Moonshine In Dewey County, Oklahoma. A Typed Transcript Of The Trial Of Five Men Accused Of Running A Still In Dewey County, Oklahoma In 1925

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

Publication: State of Oklahoma, 1925, Dewey County

First edition. Oblong 8vo. 8 3/4" x 13 1/4" black cloth binder, all pages printed one side only, 3 pp. (Index), plus 195 numbered pp. This document details the County Court of Dewey County, Oklahoma, versus the Defendants, namely H. F. Clark, Wesley Brown, Dug Evans, Jim Clark, and Alva Merck for, "wilfully, knowingly, wrongfully and unlawfully, manufactured, fermented and possessed mash fit for distillation, to-wit: two hundred gallons of mash." Complete transcription of the court case against Wesley Brown and Alva Merck. The remaining three defendants (H. F. Clark, Dug Evans and Jim Clark) pled guilty and had been sentenced. Transcription offers direct and cross examinations of the several witnesses for both the prosecution and for the defense. Additionally, there are the testimonies of Wesley Brown and Alva Merck. In his testimony, Wesley Brown claimed the "Bud" Clark had borrowed traps from him and that he was simply trying to retrieve those traps when he came upon Clark who'd told him that he was attempting to make whiskey. Wesley followed along simply out of curiosity .... he was know in town to be an upstanding citizen and furthermore, not to drink. On the other hand, Alva Merck had no real reason for being at the stills and was arrested when he came through the meadow carrying an armful of wood to help in heating the stills. Unfortunately, Alva's reputation in town wasn't as lily white as Wesley's. Upon both sides resting, the court instructs a verdict as to Wesley Brown ... there was not enough evidence to convict him of anything. After the verdict of Brown, instructions are given to the jury who come back with a verdict of guilty for Alva Merck. Alva immediately motions for a new trial. His request is denied. The sentence handed down was a fine of $200 plus 90 days in jail. An immediate Notice of Appeal is requested. Denied! Entire transcription is agreed to and signed by the County Attorney and the Counsel for the Defendant, on May 25, 1925 and then attested to by the County Clerk. Light wear to the corners and fore-edges of binder else a very good, tight copy. A very interesting depression era court case of individuals just trying to make a living in Oklahoma.

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