Moonshine Mama: Outlaw Maggie Bailey

Moonshine Mama: Outlaw Maggie Bailey as told by The Appalachian Storyteller #womenoutlaws #moonshiner #moonshine #appalachia #appalachian #maggiebailey #harlancounty #kentuckyhistory
#audiobook #audiobookfulllength #appalachianhistory #appalachianstoryteller #storyteller
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Video from The Appalachian Storyteller
Story written by The Appalachian Storyteller
Photos from National Archives, Public domain, and paid researcher subscription to Newspapers.com, Ancestry.com, Proquest.com, Adobe.com and Shutterstock.com
This video is uploaded for Educational Purposes

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

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[@eleydeaninstrumentalist]

Who are the 3 women in the photo at 2:53/14:06? where can I find the date of this photo?

[@wayne-tg1xh]

I wish u could do a story on a great, great uncle of mine from Harlan county named John Caldwell.u can find a story of him in national geographic and at the college library in middlesboro ky.he ran a little store back in the day and had a black smith shop.thank u

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Maggy was one of my dear friends and i am in my late 80's....l live here in Kentucky and i know all about making Shine and i just Sub'ed to your channel...

[@BarbaraHester-ih8nj]

9pm😊😊

[@DD-mp9ok]

Nothing better than a good history lesson 😂.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you, her story deserves to be told

[@adchancellor1380]

My first wife's great-great aunt. I've heard about her for years. And, from the stories I've heard about her, she was a "Mommy " to, just about, anyone who would let her. A truly great woman.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

That’s awesome thank you for sharing that

[@melissavancleave8686]

God bless her. She never hurt anyone. Great story!!!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@frostyfrances4700]

Melissa: Never hurt anyone and helped a lot of people. That's a saint in my book.

[@u-neekusername4430]

@@frostyfrances4700 I 2nd that!

[@wayne-tg1xh]

My grandpa knowed her well.we used to go there when I was younger.thanks for these stories.we got to love the old timers they are what made these mountains great.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@deloradeabel8487]

I love this story,I wish I could of had my uncle listen to it,but he passed 2 years ago,he was also a moonshiner near Henderson co. Ken.His 200 acres was passed down to us kids,so we will-always have a place to go & remember his great stories!TY

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@user-gu1jk4qn6b]

My kind of woman; taking care of business! I adore the stories you pull from our history. Thanks and God Bless you. The US steals the money we earn from the sweat of our labor. Just as bad as slavery, in my mind, because feds can seize our property, just like an evil master. I admire her tenacity. Appalachian people are resourceful. They're intelligent, and when they're wronged, Lord help the person who did the wrongin!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

She was tenacious for sure

[@frostyfrances4700]

@user-gu1jk4qn6b - While I understand your sentiments, remember that fairly structured and enforced taxes are merely the just and necessary rent we pay to live in a better country. During what many consider the good old days, up through the 1950's when one wage was enough to buy a decent life for an entire family AND send the kids to college, the richest paid 50% in taxes. Average CEO pay was only 3X the average worker's salary. Today the richest pay only around 17% and have enough loopholes to dodge much of that. Even Warren Buffet says it's wrong. CEO base salaries outpace worker salaries to the point that the latter would have to work around 2 millennia for the same haul. In order to remedy the situation, first you need to listen to Economics and History 101 so you'll understand just whose hand is in your pocket and who your slavemaster really is. Plus realize that massive coordinated effort (ie, government) is by far the most efficient use of large funds. Otherwise go out and try to build your own road, school, hospital, army etc and see just how far you get. Ayn Rand was a sociopath. She still appeals to many college students bc they're too young to have learned much or acquired wisdom.

[@lamontpearce170]

Sadly we only have the illusion of freedom.

[@frostyfrances4700]

@user-gu1jk4qn6b and @lamontpearce170 - While I at least kinda understand your position, may I suggest a somewhat broader outlook. Fairly assessed and collected taxes are merely the rent we OWE for living in a much better country than shortsightedness believes. First of all, dismiss this idea of individuals as an island. Nobody makes it in this world alone. Anyone who thinks they do should just go out and try to build their own school, hospital, road, army etc. Government itself is not necessarily evil - that's determined by the type of representative/ruler we the people collectively install or permit. Back in the 1950's during what many fantasize as 'good old days', the super rich were taxed at a rate of about 50%. That's how the interstate highway system came to be, along with other things we take for granted today. Most CEO's back then made only 3X what the average worker got. It was common for one salary to be enough for decent lodging and the support (and education) of an entire family. Today the average CEO makes maybe 600 times more than most workers and is only taxed at around 13% with plenty of loopholes to dodge much of that pittance. Five men have gobbled up more than the bottom 50% of the country entirely. Even Warren Buffet says that's wrong and unsustainable. Not to mention the huge number of corporations that effectively pay ZERO taxes. So if you're concerned about theft of the fruits of your labor, first figure out who the real slavemaster is with his hand in your pocket, promoting fear and hatred of your fellow citizens who might not look or worship or think exactly as you do. Otherwise you'll keep fighting against your own valid interests instead of the robber barons seeking to keep you divided against your neighbors. Before you go to war, first figure out who your actual enemy is.

[@kevinbrewer9421]

The taxes we pay doesn't pay for the things you listed ! The printing of currency pays for that witch extracts your wealth (buying power) if you don't understand this you will in less than 5 years from now . Or maybe your so far gone you won't even notice? Please wake up !! We need you.

[@foop8888]

The sounds of an awful lot like the TV series Justified. Absolutely loved that show.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I think that character was based on the real life Maggie this video was about

[@hbhkennel918]

Gotta love stories like this.👍👍👍

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@catherinebrady2640]

I absolutely loved this story. What a remarkable woman!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Catherine, Maggie was a heck of a gal!

[@Hello_Fuckers0]

We're so fortunate that Appalachia has so many interesting characters in it's history and doubly fortunate that you relate them to all of us!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

preciate my friend, history has tried to erase folks like Maggie, but not as long as im around.

[@chickadee-]

Agree 100%.

[@mojorising1]

As a women living off grid in Appalachia making my own way too in this man's world, I take away a great deal of inspiration from Maggie thank you for sharing her story! ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

glad you enjoyed my friend. Stay strong

[@joeasthope2064]

I really enjoyed this story what an amazing lady what an entrepreneur 😊😊and a very good looking lady too

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

She lived an amazing life

[@saner6888]

Cheer! My mom is 90 and has always said “Be good! But not too good or you’ll miss all the fun”! True words🥰

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

I love it!

[@daleross9001]

Never heard that before . Thats heavy and poinient really Thank mom for me ❤

[@mikejones6486]

Your Mom is very wise!!!

[@ihaveseensuchthings]

Whenever we used to tell my granddad to “be good,” he’d say, “I can’t promise I’ll be good, but I’ll sure be good at it!”

[@saner6888]

@@ihaveseensuchthings I like that one too!!🌻

[@user-kn8jg6rj9e]

What a strong woman enjoyed this story wish u could tell stories everyday !

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much!

[@brianbrown4315]

Maggie was a Queen

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Sure was!

[@olskool3967]

very cool story JD, when i was growing up here in SC across the swamp from us was a bootlegger woman everybody called miss red, she of course had red hair. she raised her 2 boys and paid all her bills and harmed no one., in fact she was a nice lady,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

How bout that

[@ericnvee]

You tell a fine story, Sir! Thanks again ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you sir!

[@gingw7333]

Gotta love that she stuck by her decisions and educated herself to beat the system.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yes!

[@reneerollins4433]

What an amazing story ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Renee!

[@emilykicielinski5521]

Yesssss! Go Maggie!! Would so loved to have met her.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

She was quite a woman

[@terrybane6206]

Well done storyteller.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks Terry!

[@gilbertcammarn874]

Popcorn Sutton must've came from her family line. Lol

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Maybe so

[@randlerichardson5826]

Great story JD have a blessed day Amen 🙏

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks brother

[@likhound]

Great story. You sure have a special gift for telling stories.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much!

[@rockytop4]

Nothing like a good strong mountain woman.there priceless..thanks for making our day JD 🇺🇸

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Long live the memory of Maggie Bailey

[@karenroot450]

Wow what a life for Maggie and her community! I’m glad she educated herself in prison probably saved her ass so many more times the we know of JD you are one of the best storytellers out there. I especially love looking at the old photos of years past. Maggie seemed like a stand up passionate woman. I am glad she lived a very long life. We’ll just have to wait for the next interesting story you’ll tell us. Have a great day. Don’t forget Spring is right around the bend!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks Karen! Yes! Spring is right around the bend. You know I live up on a mountain ridge and my writing studio has large glass doors over looking the forest. I spend 40-50 hours a week in this spot, researching, writing, and video production, always watching the animals and small daily changes in the forest. Spring will be exciting!

[@cbLassie]

Way To Go Maggie! You out smarted them!❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Sure did

[@MyraG1225]

Love the Maggies of the world! Sounds like she was a force for good in her area: Filling in to feed, educate and provide a safety net for her family, friends and neighbors. The story didn't say but I bet her 'shine was clean , too, - no harmful practices in production nor any poisonous additives. What a woman; what a story. Thanks, JD, for bringing it to us.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Myra!

[@eleanordennehy5868]

Brilliant as always thank you ,what a woman !!!!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@janetconnors3113]

She was quite an entrepreneur. She was going to succeed no matter what. Great story

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

well said, she wasn't no quitter!

[@victoriatracey5919]

Thanks J D, Maggie sounded like my type of lady, she would have been a good friend to have. Good on her for beating the law and being such a kind person in her community 👏🏻👏🏻😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

She was a good woman!

[@robbie5984]

Good morning and happy Saturday!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Morning Robbie

[@Bella1neverknows670]

Wow, good for Maggie she never lost her hustle did she ❤ God bless Maggie and Salute 🍷🥂🍻🥃 that should cover most of the drinks haha

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

What a woman!

[@denisestrickland2976]

What a woman!!!! Another great story JD👍❤️

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Denise!

[@ruthrecord8196]

I love her!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

She was a firecracker

[@dwightharber4873]

What an amazing story. Maggie was truly a legend. Thanks JD

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yes she was, it was an honor to tell her story

[@barbarascofield6683]

Loved this story. Hell of a woman.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

She sure was

[@jamessmith7691]

Great story, I would have liked to have known such a spunky lady.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Me too brother

[@drtom5936]

Another great story JD. Inspiring that she was able to beat the government at their own game.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Heck yeah, incredible

[@sharonfreemanpace1011]

Another wonderful story JD.❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Sharon!

[@scottblack3381]

Good morning, JD! You'd be hard-pressed to find another Maggie nowadays and I enjoyed listening to her life's story. As told by one of the best! Enjoy your weekend friend and I'll see ya next time!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you brother!

[@vickielancaster7054]

I love this story. Thanks JD

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Vickie, have a great Saturday

[@myerstalesofappalachia]

This was plumb amazing them Bailey's were tough I knew a few Myself

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks brother

[@randlerichardson5826]

Thanks for sharing with us JD.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yes sir

[@fredbunce9232]

Great story. Woman of the Greatest Generation.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@debicorwin6978]

What an amazing woman! I sure would have loved to met her. Great story JD. Thank you. ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@annabarela4105]

That was a life lesson

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️ thank you Anna!

[@chrishensley6745]

Love the Story and the Lady.....Love it when people like her out smart the Goverment! Good job J.D.!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks Chris, hope all is well in your neck of the woods

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Incredible lady, Thanks for sharing, JD, a miss Robin Hood

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks John, hope you are having a good one brother

[@pamartin]

No killing. No violent turf takeovers. No vulgar outbursts in court or in the paper. True heart for folks. My, my, my, what a peculiar American outlaw. Kinda wish all our outlaw heroes were like her. Good story. Keep on.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@johnjessey6955]

Great story as usual. JD! Thanks again, my friend. Oh! The story of her upbringing, reminds me of that Bible verse. Train up your child, and the way they will go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it. God bless JD. ❤️👍☺️

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

So true! amen to that

[@govolsfightvolsfight2908]

I love watching these stories in the early morning with the door open, cold breeze coming in, and a hot cup of coffee in my hand! That's a good morning, so keep it up brother, you're doing a darn good job!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Preciate you brother

[@govolsfightvolsfight2908]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller the comment and compliment are well earned, have a great day brother, we look forward to more interesting content.

[@lclaire1000]

I love your book, JD! It’s all of your amazing storytelling that I can pick up anytime I want that good feeling you get from an interesting tale. Thank you!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Aww, thank you so much Claire ❤️

[@lukeherdaii9528]

That is one of the greatest stories I have ever heard! America! I respect that woman thoroughly.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@charliepc56]

Some can and some can't. Maggie Bailey was definitely one who could and did pretty much all her life! Great story! Thanks JD!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thanks Charlie!

[@SMichaelDeHart]

My father (born in 1917 in Mercer County, West Virginia Coal Mine Town of Weyanoke) ran 'shine' in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia from his 1st cousins still operation in Giles County, Virginia. He drove mine Timber from their sawmill with the moonshine hidden in the load. When he delivered the mine timbers to the mines, he sold the shine to the miners. World War II interrupted and he enlisted in the US Army Air Force. When he returned from the South Pacific Campaign in 1945, he went work as a Class A Transmission Lineman for Appalachian Power Company in Bluefield, WV.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Love it!

[@rustylynch6059]

She was impressive. An incredibly long life for that era, and especially in the business. I wonder why she never bought off the local police. Just a donation for them to look the other way. Great story JD. Happy Friday.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

She had a long life in the business for sure- she came a long way and never lost her hustle

[@rustylynch6059]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller I lost my hustle years ago. 🤣. I'm not lazy, just overweight and arthritic. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 🤣🤣

[@frostyfrances4700]

@@rustylynch6059 - 'Tis a story writ large for most of us. I used to be able to work hard all day and dance all night. Now I'm lucky to keep the worst of it down. But I'm 79 and time does take its toll.

[@jjtt7408]

THE STORY'S ARE GREAT AND YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO TELL THEM THE BEST / KEEP THE FAITH , JESUS SAVES

[@southernson1987]

The world needs more women like her.

[@hannahlong763]

These are the folks I remember from my childhood I wish we could have filled there shoes God Bless

[@susanross1651]

Gosh they should make a movie about this amazing lady ❤️

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

They should!

[@rosecastelli9885]

What a great story.I wish there was a love button instead of a like button thank you

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@teresahall5625]

I love listening to these beautiful stories ❤. My people my mountains 😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much. Have a blessed day.

[@healdiseasenow]

Maggie my absolute hero. I'm the Las Vegas weed plug

[@bettyfeliciano7322]

Oooh who doesn’t love a woman with great tenacity and ingenuity! She never hurt one single sold and helped so many friends and family and neighbors that it’s mind-boggling! I’m happy that she learned the laws to defend herself. Thank you JD for an awesome story! And, just a suggestion to all of you out there that haven’t purchased JD’s book, you do not know what you’re missing!! If you love his videos, boy are you ever going to love his book!! Hurry! Get one today!! Blessings always my friend JD! ❤️😊✝️

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Bless you Betty! Thank you!

[@bettyfeliciano7322]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller You are very welcome my friend!! Have a blessed day! ❤️😊✝️

[@lisabarnes4653]

I’ve already used the term “best story ever” when you shared about Ruby’s life. So this is a “most excellent story” JD! You share a perfect story, with just the right amount of music, turned down, not overpowering when you’re sharing. I look forward to hearing your stories every day!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much for that great review

[@Music_is_Breathing]

Totally cool!!!! I love this woman!!!!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️

[@rubypayton4539]

What a great story. She was a firecracker..

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

she sure was Ruby!

[@wendibernhardt9190]

What a generous woman.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

she was a heck of a lady

[@BuntingClipClop]

Oh, Maggie, Maggie, Maggie! I want to be you! What a top story :)

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@mikeshreddz7488]

Duuuuuuuuude!!! What a wicked fricken story! Way to go Maggie! Shovin it up the govs butt!! Haha amazing! Definitely be tipping one off for Maggie! 🦾🦾🥃

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yes sir 🍻

[@joanhamilton2651]

If your breaking a said law then learn that law inside and out. Nice work, Miss Maggie.

[@WadeWeigle]

God bless her.

[@wahdadahi]

I gotta tell you, I do love your story telling. I have been listening to your channel for a while and this one was top shelf! I will give a toast and hold my glass high to Maggie Bailey next time I have a strong one! Thank you you!

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

right on my friend. Cheers!

[@user-dc2tp3tk1m]

I live in Harlan County and I remember her very well.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Awesome

[@margaretadams1479]

Great story, again! My brothers and I use to find stills hidden in those hollers . Grew up in a dry county! People gonna get their liquor! Lol

[@noraharris3857]

these stories are great. Thank you.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Nora!

[@Kimba0724]

Much admiration for Miss Maggie 🥰 Great story tellin JD! Our country needs more Maggies 😉

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yes indeed

[@bettymunguia2136]

Oh wow what an Amazing woman she was 😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

a heck of a woman!

[@rodneyb.8795]

Growing up in Harlan we were all familiar with Mag Bailey. Some of us more than others!😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

awesome!

[@alang.carter245]

Love this channel , just like Arkansas where my roots come from . I’m 70 and seen and heard these stories . This is top notch and I’m buying a book.guess what one .

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Awesome, thank you so much!

[@pam190]

Excellent story. I got my tee shirt and key chain immediately after I placed my order. I don’t have to tell yall how much I love them.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@allenblair705]

I grew up in a dry county in Eastern Kentucky in the 70s and early 80s. Remember riding through the drive through windows at many local bootleggers with my Dad.😊

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

That's awesome

[@patriotares]

I love reading the newspaper articles

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you for that, I put a lot of effort in collecting those!

[@lindamcharie1264]

That was a marvelous story..good for Maggie!!❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you!

[@daleross9001]

Loved amazing women . what a story.and men were afraid if we could vote HA❤😮😎🤠🇺🇸🥃

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Cheers 🍻

[@sandrae4515]

Love your story telling about our history. Thank you.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Sandra!

[@RobertaReal7980]

Such a good story I had to listen twice. ❤

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

alright! preciate that!

[@burkey548]

JAD THIS STORY JUST WONT BE BEATEN LOVE YA MY MAN ANOTHER BRILLIANT STORY

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

♥️

[@joerockme7485]

Great Story 👍😎

[@anniegreen4205]

This is my favourite story so far. Xx

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

awesome, thanks for that feedback!

[@bigiron8831]

Great story J.D. Hope all is well in your world my brother. Y'all stay safe out there 🙏

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Yes sir, bright sunshine today here in the mountains

[@bigiron8831]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Snowed last night here in Wisconsin

[@chickadee-]

Loving Maggie's story! What a woman! We have a couple quart jars of homemade moonshine in our refrigerator right now. I like it cold. For medicinal purposes only of course.😆😅🤣

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

of course, all in the name of good health and science!

[@chickadee-]

@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Exactly! Like granny Clampet's rheumatiz medicine....

[@GDAWG213LOWBOTTOMS]

Enjoyed this story. Much love from California

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you so much!

[@neeceeboo777]

An amazing story. I'm gonna listen to it again. Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

heck yeah, thanks so much!

[@juliehill8292]

I loved this one. My whole life I grew up hearing about how my Papaw was a bootlegger .I even used to play on and around pieces of an old steel that had been broken up or so thats the way it was told. I dont know how much truth their is to it but seeing as Popcorn Sutton was rumored to have been in the same circles as some of my kin it was probably mostly true. I dont remember most of the details I was told as a child but I always feel nostalgia whenever I hear stories like this. Whatever the truth of it is I feel like Im a part of it and it of me. So thank you for sharing this one.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Glad you enjoyed it Julie!

[@sherrymurphy-kleine4592]

What an awesome tale, JD! Thank you.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

Thank you Sherry!

[@user-bw4bu2fj8w]

WOW What a women. She sure was blessed. I believe she out smarted men. Hurry for Maggie.

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

A beach of a woman

[@kathyparkhurst7005]

omg, i love this story and woman

[@TheAppalachianStoryteller]

❤️