When Money Grew on Trees: The True Tale of a Marijuana Moonshiner and the Outlaw Sheriff of Madison County, Arkansas

by David Mac

Imagine breaking the law without fear. Imagine piles of money that literally grew on trees. Those dreams became reality for David Mac after the young man from Michigan settled in Madison County, Arkansas. This is his tale about life as a marijuana moonshiner in the Ozark Mountains, and the corrupt sheriff who made it all possible. It's a story about drugs and arson, murder and suicide, friendship and betrayal. Most importantly, this book reveals one of Arkansas' darkest secrets, and demystifies one of its greatest legends. Sheriff Ralph Baker, the man who befriended David Mac, and taught him what it means to be an outlaw. This is Mac's story of damnation and redemption. From the first marijuana seed he planted, to the Devil's bargain Mac struck with Sheriff Baker, this book explores their harrowing journey on the twisted outlaw trail. Along the way, the unlikely duo of lawman and outlaw discovered that greed ruins even the best-laid plans, and the Devil always gets His due. 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. Until now.

Genres: Nonfiction

492 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jude Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once upon a time in Madison County Arkansas, money grew on trees. This is the true story by Marijuana Moonshiner, David Mac, of the legendary outlaw sheriff, Ralph Baker; a story too important to be forgotten, about a lawman once considered by the Arkansas Sheriffs Association to be the finest example of a sheriff the state had ever known. The same lawman shares the record as one of Arkansas' longest serving sheriff. A dark shadow is cast across every lawman who ever called the sheriff friend and proves our legal system to be a failure. The drug war and corruption are in bed together; good people are driven by greed; David Mac has shed light on one of Arkansas' darkest secrets and demystified one of its greatest legends.

[Stevahkno Fwaurmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the most interesting stories Ive read. A true story at that. About marijuana moon-shining in Arkansas with a growing license from the sheriff.

[Marissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I had such a visceral negative reaction to a book. The story is interesting enough, but it would have been better suited to a long-form article. Instead, we get 466 pages of poorly-written and casually sexist bluster, bullshitting, and philosophizing from a self-proclaimed “outlaw.”

One star, only because zero was not an option.

[Joanne Olszewski · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting because it took place here in the Ozarks. Poorly written I would not have given both stars if it took place in Wyoming

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, mostly because it happened in this general area and I could recognize the locations. The elements of the tale are all too familiar, corrupt government officials, plentiful money for circumventing vice related laws, and a plethora of bad decisions by the protagonist.

[Blake Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting tale, poorly written, and, in my opinion, probably mostly made up. The author and main character is a racist, misogynistic pig who cared only about himself and creating this “Yank-a-Billy” outlaw weed baron legacy for himself.

He sacrificed his friends and family to save his own hide, shared plenty of fantastical anecdotes about well known Arkansans, particularly Fayettevillians, and generally contributed in no way to the betterment of the world.

Probably the only good thing he did in life (or at least the book) was when he rescued Pooky Dog on Dickson Street. I suppose bringing in the boys from his old neighborhood during harvest time was taking care of his own in a way.

The grammar and spelling are generally atrocious. The book was allegedly edited by “J. Burton” whose misspelling of “demistifys” leads me to believe the editor was a creation of the author in an attempt to lend his book some literary validation.

It was interesting to read about some of the Northwest Arkansas locations and people who are no longer around (though some of the people mentioned still are).

The author clearly had issues during his life beyond his legal troubles for growing and selling weed and ultimately died by suicide by slitting his own throat after being held for shoplifting at the Fayetteville MLK Walmart.

Sheriff Baker may have had his own issues but I don’t think everything McElyea said was close to the truth. Madison County has a reputation in Arkansas so there’s probably some truth in there. However, his opinion that Ralph killed himself by drowning is very hard to take seriously.

This was a fascinating dive into one man’s story but take it with a grain of salt.

[Jack Barr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could have been 200 pages shorter, the editing was atrocious. Good tale though, should have focused more on Ralph, that's the story right there.

[Kestrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jenni Austin-Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

All time favorite true life book from th NWA area.

[Kenn Jackson · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I had to read the word “outlaw” one more time. Couldn’t finish it. Was super interested in it since I’m from MadCo but it was hard to read because of how repetitive it is.

[Stu Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The compelling nature of this story makes up for the amateurish writing. Not a knock, David Mac was a drug dealer, not a trained writer.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outrageous story. Very proud of outlaw behavior. Terrible spelling, grammar, punctuation. Not the best presentation of the Ozarks.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've lived in or are from Northwest Arkansas, this will be a fun read! It's the true story of a Marijuana moonshiner and his (mis)adventures in Madison county.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story (or should I say, one side of the story) of a Yankee who came to the Ozarks to grow and sell marijuana. The books reads as if David Mac is nonchalantly telling stories around a campfire about his law breaking days. It has a certain level of charm for an Arkansan to read, especially hearing about bar hopping in Fayetteville and fishing on Beaver Lake. You can't help but want to root for the guy in parts and then shake sense into him in others. Overall, I really enjoyed this. However, I would strongly encourage him to fire his editor. The misspellings, grammatical errors and use of the word "outlaw" about twice per sentence about did me in. I guess it only adds to the credibility of the story though. I mean, he's a pot growing, time serving felon. Not an author. I just haven't found his editor's excuse yet.

[Angie Wyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im always interested in books that are written about Arkansas.

[Melissa Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best writing but an interesting tale. I recommend this book to anyone who lives in Northwest Arkansas.