Cornbread Mafia - The Book by James Higdon III

Just finished reading Cornbread Mafia and it is outstanding. It was extremely well written, the author was very objective to include impeccable attention to historical details, protective of his sources, an educational lesson that managed to connect all sensitive human dots to checkered conduct for players that repeatedly broke the law. It contained numerous complex characters that could be ruthless while possessing caring committed hearts that ultimately ended in the utmost hurt within its close knit society. The risk for crimes could be rewarding monetarily, but the loneliness and isolation took its toll. Crime never pays but it makes us all wonder how or why intelligent people disregard their core values to bring extreme hardships upon the most they dearly love - even themselves. Why? Why? Why?

The book left me wanting answers that never can be answered because they've been taken to graves or even foreign countries but sometimes non fiction has its own way of being cruel. When any form of Mafia lifestyle is introduced to even the most decent, intelligent, and once moral it results always in a sinking ship that will never again see the light of day. To bad the once simple life of Raywick and Marion County became tarnished and shamed, only to be discovered by the world. It wasn't the author but the players that introduced it all. Mr. Higdon III I owe thanks which he will never hear, but the text of this thread will echo. And so it goes.

Ok seriously??? It's called money for the exact same reason he had to write a book....MONEY

MONEY...from someone elses misery.

Sherry wrote:

MONEY...from someone elses misery.

I've never met Mr. Higdon but he is a member of the press and has the expertise to write a book. What is wrong with him making money because we live in a competetive free market society? He did 7 years of extensive research which required costly travels, numerous interviews, compiling info, and besides; his findings are newsworthy. I purchased the book because I wanted to know what he ascertained and if he is anything like his family (so I'm told) he has the integrity & intelligence to get it right.

I remember stopping into this bar in Raywick during the early 1970's with a friend from the Bronx. We arrived too early to go to a private event so we stopped in for a drink. We were served, kept to ourselves while remaining cordial, but after about 20 mintues 4 patrons politely asked us to leave. We had no clue why and didn't ask so we left without saying a word. We were dressed in 3 piece suits. I always wondered why and after reading the book I learned something. I hope Mr. Higdon makes millions for his efforts. He didn't smear anybody and went out of his way avoiding it. I couldn't find the book in Lexington or Louisvile book stores so. I ordered it at a significiant savings at Amazon.com . It was well worth it.

CB Mafia Critique wrote:

<quoted text>I've never met Mr. Higdon but he is a member of the press and has the expertise to write a book. What is wrong with him making money because we live in a competetive free market society? He did 7 years of extensive research which required costly travels, numerous interviews, compiling info, and besides; his findings are newsworthy. I purchased the book because I wanted to know what he ascertained and if he is anything like his family (so I'm told) he has the integrity & intelligence to get it right.
I remember stopping into this bar in Raywick during the early 1970's with a friend from the Bronx. We arrived too early to go to a private event so we stopped in for a drink. We were served, kept to ourselves while remaining cordial, but after about 20 mintues 4 patrons politely asked us to leave. We had no clue why and didn't ask so we left without saying a word. We were dressed in 3 piece suits. I always wondered why and after reading the book I learned something. I hope Mr. Higdon makes millions for his efforts. He didn't smear anybody and went out of his way avoiding it. I couldn't find the book in Lexington or Louisvile book stores so. I ordered it at a significiant savings at Amazon.com . It was well worth it.

Neither my friend and I were govt employees or worked for the press. We were ordinary citizens minding our own business attending an affair that required suit and tie. Nothing more!

It's all lies. I use to rub noodles on the Higdon boy's chest.

Lots of lies, why does Raywick get all the s--t,there has always been lots go on other places in the county , but it gets blamed on Raywick.

just say NO

Can't wait to read it heard its very good

I wished he could have put in all the names of the people that went down during the Minnesota bust...The book is great though

wish wrote:

I wished he could have put in all the names of the people that went down during the Minnesota bust...The book is great though

That would be at least 70 names and not a one talked. Also, I just want to know how 4 state policeman knew Charlie Styles was going to be near Taylorsville the day he was killed. What would be the odds of that? Also, how ironic they all received promotions not long afterward. Maybe they deserved them just because each were great at their job. Too many questions that can't ever be answered.

I'll say this much and you people fascinated with the legend of Johnny Boone and the cb mafia can take it where you want...the only reason..Johnny boone got caught this last time...is because he wanted to get caught...plain and simple...I only hope mr higdon had his graces to publish this book. I haven't read it yet I assure you the only thing you'll ever know is what they allow you to read.

Johnny Boone is a unique character but I was more interested in the history of Marion County, corruption, Raywick / Capone / Dillinger connections, influence of the Catholic community and their 1st arrival from Maryland. Higdon had to get all details right because he still lives in MC part time with lots of relatives remaining. It is a great book that wouldn't let me put it down.

It is an OUTSTANDING read !!! I do not agree with the these were just good ole boys trying to make a living angle ,Noone is above the law.THE BOOK IS A MUST READ !!!!! He did a great job!!!!!!!!!!

My take wrote:

It is an OUTSTANDING read !!! I do not agree with the these were just good ole boys trying to make a living angle ,Noone is above the law.THE BOOK IS A MUST READ !!!!! He did a great job!!!!!!!!!!

It's too bad Johnny Boone's family had to live under those conditions. They will probably never get to see him again since he is in hiding lord knows where.

raywick wrote:

<quoted text>It's too bad Johnny Boone's family had to live under those conditions. They will probably never get to see him again since he is in hiding lord knows where.

Lol you think he's gonna leave his fam? Read a little carefully friend

not so fast wrote:

<quoted text>
Lol you think he's gonna leave his fam? Read a little carefully friend

What exactly are you saying? I doubt he is still in the U.S. but nobody knows. If he were still in Lebanon or Springfield he would have been caught by now.

What does Johnny Boone have to do with Raywick? He is from Springfield.

Raywick is where he use to run around.

southern wrote:

Raywick is where he use to run around.

I would say so, but I don't recall him being at the Horseshoe or Club 68. Lots of water gone under the bridge since then.