Stills Captured in Fruitland, Clear Creek, Fletcher Section, May 16, 1922

Raiding Party Captures Two Stills and Man. . . Stills in Fruitland and Clear Creek Sections and Negro in Clear Creek Section Captured

Two big copper stills and supplies to the extent of 800 gallons of beer were captured and destroyed by Sheriff Grant and his deputy, Carson Hill, Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Fatherstone, a negro, was arrested, charged with operating one of these.

The first raid, in the Fruitland section was conducted during the midnight hour, and resulted in the capture of a 120-gallon capacity still, which, the officers said, was a fine outfit. It was not in operation, its owners having fled.

The second raid, which resulted in the capture of the negro, was in the Clear Creek section at daybreak Sunday. The “liquor-maker” presented a handsome new appearance, the officers stated, and was of a 50-gallon capacity. It was just being installed. A few supplies, which had been assembled on the grounds, were also taken.

In the Fletcher section, immediately following the Clear Creek raid, the third seizure was made. The operators here had learned of the officers’ presence and had made their “get-away,” deserting 800 gallons of beer. Signs were in evidence that everything had been in readiness for running the still shortly before the officers arrived.

From the front page of the Hendersonville Times, Tuesday, May 16, 1922