It was late fall of 1935, the height of the Depression. Food for the table was scarce as hens' teeth so from desperation Daddy turned to what he knew best, making moonshine. He had a batch ready to go to town, all in quart fruit jars. He managed to get a ride with an old croonie in a T-model which threatened every few yards to die on them. At last they arrived in Kirbyville and the friend parked in the alley behind Mixon Bros. Store and soon the word spread to the streets ,” Brownie was in town with a fresh batch of moonshine.”
Business was lively for a while and then began to slow down. Along about five o'clock that afternoon, his friend told Daddy he had to go home. There remained 1 qt. of the nectar so they decided quickly to have one for the road. Several swigs later by each man, it was half gone and they agreed to hit the road. The old T-model died in front of the Trout Creek Cemetery and the two began the long trek home. About three miles down the road, Daddy's friend came to his brother's home and decided he'd seek lodging for the night. He invited Daddy to stop but he said that he was in enough hot water as it was, and he'd best trudge on.
Several hours later Daddy came to the forks in the road in Old Salem. He knew where home was so without hesitating, he selected the one he knew to be correct and on he went. A huge bright autumn moon lit the way for the weary traveler and he finally reached home. He opened the door and there were still glowing embers in the fireplace as he struggled to get his shoes off.
About that time, a frightened voice yelled, “Jeptha! Jeptha! Jeptha! There's a man in the house!” Mr. Jeptha raised up and asked ,” Who are you?” Daddy replied, “I'm Brown Wilson. Who are you?” Mr Jeptha said, “Jeptha.” Daddy asked, “What are you doing in my house?” Mr. Jeptha said, “This is my house.” Daddy asked, “Are you sure?” Mr. Jeptha assured him it was. Mr Jeptha offered to make Daddy a pallet on the floor in front of the fireplace, bu Daddy declined. He said if it wasn't his house, he believed he's go on home. He still had four and a half miles to walk.
He finally made it on home around 2 A.M. And one can imagine the reception he received from Mama. It wasn't good!