Moonshiner Gold: The Life and Legacy of Riley McDanie

Riley McDanie was a moonshiner, bootlegger, and stock car racer who became a legend in the Appalachian Mountains. His story is a fascinating look into the history of moonshining and the culture of the region.

Early Life

Riley McDanie was born in 1926 in the small town of Floyd, Virginia. His father was a coal miner, and his mother was a homemaker. Riley grew up in a poor family, and he had to learn to fend for himself at a young age. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade and started working odd jobs.

Moonshiner's Gold (Riley McDaniels Book 1)

by John R. Erickson

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	318 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	220 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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In 1942, Riley's father was killed in a mining accident. Riley was just 16 years old at the time, and he had to take over the responsibility of supporting his family. He started working as a moonshiner, and he quickly became one of the most successful bootleggers in the region.

Moonshining Career

Riley McDanie's moonshining career spanned over two decades. He operated several stills in the Appalachian Mountains, and he produced some of the finest moonshine in the region. Riley's moonshine was so popular that it was even sold in some of the finest restaurants in New York City.

Riley was always one step ahead of the law. He had a network of informants who kept him informed of the whereabouts of the revenuers. He also had a number of secret hiding places where he could store his moonshine.

In 1961, Riley was finally caught by the revenuers. He was sentenced to five years in prison. However, he was released after just two years for good behavior.

Stock Car Racing Career

After his release from prison, Riley McDanie turned his attention to stock car racing. He had always been a fast driver, and he quickly became one of the top drivers on the NASCAR circuit.

Riley won several races in his career, including the 1968 Southern 500. He was also named the NASCAR Rookie of the Year in 1967.

Riley's stock car racing career was cut short in 1970 when he was involved in a serious accident. He suffered a number of injuries, including a broken leg and a concussion.

Later Life

After his racing career ended, Riley McDanie retired to his home in Floyd, Virginia. He continued to be involved in the moonshine industry, and he also wrote a book about his life.

Riley McDanie died in 2013 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and his four children.

Legacy

Riley McDanie was a true legend of the Appalachian Mountains. He was a successful moonshiner, bootlegger, and stock car racer. He also wrote a book about his life, and he was the subject of a documentary film.

Riley's story is a fascinating look into the history of moonshining and the culture of the Appalachian Mountains. He was a man of courage, determination, and wit. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest moonshiners of all time.

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Moonshiner's Gold (Riley McDaniels Book 1)

by John R. Erickson

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	318 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	220 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE