Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 November 1920 — GILLAM WHISKY STILL RAIDED [ARTICLE]

GILLAM WHISKY STILL RAIDED

Alleged Moonshiner Escaped, But Came In Monday and Was Fined. Sheriff Woodworth, with two revenue officers from Hammond, made a trip up in the Newland district Friday night and did away with an alleged whiskey distillery which had been operating just over the line in Gillam township for some little time. The still was operated by Ralph Ballard on the farm occupied by him, 3% miles southeast of Newland, and perhaps a gallon and a half of prune whiskey, the boiler, coils, etc., Were confiscated as well as three loaded shotguns which Ballard had ready for protection. He had no chance to use them, '/'however, as he was ip bed when the officers arrived and on being called downstairs found the whiskey, guns, etc., had already been secured by the officers. Watching his chance, Ballard made a dive for the door and made good his getaway, although the officers searched the woods and brush for about two hours and a half, and the sheriff fired a couple of shots after him as Ballard pulled out. A brpther, Roy Ballard, who claimed to be working at Hammond, was at the place at the time and was brought to town by the sheriff but it was learned he had not been connected with the making of the whiskey in any way and was released on their arrival here, not being kept in jail over night as reported. Monday Ballard came to town and gave himself up to the officers, and on agreement plead guilty to the fictitious charge of sefllng liquor to a minor, before Squire Irwin, and was fined S2O and costs, S3B in all, and discharged. This plea and fine satisfied the officers and was one which could be inflicted in a J. P. court. Ballard promised to be good In the future and no will be.