During the 1933 era, and in northeastern Graves County, Kentucky, "Ras" WADE was one of the younger WADE boys. "Ras" never married. He was a WWI veteran. He drew a small pension from this engagement. He lived with his mother, "Miss Josie WADE," and never worked at a regular job. He was a pistol shot of great renown and had WWI medals to verify this fact. He trapped for animal pelts in the winter, and he often operated a "still" in the summer. He drank prodigious amounts of "white mule" from time to time, with usual results. "White mule" was fresh corn whiskey, colorless, and so hot to swallow it was called "white lightening."

White mule intoxication was associated with very violent behavior. It left a trail of violence, murder, and mayhem behind those that drank excessively in the Jackson Purchase area of Western Kentucky. It led to a lot of jailing of its heavy inhibitors. It hit quickly and violently to those that used it. "White mule" drinkers usually were satisfied to take one occasional drink, but those that managed to get at least four big drinks down, these then got past the fiery burning of swallowing.

This fire water destroyed the Native American culture far more than any other one thing. Fire water has destroyed almost any culture in which it has wide use. Its use by rural Kentuckians, either by making; selling; or drinking, has provided a large part of Kentucky history and feuds; lawlessness; and resisting encroach-ment of education; religion; and progressive means of livelihood. However, it has provided a very interesting state culture, and to a much lesser degree, it does so even today. It has been largely replaced by marijuana raising and using, which does not result in the violent level of "White mule" days. Ras WADE was a legend in making good whiskey, trapping good furs, and in pistol marksmanship.

In the "Symsonia Said Road" area there was a stretch of road east of Symsonia recognized as the moonshine area. Families living there were COPELANDS and SURRETT's, among others. One very active in the areas of moonshine was Reid SURRETT, age 44yrs. (2nd son of Robwert Dennis SURRETT & Mother: Eudora E. REID.) His wife was Prudy V.cGuire) SURRETT, age 42yrs. (3rd daughter of Richard Harrison McGUIRE & his 2nd Wife: Nancy G. BOLTON)

Mrs. Prudy SURRETT was a religious fanatic. "Ras" WADE and Reid SURRETT had gotten violent on "white mule." They had been driving continuously up and down the local roads in a Model T Ford touring car by Clay WADE; a 20-year-old nephew of "Ras" WADE. Clay had driven them to the home of Reid SURRETT. Clay was, on this warm Sunday afternoon, laying out under a shade tree.

"Ras" and Reid were on a big front porch of Reid SURRETT's large white house. They were so drunk, noisy, and disagreeable that Mrs. Prudy SURRETT came out the front door, stationed herself between them, and started loudly praying. said, "Get her away, or I'll kill her." Reid responded, "If you do, I'll kill you." "Ras" then drew his pistol and killed Mrs. Prudy SURRETT. As she fell, Reid SURRETT got off a shot at "Ras". This was a fatal shot, but as he fell dying, "Ras" shot Reid.

Clay, again as a chauffer, witnessed an uncle killed. Help was obtained, and Reid SURRETT was carried 15 miles to Paducah's Riverside Hospital. "Ras" had proven he could shoot first and fastest, but as his victim fell, Reid's slowness allowed him to fire where Mrs. Prudy SURRETT had stood. He fatally wounded "Ras". However, as he died, "Ras" did manage to shoot Reid SURRETT. Until this date, [November 29, 1999,] I believed Reid SURRETT died also.
In talking this over today [1999] with Ulus Johnson, one of my high school friends, I have learned that Reid SURRETT survived to get drunk and interrupted the "Saidhood" area for many years.

Here, in "white mule" violence, ended the second of the WADE brothers. Clay WADE had been chauffer and witness to two ending in fatal shootings. Clay was nice and pleasant. He was never intimidating or threatening. He had been born with teeth that were so smooth and free of ridges that no stains ever remained on his teeth. No one, other than a scant few of us, ever used toothbrushes. Clay claimed he did not, but his teeth were always like pearls. He was a little overweight, but was a good hand when "hiWHITE" out to the neighboring farmers. He married a neighbor's daughter, and they were no problem to the neighborhood.
However, both Clay and his wife later had brothers. While drunk together, they attacked an old man of the community, who had bummed a ride with them in their old truck. They beat his head in with a tool. For this they went to Eddyville, but that is another story.
Source: Dated: Nov 29, 1999; By Edgar B. Morgan, 4614 Hanford Lane, Louisville, KY 40207