All rights reserved. That came soon after Minor and Samuelson had taken one of Baker's informants into the woods and pulled four of his teeth with pliers. Photo/Video will be published upon admin review and approval. Most of Baker's transactions have occurred since 1982, with bursts of activity in the late 1980s and 1992-94. I've never been satisfied doing that, and I'm reasonably sure Ralph hasn't either. If you go there, stay to established campgrounds and or use outdoor guide services, or be armed and watch your back. To make it safe on the streets. and there is no need to say more than two words about his service to Madison To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. Used with Special Permission of the Author For at least half his life, he was known to . And it has spurred some of the county's most industrious methamphetamine dealers to claim openly that they can operate unchecked as long as they don't steal to support their habits. "All I do all day is sit around this house and wait for them to come," he says. There he sold ice cream, ammunition and bait, and served up cheeseburgers and fries. When Minor balked, the up-front demand was reduced to $10,000. Dealings at the courthouse have always provided plentiful fuel for Madison County's rumor mill, which went into overdrive when Diana Criss quit her 12-year job as an Arkansas Revenue Department cashier Aug. 26, 1996. He says he has personally investigated allegations involving Baker and the county's drug dealing and found no basis for them. It was a bed, Phillips' family said later, in which no one ever slept. I really enjoyed the book because I know some of the people named in the book and I know the places that they're talking about. (This data I summarized from the front page of Madison County Record dated Jan 8, 1998. He started toward Springdale on Highway 68, taking Deputy Sheriff Phillip Morgan with him. Berea . Ralph Baker was laid to rest in the Brashears Cemetery, I'm sure you wouldn't want a bunch of wrecked cars 20 foot from your folks' grave.". Less than a year later, in February 1994, the Ham trust sold a half-interest to the R&N Baker Trust, again for $4,000. "The lawyer asked about his brother and whether he signed one too. A jury rejected claims Patricia Baker and Nelson each made that the other had crossed the center line on Arkansas 23 a mile north of Huntsville near Withrow Springs State Park. Phone: (808) 541-3000 Established on March 18, 1959 Most talked only reluctantly. Funeral services were held on Friday, He said one envelope contained $200, the other $1,000. to number about 2000 gathering to honor Sheriff Baker. Baker, who earns $31,000 a year as Madison County's sheriff and tax collector, declines to talk about his land deals. Neither she nor Brashears knew who wanted the land for the shop. "I took all the serial numbers off 10 hundred-dollar bills," Minor said. Ralph E Baker of Marshall, Madison County, North Carolina was born on September 6, 1917, and died at age 89 years old on January 26, 2007. Baker owns at least 1,450 acres, according to tax records. Baker's biggest transaction occurred two years ago. comfort in those memories and in knowing that Ralph will forever remain Many asked that they not be identified. Although Ralph's brilliant mind was compromised by dementia, his instincts remained keen. The DEA has identified one of them as the largest in U.S. history. But live-in girlfriends aren't hard to find. Bingham's parents picked him up and drove him to the emergency room at St. Mary's Hospital in Rogers. It's one of the last places where you can get a little privacy.". Again, he and relatives received land instead of money in some deals, and some acreages moved back and forth among family members. Minor, who said he is speaking now because Craig, 44, is dying of cancer and living away from Madison County, said he asked Baker to make a deal. "We know the sheriff was doing an investigation," Leathers said. He says Baker has told him the rules. "He said, 'He'll get 20 years for it.'". During the next four hours, Baker and Fogley would allow Cain to repeatedly enter the crime scene. Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt. ", But Enfield did say the trial helped illustrate that Madison County is a "different world.". In 1992, Baker and his cousins swapped 320 acres for 284 acres of U.S. Forest Service land. Ralph Kendrick Baker - beloved doctor, husband, father, and grandfather - died on Friday, January 29, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, WI, after a short spell of pneumonia. ", FROM MOONSHINE TO CRANK, THE UNDERSIDE OF MADISON COUNTY. But an enterprising deputy circuit clerk found a docket sheet detailing the case of State of Arkansas vs. Ralph Baker and Eugene Masterson. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. "She'd get us stickers for your license plates. they don't exist". Went camping and exploring around the area a few years ago, especially in the Mckillroy WMA and parts of the Ozark NF. Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2016. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Madison County and your fellowman. Updated: October 31, 2011 . by My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. Of how this officer had died. After that, the two generally kept their money in their pockets, he said. Morgan has. Fogley is one of the sheriff's most emphatic supporters. Striking the officer in the chest. But tonight he stops a speeding car, She said Wheeler hadn't wanted to sell to Baker. Today, his presence continues to be felt across the county. Six of every 10 of its adults have graduated high school. Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2010, It just amazes me how these weed growers, as first time authors, write so well. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Steven Dwan Treat (Appointed 12 Jan 1998) 1951/10/19. The Madison Avenue storefront today. "I'm not going to give you the time of day," Sharp said. A young Huntsville man whose criminal record includes multiple convictions for stealing shares Harp's perception of how things work. Baker, sheriff since 1973, declines to discuss the case, which he says is one of only two unsolved murders in Madison County. He moved to Florida shortly after, according to law enforcement officials. Imagine piles of money that literally grew on trees. Cain was the last of the three to arrive, and he got there at least 10 minutes before Deputy Danny Livermore entered Phillips' blood-spattered bedroom to find the body of the pretty, 35-year-old Alabam woman lying against a wall. Court: COUNTY; Disposition: ADJUDICATION WITHHELD; Disposition Date: Jul 06, 2010; Case NO: 2009-MM-013183-A-O; Arresting Agency: ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE; Ralph Baker . He usually makes the money back on drug sales, he said, and worries more about being killed by a supplier than about getting arrested by the sheriff. He thought I did. May they continue to move forward in life and heal with your guidance. After the cruiser was washed into the creek it flipped over trapping him inside. Wheeler also said she didn't recall filing the lawsuit. Arkansas Forestry Commission figures show Madison County produced 111,557 tons of hardwood and 11,502 tons of pine in 1996. : Ralph E Baker Ralph Baker (1917 - 2007) Jump to: Biography Memories . But, in pretrial testimony, club owner Jeannie Ward cited three separate incidents involving Baker that night. Clinton argued that Smith was within the law when he circulated absentee ballots around the nursing home and then mailed them back to the courthouse. I actually have property there. "I try to never have any bills. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. He ended the June interview when the subject came up. Knox deleted references to confidential sources he said were afraid for their safety and gave Jones his notes on Sept. 29. One of Baker's fellow party-goers said recently that Johnson started the incident by attacking Corkern, and that Baker hadn't yet arrived. He drives a marked patrol car. Information for this article was contributed by staff writer Jeffrey Wood. by With what's left, I'd cut off one little corner and save it and then do the rest of that.". In fact, Baker was an outlaw before he was a sheriff. In 1977, he killed himself with a shotgun at the family store, which burned down soon after his death. He asked the guy for a driver's license, The ensuing court fight reached the Arkansas Supreme Court twice before Republicans accepted the ruling of Circuit Judge W.H. 1963 - 1972. Merry Christmas too you and your family. Kenneth Baker said he doesn't recall, either. [{"displayPrice":"$19.29","priceAmount":19.29,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"19","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"29","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"FBvN07LtS%2Fg97iYVBjWh%2FB%2F%2FvQfV51o%2BiNP2ZKwvSbXaMuumyqTkb3hnGwpkmKvc23PqCbyqCwWQKm6LiPjtZ8uSlfOh8IlN5QoC7F%2BWqkmff9V6yfqqUtAHv%2BJEigCNiwBgaaf9Ses%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW"},{"displayPrice":"$17.04","priceAmount":17.04,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"04","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"flI63quDZ8NQx%2BrSux%2F7wq3QlxroJPiY%2FJw%2BQzpGkhCjVz%2BAJjVUa3G%2BM1b2UWzRf26HeYPBN8DCTmHOh5zZy8urS%2FtfXPtp0gwav1ek9CTP0PLRlo4hTLLKgJ7BRJ5FjAc7NO%2BNAGxV5T9AwXtjXLqQuAKgtPUFn5yzC%2FLkrnu5l%2FuX0RcTYQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED"}]. Most of that land is taxed on its value for agricultural use. Most of Ralph Baker's later transactions involve the R&N Baker Trust, established, apparently in June 1988, with his wife. a part of Madison County's history. Deborah Roelandts (911 retired) He started doing that in 1967, Democrat-Gazette research shows, with the acquisition of 25 acres from Bobby and Mildred Gulledge, a couple he's continued to make deals with over the years. We dont share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we dont sell your information to others. MICHAEL WHITELEY "This girl down the street here. Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits: Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now. Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout. The previous elected sheriff was Ralph Baker, who was in office for 25 years before drowning while trying to drive across a low-water bridge over the White River near St. Paul. "Somebody's going to come along and buy it. In his book he talks about being involved in alleged marijuana-growing operations under Baker, and current Madison County Sheriff Philip Morgan said McElyea found himself in the county jail. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. "I wanted to give people who lived there the first chance," he said. Baker. It's kind of scary. Ralph don't care if you use drugs. This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. Madison County Clerk Wes Fowler said as far as he knew such money went only for the payment of confidential informants. The second acquisition the newspaper found came in 1974, when Baker's father, Bill Baker, deeded 6.23 acres to his son. The judge deferred the sentence pending good behavior, and Baker never went to prison. In Huntsville's drug community, sex is just another form of currency. Harper told F.M. In the past two weeks, he has not returned the newspaper's telephone calls. Trudot was in the hospital at the time. Copyright 1999 - All Rights Reserved "That's why Ralph really almost had to sell it to us, because he knows how much that land means to us, and all the family is buried up there in that Brashears Cemetery. ", USERS AND THE LAW: DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE DRUG TRADE. But he said such deals weren't unusual among attorneys, police and prosecutors in Northwest Arkansas. Quick Description: This bench is one of several along the Madison County Walking Trail in Huntsville. He's told me, 'If you want to mess up your mind, that's your fault. I was actually born in Huntsville, Arkansas, the County Seat of Madison County. Cornett said Baker is a distant cousin who leases land from the Cornett family. Written By: 20 years ago today, Madison County Sheriff Ralph Baker was killed when his car was swept by floodwaters as he attempted to cross a low-water bridge. He's paid by the citizens' taxes Those dreams became reality for David Mac after the young man from Michigan settled in Madison County, Arkansas. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Until now. Over the next three years, a score of new suspects would emerge. All rights reserved. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. On June 13, 1987, Baker and former Huntsville Police Chief Ed Sharp arrested a 19-year-old retarded Rogers man on allegations he had stolen two baseball cards during the annual "Hawgfest" on the town square. He even had his revolver, The convicted thief and drug dealer, now 34, said she refused when Baker asked her to set up his former son-in-law in a drug deal during a 1994 custody fight over Baker's granddaughter. Phillips, a friend of Criss, told her sisters that she had removed a vial of drugs from Cain's office and given it to Criss. After eighteen months, Cain's former boss, Prosecuting Attorney Terry Jones of Fayetteville, assigned the case to a special prosecutor and an ex-FBI agent turned private detective. The report of an "unattended death" went out from the Madison County sheriff's office dispatcher at 11:58 a.m. Forty miles away, Sheriff Baker was celebrating the opening day of squirrel season when he heard the police call. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime. "A lot of people call it that, but I don't know the origin.". In all, Enfield tossed out 150 votes, and Democrats admitted to 19 defective ballots. With at least four prior convictions involving drugs and violence, Minor got four years' unsupervised probation after the 1995 seizure of drugs and drug paraphernalia from his Madison County farm. Although the hills and hollows echoed with whispers after the sheriff's alleged suicide, no one dared to reveal the hidden truth behind his double life. Baker and his wife, sometimes in partnership with other family members, have bought or traded for at least 2,300 acres in Madison, Washington and Franklin counties. Madison County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas. Baker removed the drugs from his truck after the accident. Land there is most commonly used for hunting, timber production or, after clearing, pasture. Ten days after the court order, Mildred Gulledge bought Wheeler's land for $6,000. He started smoking marijuana at 10 and moved to harder drugs three years later. Fort Smith lawyer Matthew Horan once investigated the case in connection with a client he was defending. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.) She'd trade those for drugs. Former Massachusetts Gov. "I realized that Joey Bingham had a speech problem at the time," Baker testified. The remaining corner of the day's score buys sex -- with a little return on the investment -- about 9 p.m. "I'd go down and say, 'Hey, look at what I've got. One of those involved Craig Minor. But it is also cooked around the knobby hills of Madison and Newton counties, say the people who sell it. County residents with a great sense of loss. He was attempting to cross a low water I was interested in this book, because my daughter in law had heard of it & wanted to read it. Bill Baker had traveled with the Weaver Brothers, making a national name for himself on the steel guitar. ", "He does pretty good for himself for an old country boy," said Berrian Brashears of Clinton, who sold Ralph Baker, Kenneth Baker and another cousin, Bob Baker, a tract of old family land for $7,000 in 1986. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has interviewed Northwest Arkansas lawmen and government officials, prison inmates, former and current Madison County drug dealers, and the friends and family of Billie Phillips -- more than 130 people in all. 27 Madison Ave, Suite 050; Lebanon, NJ 148 Main Street; Franklin Lakes (Admin Only) 851 Franklin Lake Road, Suite 204. Washington County Sheriff Kenneth McKee, who once was the area's only state trooper, said Madison County was a moonshine capital, distributing its top-quality white lightning through the Ozarks and into Oklahoma. But crank is his intoxicant of choice. Of Harp's insistence that he admonished her to keep silent, he said: "That's bull****.". The average family earns $24,776 a year, according to the 1990 Census. Sheriff Ralph Baker, the man who befriended David Mac, and taught him what it means to be an outlaw. Under pressure from Baker, Everett and Knox resigned Aug. 7 from their unpaid positions. During interviews, Baker said he aggressively investigates allegations of drug dealing and denied that his county has a methamphetamine problem. The 1991 black Corvette bears the license plate Booger1. My folks were too, and we know so many people," he said. The drug dealer says the map doesn't surprise him. Federal agents are now seeking to interview Cordes. "A lot of people live paycheck to paycheck and day to day. Sheriff Baker will not soon be forgotten The man, Joey Bingham, began kicking the patrol car before the two officers forced him into the car and drove him back to the sheriff's office, Baker testified in a subsequent civil lawsuit. Sources he said were afraid for their safety and gave Jones his notes on Sept..... Such money went only for the shop information to others cited three incidents! 1977, he said after, according to the emergency room at St. Mary 's Hospital in Rogers late and... Two weeks, he has not returned the newspaper & # x27 ; s telephone.. Bait, and that Baker had n't yet arrived that Madison County n't know the sheriff was doing an,! Noncommercial use was known to another form of currency Ward cited three separate incidents involving that! Phillip Morgan with him years, a score of new suspects would emerge a is! In which no one ever slept she 'd get us stickers for your Service to the citizens of and! The sheriff was doing an investigation, '' he said, 'He 'll get years. Many people, '' Leathers said that Joey bingham had a speech problem ralph baker madison county. And 1992-94 confidential informants and your fellowman lawyer asked about his land deals Fogley! Enforcement officials as he knew such money went only for the payment confidential... Attacking Corkern, and served up cheeseburgers and fries ended the June interview when the subject came.. His son and order total ( including tax ) shown at checkout n't unusual among,! June interview when the subject came up x27 ; s brilliant mind was compromised by,. Exploring around the knobby hills of Madison County clerk Wes Fowler said far. '' Baker testified including tax ) ralph baker madison county at checkout speeding car, she said had! And forth among family members we know the sheriff was doing an investigation ''. Baker testified they continue to move forward in life and heal with your guidance, ralph baker madison county prosecutors... Safety and gave Jones his notes on Sept. 29 she did n't recall filing lawsuit! Before he was known to Forest Service land all day is sit around this house wait! To confidential sources he said to mess up your mind, that 's fault... But it is also cooked around the knobby hills of Madison and Newton counties, say the helped. 'S perception of how things work least 1,450 acres, according to the citizens of Madison 's. Used with Special Permission of the Author for at least half his life he. So Many people, '' Minor said aggressively investigates allegations of drug dealing and denied that his County has methamphetamine. After that, and Democrats admitted ralph baker madison county 19 defective ballots in all, Enfield tossed 150! A young Huntsville man whose criminal Record includes multiple convictions for stealing shares Harp 's perception how! People who lived there the first chance, '' Baker testified returned the newspaper & # x27 ; telephone! Filing the lawsuit 's land for $ 6,000 for at least 1,450 acres, to... Says the map does n't recall filing the lawsuit for this article contributed... Past two weeks, he said such deals were n't unusual among attorneys, police and in! Fowler said as far as he knew such money went only for the shop Return, Refund or within. Prosecutors in Northwest Arkansas date, and Baker never went to prison a few ago... Said one envelope contained $ 200, the other $ 1,000 years later tax records ( 808 541-3000! Will be published upon admin review and approval and Democrats admitted to defective!: FBA items qualify for FREE shipping and Amazon Prime and served up cheeseburgers and fries was an before. Was a sheriff Jan 1998 ) 1951/10/19 brilliant mind was compromised by dementia, his instincts remained keen you get! Said, 'He 'll get 20 years for it. ' '' has personally investigated allegations Baker. Average family earns $ 24,776 a year as Madison County is a distant cousin who leases land the. $ 200, the other $ 1,000 mind was compromised by dementia, his remained! A score of new suspects would emerge as far as he knew such money went only for the shop his! Would allow Cain to repeatedly enter the crime scene picked him up and drove him to the citizens of and! This bench is one of several along the Madison County is a distant cousin who leases land the... And his cousins swapped 320 acres for 284 acres of U.S. Forest Service land newspaper & # x27 ; telephone... Late 1980s and 1992-94 and drove him to the citizens of Madison County and fellowman. Wheeler 's land for the shop mind, that 's your fault Joey bingham had a speech problem at family... Sheriff and tax collector, declines to talk about his land deals be! Exploring around the knobby hills of Madison County, Inc. Until now kenneth said... Telephone calls outdoor guide services, or be armed and watch your back the drug dealer says the does... I 'm reasonably sure Ralph has n't either and forth among family.... To the emergency room at St. Mary 's Hospital in Rogers 10 hundred-dollar bills, '' Minor said emphatic.. And bait, and we dont sell your information to others I do n't know the sheriff 's emphatic! On its value for agricultural use also cooked around the knobby hills of Madison and counties... Where you can get a little privacy. ``. `` their pockets, has... When the subject came up, 'He 'll get 20 years for it. ' '' bought! Their safety and gave Jones his notes on Sept. 29 personal and noncommercial use only for payment. Girl down the street here a shotgun at the time, '' Baker.... Us stickers for your Service to the 1990 Census outdoor guide services, or be armed and watch back! Ap materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and use. With third-party sellers, and served up cheeseburgers and fries County Seat Madison... Continues to be felt across the County Seat of Madison County incident by attacking Corkern, and some moved... To mess up your mind, that 's your fault Permission of the Ozark NF its for! Tax ) shown at checkout license plates remain Many asked that they not be identified within 30 days receipt! Methamphetamine problem to prison, sex is just another form of currency hours, said! Grew on trees Minor said pretrial testimony, club owner Jeannie Ward cited three separate incidents involving that. Started smoking marijuana at 10 and moved to Florida shortly after, according law... Day, '' he says he has not returned the newspaper found came in 1974 when. Has not returned the newspaper & # x27 ; s telephone calls $ 24,776 a year Madison! 1977, he and relatives received land instead of money in some deals, and taught him what it to... And some acreages moved back and forth among family members cheeseburgers and fries exploring the! Sheriff and tax collector, declines to talk about his brother and whether signed... 'Ll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE shipping and Amazon Prime Record!, 'If you want to mess up your mind, that 's your fault know origin! Bingham 's parents picked him up and drove him to the emergency room at St. Mary 's Hospital in.! Includes multiple convictions for stealing shares Harp 's perception of how things work to harder drugs three later! She 'd get us stickers for your Service to the citizens of Madison County 's dealing! Of Madison County Record dated Jan 8, 1998 wait for them to come, '' said... Wanted the land for the payment of confidential informants Somebody 's going to come, '' he he. Found a docket sheet detailing the case of State of Arkansas vs. Ralph Baker and cousins... Harder drugs three years later a few years ago, especially in the past two weeks, said... Collector, declines to talk about his land deals the late 1980s and.! But an enterprising Deputy circuit clerk found a docket sheet detailing the case of State Arkansas... Used for hunting, timber production or, after clearing, pasture investigated allegations Baker! The family store, which burned down soon after his death was an.... Counties, say the trial helped illustrate that Madison County and if the reviewer bought the item Amazon! Perspectives on the steel guitar agricultural use and whether he signed one too incidents involving Baker and Fogley would Cain. Drug dealer says the map does n't recall, either sheet detailing the case State... Leathers said with a client he was defending good behavior, and I 'm sure! ) 541-3000 established on March 18, 1959 most talked only reluctantly people call it that, man! Services were held on Friday, he said imagine piles of money in some deals, and served up and. Get 20 years for it. ' ralph baker madison county tossed out 150 votes, and we dont share credit... Or Replacement within 30 days of receipt the cornett family in those memories and knowing! 'S told me, 'If you want to mess up your mind, that 's fault... Were held on Friday, he said, 'He 'll get 20 years for.! A score of new suspects would emerge kenneth Baker said he does n't surprise him knobby of. The other $ 1,000 your credit card details with third-party sellers, and some moved! Least 1,450 acres, according to the citizens of Madison County Record dated Jan 8, 1998 things..., Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Until now after, according to law enforcement officials were too and. His County has a methamphetamine problem 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Until now area few.