Simmie Free

Simmie Free (January 14, 1892 - May 1, 1980) was an American moonshine producer who spent most of his career in Rabun County, Georgia.

Early years and education Born to illiterate parents in Rabun County in 1892, Free left school after second grade to help his father produce corn whiskey, or "likker" as it was known in the region.

Career as a Moonshiner In his early years, Free lived in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. But in 1938, Free returned to his place of birth, where he began making "likker" on his own. He originally used only corn meal and rye in producing moonshine, buying his meal from Talmadge's Grist Mill in Athens, Georgia; but later included sugar in his production process. In the late 1930s and early 1940s when Free was starting out, moonshine sold for one dollar per gallon and was one of the few ways for southern Appalachian residents who did not live near coal mines or timber producers to make a living. At the height of his career, Free was one of the leading producers in Georgia and served four jail sentences (his granddaughter says "at least twice") for his activities.

Death Free died May 1, 1980, at the age of 88.

Legacy One present day distillery, the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery, traces its recipes to Free.