure marketing activities. As Adkins wrote, in the subsequent trials it was proved that the whiskey ring included criminal involvement by federal Prohibition agents, a former Franklin County sheriff, four deputies and a plethora of officeholders, including the Commonwealths attorney, Charles Carter Lee, grandnephew of Virginias most revered son, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Hubbard went on to become a press operator for a newspaper in San Francisco and Paul stayed in Nicholas County, said Adkins. Carters is a member of Round the Mountain Artisans and also features location artisans work in the shop. Outgrowing their original location, Buddys is currently renovating a larger space with plans to open in June of 2021. The sugar, along with moonshining apparatus that included 576 plastic one- gallon jugs, was seized in September when agents broke up an alleged Franklin County moonshine operation. However, many people may not realize that it has strong roots in Virginia. Five Mile Mountain Distillery owner Kerry Underwood wants to make sure his moonshine carries on another tradition: keeping the business as local as possible, starting from the ground up. A must-have for collectors and those interested in the War as well as family researchers. Minnix. $200 plus $20 s/h. Virginias Franklin County, about 250 miles from D.C., is known as the moonshine capital of the world. It isnt the only place where youll find moonshine (which can actually be any type of liquor; the name reflects how the once-illicit booze had to be made by the light of the moon), but Franklin County might be the perfect place for it, partially because for a long time, the hilly landscape wasnt perfect for much else. "I don't see anything in the near future that suggests a lack of interest in that part of Franklin County's history," Moore said. Call for availability before ordering. 25156 Highway 220, Boones Mill, Va.; Fridays-Sundays, various times. If shipped, please add $12 per item. Little evidence was presented to the grand jury. James Andrew Tucker ($6 plus $6 s/h), Wimmer. A partial listing is provided. Were trying to do that with our barley, and slowly but surely wed like to source everything from within about 100 miles of our distilleries., At Five Miles tasting room, you can sample both straight spirits and cocktails made with one of the distillerys four products; the cocktails are to open peoples minds a little bit about what moonshine is good for, Underwood says. Law says in the 70s when working with his father, making illegal moonshine It was an intricate operation to avoid jail time. 510 Franklin St., Rocky Mount, Va.; Thursdays-Saturdays, various times. I had just put up an electric fence that weekend, where my horses was at. Holland: Vol. Call for availability. This is literally a community cemetery for this end of Franklin County. Moonshine is still being made in the area. Somehow, he and Stephenson never crossed paths. Our final option is for all the burger lovers out there. Chance of rain 100%. Mason Prillaman Family Collected Research ($15 plus $7 s/h), Pugh. A deposit of $50 holds your number. Moonshine is a big deal around here, its legal now most places, said Linda Stanley, managing director of the Franklin County Historical Society. More selections are available. The museum's phone number is 540-483-1890. Call for sizing and information. Our exhibit is in progress so no more will be made. We invite you to taste local history with Franklin County Distilleries. At the trials it was said that Richards was the money man. Males had a median income of $29,807 versus $22,215 for females. The final stop of this trip took us to Franklin County Distillery, just a short distance from Hammer Forge Brewery. Facebook. Our product can substitute anywhere a good vodka or a good rum would go., Underwood and his business partner, Pat Sisk, started distilling as a hobby in 2012. One night, the authors wrote, Frank was hell-belting across the Roanoke/Franklin county line with the authorities on his tail. Franklin County Virginia has been called the Moonshine Capital of the World. Thomas also confessed he purchased his moonshine from the Dulings, instead of the locals, Thompsons book explains. Beckley residents came out en masse to observe the parade of police vehicles moving the prisoners to the West Virginia-Virginia line.. Reports say Richards jammed on the brakes, skidded the cruiser to a stop and exited. Or , of course, pick one up! If you've got photos of CSA veterans or their gravestones, let us know. Suddenly and without warning, flame and lead belched from the barrel protruding from the passenger window of the passing car, wrote Adkins. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. One of the operations forced out of business was the Dehart Distillery, producer of Mountain Rose Corn Whiskey. These are a few search warrants his father received from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Commission. "I walked the fence," he said during a recent interview. Transcribed from the original by Linda Nezbeth with detailed notes on the subjects/places mentioned by Pvt. Its just something you gotta do.. [Read the Rest], Heres a great video about the history of moonshine in the Appalachians. FYI: Most family books listed here are spiral bound copies with protective covers. Color one is $10 plus $8 s/h. He set out to make the distillery a living history lesson, like stepping back in time. Family Books Available in the Research Library. 7( $25 plus $6 s/h). "[8], A lengthy federal investigation resulted in indictments and trials for 34 suspects in 1935 for what was called the "Great Moonshine Conspiracy," which attracted national attention. In this 1979 photograph, Morris Stephenson poses with portions of the 'cemetery still' moonshine operation discovered in Franklin County that featured 18 800-gallon submarine type stills.. Holland: Vol. Simmons noticed a car trying to pass on the left-hand side of the cruiser. Call if you'd like one shipped. 2 ($45 plus $8 s/h). Sister Ora - Brother Goode by Charles D. Thompson Jr. (Stories of Miss Ora Harrison and Elder James Goode Lane Hash and the community in which they lived and served - many high quality photos, gleanings from personal interviews and research from the Endicott/Southwestern area of Franklin County.) In the woods, you dont do paperwork, he says. by volunteers. Use as a holiday ornament, package tie-on -- or dangle one from your sun visor! First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. to set the record straight about moonshiners. This booklet features the Robert Hill family home - known as the Robert Hill Indian Fort - today on the campus of Christian Heritage Academy, Rocky Mount. Peter Eichenburg ($30 plus $9 s/h), Hill, Descendants of Swinfield Hill ($12 plus $6 s/h). However, the two shotgun blast were not enough for the unknown assassins. This fully-indexed 231-page book (collector Vol. 6 - 120 pages ( $20 plus $7 s/h). Low 53F. And Ill never forget it, because my teacher told me that it wasnt a true profession. In March 1964, Stephenson, a native of Marion, went to work as a reporter/photographer for The Franklin News-Post and The Franklin Gazette. When I got my first check from my legal distillery, my mom said, I wish you could show him that now., In addition to traditional corn and rye whiskeys and fruit brandies, Franklin County Distilleries also makes a rum and a two-year aged whiskey, all produced in the ways Lumsden learned from his family members, who made illegal moonshine. The distilleries tastings, craft cocktails and behind-the-scenes looks are all keeping what Stanley politely calls the local liquid industry thriving with no chance of getting busted. Instructions on the sack. Reports suggest both books are selling well, at least in Franklin County. Hot lead smashed the driver side window and struck Simmons in the head.. About 7.30% of families and 9.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.70% of those under age 18 and 9.80% of those age 65 or over. Our first stop on the list is The Whole Bean Coffee House right in downtown Rocky Mount. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs . The price remains $35 with $10 s/h or call to arrange pick up. "For 40 years, I made it off and on," Mills said. "I got close to it a time or two," Mills said. Greer writes, The Virginia Frontier is a fascinating study. 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