- LSU Cold Case Project

Mr. J.B. MANGUN. Route 1, Box 305B, Fayette,
was advised of the identity of the interviewing Agents
and was advised by SA JAMES R. MC GEE that he did not have
to say anything, and anything he did say could be
used against him in a court of law. He was also advised he
could consult with an attorney or anyone else before
answering any questions.
He advised he did not wish to discuss any matters
pertaining to the klan. He further advised that the killing
of WHARLEST JACKSON came at a most inopportune time.
He explained with the trial of AVANTS and FULLER due to be
held this month this bombing will hurt their chances of
'"getting off." He advised that before this killing he believes
no white man would have convicted AVANTS and FULLER for killing
a Negro.
He advised that the persons responsible for the
bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON must have acted in a very
secretive manner for he has heard nothing concerning
the persons from his associates. He advised he does not
condone this type of violence and would notify the FBI if he
learns anything concerning any of the acts
of violence in
this area.
MANGUN
The following is a description of JAMES BURNICE
obtained through observation and interviews
Race
Sex
Date of birth
White
Male
July 1, 1930,
at Webster Parish,
Louisiana
Height
Weight
Hair
Eyes
Build
Education
6’1 1/2"
165
Brown, receding
Brown
Slender
11th grade (Webster
Parish, Louisiana)
2044
None
Married; however states
lives alone with
children and would not
discuss wife,
JAMES BERNICE MANGUN, III
age 16
GERRY LYNN MANGUN„ age 15
International Paper
Company, Natchez,
Mississippi
Would not discuss.
Military service
Marital status
Children
Employment
Arrest record
196
KENNETH LAMAR SMITH, Route 669A, Natchez, was
interviewed at his residence. After being apprised of the
identity of the interviewing Agents and the nature of their
inquiry, he voluntarily furnished the following information:
Mr. KENNETH LAMAR SMITH advised that he has been
employed for the past 17 years at the Armstrong Tire and
Rubber Company, Natchez, and that he is presently working
on the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift in Department 12 as a
tuber operator. He stated he has had his present position
for the past year and one-half and was formerly a cement mixer.
He stated he was acquainted with GOLDEN and STEELE,
cement mixers at the plant, but that he was not acquainted
with any pipe fitter at the plant who is associated with
GOLDEN and STEELE, He stated he was not acquainted with
anyone by the name of STEWART.
He stated that prior to JACKSON’s killing, whom he
knew and frequently talked with, he heard no comments made
by anyone in the plant or anywhere else that if JACKSON
took the job as a cement mixer that physical harm would
come to JACKSON.
He stated he had talked with JACKSON on the
evening of JACKSON’s death and prior to JACKSON's departure
from the plant in the course of normal business. He stated
JACKSON, to his knowledge, never caused any trouble of any
kind and that JACKSON, in his opinion, was well liked by
everyone in the plant.
He stated that when the attempt was made to take
GEORGE METCALFE’S life under similar circumstances he
had heard, following the incident, that JACKSON was affiliated
with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People.
He stated that the electrician on the 4:00 to
midnight shift is an employee named FRENCHIE RIVETTE. He further
advised that he has heard that there is some klan activity in the
JN
2
4 4 -2 0 4 4
plant; however, he has no first-hand information or knowledge
of it nor does fee personally know any klan members.
He advised if is his belief that JACKSON was killed
by the Negro element associated with the civil rights
movement in order that additional revenue could be procured
by utilising JACKSON's death as additional propaganda. He
stated he could furnish no information whatsoever concerning
the killing of JACKSON, but in the event he did hear anything
he felt would be of interest to the FBI fee would notify same.
The following is a physical description of KENNETH
LAMAR SMITH:
Race
Sex
Bate of birth
Place of birth
Height
Weight
Hair
Eyes
Military service
Marital status
White
Male
August 25, 1929
Brookhaven, Mississippi
5 '11"
172
Dark brown
Hazel
U. S. Army
1954 to 1957, Army
serial number
145 20 896
Married, wife, DORIS,
two children.
198
BUFORD BROWN DAVIS, Route 2, Box 262, Meadville,
Mississippi, was interviewed at his residence after being
advised of the identity of the interviewing Agents. DAVIS was
advised by SA THOMAS W. KELTY that he did not have to
make a statement, that any statement he might make could
be used in a court of law against him and that he had the
right to consult with an attorney or anyone else prior to
making a statement.
DAVIS advised he has been employed on the midnight
to 8:00 a.m. shift in Department 11, at the Armstrong
Tire and Rubber Company, Natchez, Mississippi, for the past
nine years. He stated that he is presently employed as a
number 6 rubber mixer. Mr. DAVIS advised he knew WHARLEST
JACKSON as a fellow employee and prior and subsequent to
the killing of JACKSON he heard no comments made by anyone
concerning the fact that JACKSON would be physically harmed if
he took a white man's job.
He stated he was acquainted with GOLDEN and STEELE,
but thathe did not know the identity of any pipe fitter who was
a close associate of GOLDEN or STEELE and who wore a blue
plastic helmet. He stated that the electrician at the plant
who ison his shift isan individual named JERRY DUNN.
He stated he drives to work with WASH FREEMAN who
resides in Franklin County and that they leave for work each
evening to go to the plant at 10:30 p.m. He stated that
he was also acquainted with GEORGE METCALFE, but did not
know the extent of his association between GEORGE METCALFE
and WHARLEST JACKSON.
He further advised he was not aware of the fact
that JACKSON was affiliated in any way with the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People until
he read same in a local newspaper following JACKSON's
death.
He stated he has heard no talk of any kind
regarding JACKSON's death since his murder. He further stated
JN 44-2044
2
he could provide no information whatsoever concerning
who might be responsible for WHARLEST JACKSON's death.
The following is a physical description of
BUFORD BROWN DAVIS as obtained through interview and
observation:
Race
Sex
Date of birth
Place of birth
Height
Weight
Hair
Eyes
Relatives
Military service
Social Security
number
Residence
White
Male
September 3, 1938
Franklin County,
Mississippi
6 '11/2"
217
Black
Brown
wife, PATSY
Member Mississippi
National Guard
Route 2, Box 262,
Meadville, Mississippi
Mr. HUNTLEY BENJAMIN KELLY. Route 2, Box 64A,
was advised of the identity of the interviewing Agents and was
advised by SA JAMES R. MC GEE that he did not have to say
anything, and anything he did say could be used against him in
a court of law. He was also advised he could consult with
an attorney or anyone else before answering any questions.
Mr. KELLY stated he could not say whether or not
he was in the klan because he had taken an oath to the effect
he would never reveal that he was in the klan. He would not
admit to being a member of the klan even after making the
above statement and further stated "for all you know I could
be the Grand Dragon."
He stated the klan prohibited his revealing the
names of any other klan members. He stated that some of the
people who were formerly members of the White Knights of the
Ku Klux Klan of Mississippi were now members of the United
Klans of America, Inc., in Fort Gibson, Mississippi. He
advised he might have been present at a klan meeting held at
the Jones Store in Fort Gibson in November, 1966, and advised
that his automobile, a 1959 blue Chevrolet, might have been
parked in the vicinity of Jones' Store; however, he would
not advise he was present.
He stated neither he nor his friends have knowledge of
the WHARLEST JACKSON bombing in Natchez, Mississippi, and he had
heard rumors that some “nigger" had done the bombing. He
stated the klan oath also prohibits a member from committing
an act of violence such as this bombing and, therefore, did
not believe a klan member would be involved.
He advised that about August, 1966, he, his wife,
and "his nigger" went to Fayette, Mississippi, to get some
supplies for "his nigger.
" At that time the Negroes were
boycotting the white merchants of Fayette and when all
three of them came out of one of the white stores a young
Negro male came charging out of the crowd directly at
him and "his nigger" This person was shouting "you're not
supposed to buy in this white store."
JN
4 4 -2 0 4 4
2
He advised he was afraid this "nigger” was
going to hurt his wife so he reached in his pocket, took
out a knife, which had its blades broken off, and struck
the Negro close to his temple. He advised the Negro's
head immediately began to bleed and he then left him alone.
He stated the only reason he had not shot the Negro was
because he had left his sister in the truck. He stated he
was not indicted on the charges brought by this Negro, but
it did cost him $300 in legal fees.
KELLY stated he would not state what type guns
he owns, but did advise he has a pistol; his wife
carries a pistol in her purse and they also own a shotgun.
He advised he would advise the FBI if he heard any­
thing concerning the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON's truck
as he just does not believe in this type of violence.
The following is a description of HUNTLEY BENJAMIN
KELLY:
Race
Sex
Bom
White
Male
July 31, 1906, at
Jefferson County,
Mississippi
Height
Weight
Eyes
Hair
Complexion
Occupation
5' 1 0 ”
Military
service
Wife
Automobiles
160
Blue gray
Gray
Ruddy
Retired funeral director, now
a farmer
None
IVA LUTZ KELLY
1959 four-door Chevrolet;
Ford pickup truck, 1967
Mississippi license
57640.
Mr. ALTON CORNELIUS CARLOCK, 9 Florida Street.
Vldalia, Louisiana, was interviewed at his residence.
He was advised of the identity of the interviewing Agents
and the nature of the inquiry by SA ROBERT F. BOYLE. He
was advised he did not have to furnish any information or
statement in this matter and that any information or
statement he did furnish could be used against him in a
court of law. He was advised he had the right to consult
an attorney of his own choosing and was entitled to have
the attorney present during this interview. He was also
advised he could terminate the interview at any time he
so desired.
CARLOCK stated that he did not desire to have
an attorney present because he did not possess any infor­
mation concerning the killing of WHARLEST JACKSON in
Natchez, Mississippi.
CARLOCK advised as follows:
He has been working the oil fields in the State
of Louisiana for over 30 years and is currently working
seven days a week as a self employed pumper in the oil
fields in the State of Louisiana. He stated he acts in
the capacity of a subcontractor for eight different oil
firms, that he spot checks the operation of the pumping
oil wells in parts of Louisiana, and also arranges to sell
this oil to various companies.
On February 27, 1967, he spent most of the day
working on the oil wells around Wildsfield and that he
traveled to Natchez, Mississippi, at approximately 5:30
that evening. He stated that during the course of his
business he drives a green Chevrolet pickup truck bearing
Louisiana license 156-820 and that since it was raining on
that date he stopped at his residence and picked up his
wife's 1959 brown Chevrolet with white top, bearing Louisiana
License 17E-721. The reason he changed vehicles was the
fact that he was going to pick up a considerable amount of
JN 44-2044
2
feed for his dogs and did not desire to have this feed in
the open bed of his pickup truck in the rain.
He said he arrived in Natchez at about 5:30 p.m.
that date, picked up the feed and then visited his brother,
ROY CARLOCK, who resides on Gayoso Street in Natchez. His
brother ROY is employed at the Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company
in Natchez.
CARLOCK stayed at his brother's residence from
approximately 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. that date and was not
aware of any explosion or the death of JACKSON until he
heard about the murder on the radio the following morning.
CARLOCK claims he has never been associated with
any Klan type organization, and has definitely not been a
member of any Klan organization, nor has he ever been asked
to join a Klan type organization. He stated the only organi­
zations he does belong to are the Masonic Lodge and the
Baptist Church, CARLOCK stated that he was familiar with the
use of dynamite as he had handled dynamite many years in the
oil fields for the purpose of blowing out an oil well hole.
He stated he has not handled any dynamite for many years.
CARLOCK stated he does not believe in violence as
the solution to any problem and that he, himself, definitely
would not get involved intentionally in any type of violence.
He stated that insofar as segregation is concerned he is not
in favor of integration of the schools and other facilities,
however, since this is the law, he, himself, would do
nothing to violate this law.
CARLOCK advised that he had never been acquainted
with WHARLEST JACKSON and does not possess any information
concerning the identity of the person or persons responsible
for JACKSON'S death.
The following is a description of CARLOCK as
obtained through observation and interview:
Sex:
White
Male
Nationality:
Date of birth:
Place of birth:
American
December 7, 1911
Meadville, Mississippi
Race:
JN 44-2044
3
Height:
Weight:
Hair:
Eyes;
Marital status:
Wife:
Children:
Military service:
6 feet
230 pounds
Gray
Blue
Harried
MILDRED
None living
Mississippi National Guard,
Meadville, Mississippi, for
4 years, discharged in 1933.
Mr. KENNETH DEVINE D ENNIS, Route 1, Fayette,
Mississippi, was advised of the identity of the interviewing
Agents and was advised by SA JAMES R. MC GEE that he did
not have to say anything, and anything he did say could be
used against him in a court of law. He was also advised
he could consult with an attorney or anyone else before
answering any questions.
Mr. DENNIS stated he is not a member of any
organization other than the American Legion and is definitely
not a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
He advised that in his contacts with his friends
and neighbors, some of whom may be connected with the klan,
he has not heard anything regarding the person or persons who
might have killed WHARLEST JACKSON.
He stated he does not own a firearm as the
shotgun he had in his possession at the time he was involved
in a shooting incident sometime during the Fall of 1966 was
a borrowed gun and he has since returned it so that he will
not get into any further trouble as a result of having it
in his possession.
Mr. DENNIS stated he would immediately advise the
FBI if he heard anything concerning the bombing as he has
no sympathy for anyone that would commit such an act.
The following is a description of KENNETH DEVINE DENNIS
as obtained through interview and observation:
Race
Sex
Date of birth
Place of birth
Height
Weight
Eyes
Hair
-
N one
-
F irearms
White
Male
December 19, 1915
Fayette,Mississippi
5'8"
180
Hazel
Dark brown
Vehicles
Military service
None
U. S. Army
JN 44-2044
2
Military cont'd
Army Serial Number
Marital status
Social Security Number
Peculiarities
March 6, 1942 through
August 31, 1945
34273019
Single
425-01-7930
Almost blind.
United Klans of America, Incorporated,
Klavern 800, Natchez, Mississippi
JN 44-2044
TBW/bgj
1
UNITED KLANS OF AMERICA, INC.
KLAVERN 800, NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI
During the course of recent investigations concern­
ing other matters, it has been determined that Klavern 800
was issued a charter in the Fall of 1966. From various
sources it was reported that the former Grand Dragon of
Mississippi, EDWARD LENNOX MC DANIEL, would not issue a
charter because the membership was to be outcasts or rene­
gades from other Klan organisations. REGINALD PHILLIP CARTER
induced Grand K leagle of Mississippi, ERNEST GILBERT, to
obtain the charter for this klavern directly from ROBERT
SHELTON, Imperial Wizard, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The member­
ship is:
IRLAN JOHN RUDISILL, Exalted Cyclops, since resigned
REGINALD PHILLIP CARTER, Assistant Exalted Cyclops;
CHARLES L. DAVIDSON, present Exalted Cyclops and
formerly Secretary;
THOMAS ANDREW FOSTER, Chaplain;
JAMES HOWARD JACKSON, 101 Gaile Street;
ALBERT COLOMBUS JACKSON , Washington, Mississippi;
WILLIAM LANDERS ROBERTSON;
C HARLES SMITH;
WALTER MITCHELL;
JOE ROSS;
HOLLIS HOWARD WHITE;
A. J. EMFINGER;
MARION BRASWELL;
J E R R Y JOE MOON;
J O E L E E HARDY;
DUDLEY KEPPER, Kingston, Mississippi;
TOXIE BURNETT;
FLOYD WHITE;
WOODFORD W. GUIN;
JN 44-2046
BENNIE FREEMAN, Mississippi Valley Gas, sworn out;
R O BERT L . BATEMEN, Coca Cola Company;
ROBERT LAVELLE KIRBY;
(first name unknown) GERMANY;
( f rst name unknown) SCOTT;
(first name unknown) PEARSON;
Unidentified employee of Sears-Roebuck Warehouse.
i
JOE LEE HARDY. Highway 61 North (intersecting
with Palestine Road), was advised of the identity of
Special Agents, the nature of the investigation, that he had
to make no statement and that any he did make could be used
in a court of law.
HARDY interrupted to state that he knew
his rights, that he had no information concerning this case,
and proceeded to explain his position.
HARDY continued that the death of WHARLEST JACKSON,
whom he had never heard of before, was not his problem, that
he was not concerned with any of the Negroes' problems, and
that if he did learn of anything about the identity of the
persons responsible he would not risk his life to tell it.
He stated that while he felt the public should support
law enforcement, he felt that the present case was
perpetrated by persons unknown to him. HARDY stated that
his children are in a private school and will never go to
school with Negroes.
He continued that this was the way
he had been brought up.
HARDY stated that he had been at home with his
wife and children the night of February 27, 1967, and had
no information as to whom would do such a bombing. He
indicated that he had been in the military during the
Korean conflict and was glad he never had to kill even
in the military.
He claimed he had not had any special
training in the use of explosives in the military, and
indicated he is afraid of explosives and electricity.
HARDY would not admit that he is a Klan member,
a member of Klavern 800, United Klans of America, but in
his criticism of local politicians stated that he had stood
in the woods very close to present Sheriff OD ELL ANDERS when
he took an oath, indicating Klan, and that ANDERS had not
appreciated the Klan having put him in office, had not
assisted the Klan, and in fact had warned them against
committing any violations of the law.
When reminded this
swearing in was done by the White Knights of the Ku Klux
Klan, HARDY indicated this was true.
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
2
HARDY stated he is well acquainted with EDWARD
LENOX McDaniel, former Grand Dragon of the United Klans
of America in Mississippi, Security Chief MYRON WAYNE
"JACK" SEALE, and other prominent Klansmen in the
past.
He claimed to be on the "outs" with McDANIEL
and SEALE.
The following description was obtained by
observation and interview:
Race:
Sex:
Nationality:
Weight:
Hair:
Eyes:
B uild:
Miscellaneous:
Automobile:
Employment:
White
Male
5 feet 8 inches
175 pounds
Light brown
Brown
Muscular
Has several 1955 Oldsmobiles,
an old Cadillac, two boats
cluttering back yard of his
residence
1955 Oldsmobile, 1967
Mississippi license 1-5150
International Paper Company,
Natchez, Mississippi.
F E D E R A L B U R E A U OF IN V E S T IG A T IO N
Date
March 13, 1967
JERRY MOON, employed Armstrong Tire and Rubber
Company, Natchez, and residing at 508 Fisk, Natchez, was
contacted at his home but refused to submit to interview
F E D E R A L B U REAU OF INVESTIGATION
Date
M a rc h
13.
1967
Mr. JOHN LONG, Personnel Section, Armstrong Tire
and Rubber Company, advised that company records reflect
that ROBERT LAVELLE KIRBY,
born October
18, 1942, at Charleston, Mississippi, was hired July 30,
1964, and is a "Sprayed Passenger and Commercial Green
Tire Handler" in the Curing Department. He initially lived
with his father JOHN ED KIRBY, Route 1, Box 95, Natchez,
where hired, got married and has two children, presently
residing on Old Washington Road, telephone 5-9524. He is
in the Army Reserve, Hqtrs 386 Transportation Company
(MED TRK) (CARGO), P. O . Box 55, Vicksburg and also Natchez),
no serial number noted. He is a white male, 180 pounds,
5 feet 9 inches when hired.
JN 44-2044
B.
Silver Dollar Group
JN 44-2044
FBW/bgj
1
The Silver Dollar Group Is a renegade Klan group
made up of individuals who have had prior Klan affiliations
and who have in all probability proven themselves capable of
committing the most serious acts of violence. It is made
up of small groups of two or three with a "Big Brother" in
charge and with each small group not knowing the identities
of those in other groups. No meetings are held or dues
demanded from its members. For all practical purposes, this
group began in June, 1965, and its members are from both
Louisiana and Mississippi.
ERNEST HENRY AVANTS, was interviewed on the front
porch of his residence located at 114 Rushing. AVANTS was
advised of the identity of the interviewing Agents and the
nature of the inquiry by SA ROBERT F. BOYLE. SA BOYLE advised
AVANTS that he did not need to make any statement or furnish
any information, and that any statement or information furnished
by him could be used against him in a court of law. He was also
advised by SA BOYLE he had the right to consult with an attorney
or anyone else before furnishing a statement. AVANTS advised
that he knows his rights and he is presently represented by an
attorney in a state matter currently pending; however, he
did not desire for that attorney to be present during the
interview.
AVANTS stated he does not have possession of any
information concerning the murder of a Negro by the name of
WHARLEST JACKSON and that if he did possess any information
concerning this matter he would not furnish it to the FBI.
He stated, in his opinion, JACKSON was killed by another
Negro to create an incident wherein the National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People could raise funds
as a result of national publicity attached to that type of
crime.
AVANTS stated that he is not a member of any klan type
organization nor has he ever been a member of such an
organization. He stated he is a segregationist and definitely
believes in most aims and projects of the Ku Klux Klan.
AVANTS said that in the event he receives any
information in the future concerning the identity of the
individual responsible for JACKSON"s death he would not
furnish this information to the FBI unless the individual
responsible was a Negro. He stated that if he determines
that a white man killed JACKSON he, AVANTS, would shake his
hand and congratulate him.
AVANTS stated he does not believe in integration of the
school system, restaurants, theaters, etc., and he definitely does not
believe in mixing the blood of the whites and "niggers."
JN 44-2044
2
AVANTS stated he would not stand for any "nigger"
to come into his school, church, or home and that he would
use violence if necessary to prevent such a happening.
AVANTS stated that he thought it was fruitless
to burn any Negro churches, but rather they should burn
them when they were full of "niggers" as this was the only
time it would do any good.
AVANTS further advised that he thought it was stupid
to kill a "nigger" when the real enemies are the big shot politicians
both white and Negro, and that the present Governor of Mississippi
was an enemy of the white people.
Although AVANTS stated he was not a member of the
Ku Klux Klan or any klan-type group, he did state that he had
taken several secret oaths, but declined to identify the
organizations or reasons for which these oaths were taken.
AVANTS did state, however, in this connection that he was
a member of the Masons.
AVANTS stated that he believed the Negro civil rights
movement was Communist inspired, and that he had participated
in the erection of large billboards in the Natchez area
on which photographs reportedly depicting MARTIN LUTHER KING
in a Communist training course were displayed. AVANTS also
stated it is his belief that WHARLEST JACKSON was killed at the
direction of CHARLES EVERS because of some irregularities
in the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People funds on the part of JACKSON.
AVANTS stated that he was generally familiar with
the use of dynamite in that he had used it many years ago
when he was farming to blow out tree stumps, but he had
not handled dynamite in many years and would be reluctant
to do so because it was extremely dangerous. AVANTS stated
while he was in the Army he had learned to use the "C3"
plastic explosive and that this had been subsequently improved
upon as "C4" in recent years. AVANTS denied any knowledge
regarding the death of WHARLEST JACKSON.
It is noted the above interview was conducted on AVANTS'
front porch, and that the relationship between interviewing
Agents and AVANTS was friendly and cordial through the
interview.
218
E rnest HENRY a v a n t s was interviewed in connection
with another investigative matter on the front porch of his
residence located at 114 Rushing Street, Natchez. He was advised
of the identity of interviewing Agents by SA ROBERT F. BOYLE.
He was advised by SA BOYLE that he did not have to furnish
any statement or information to the interviewing Agents, and
that any information or statement furnished by him could
be used against him in a court of law. AVANTS was also
advised by SA BOYLE that he had a right to consult an attorney
of his own choosing at any time he desired, and that he had
the right to terminate the interview at any time he desired.
AVANTS stated he is being represented by an attorney
on state charges and that he is well aware of his rights
and does not desire to have his attorney present during
this interview.
During this interview the interviewing Agents discussed
with AVANTS the numerous shootings and beatings that have
occurred in the Adams County, Mississippi, area in the past
several years, including the murder of BEN WHITE.
SA BOYLE inquired of AVANTS as to when his trial
in connection with the BEN WHITE murder case was scheduled
for court. AVANTS replied that he has been unable to get
a speedy trial as guaranteed him under the constitution of
the United States as the District Attorney kept getting delays.
He stated he was ready to go to trial today.
AVANTS stated he felt confident that he would be
acquitted of the murder charge as the sheriff has only one
witness against him and it was his word against this one
witness. AVANTS then corrected his remarks, stating it is
the "word of only one witness against two of them." He
stated that the only witness against him "is out of his mind,"
and was taken to Whitfield last Friday or was to be taken
today, March 13, 1967.
AVANTS further advised he was not guilty of murdering
WHITE and he explained in detail that FULLER shot WHITE five or six
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
2
times in the heart, then paused for one minute. FULLER
then shot WHITE several times in the head, paused for another
minute and then shot WHITE in each arm. AVANTS stated that
FULLER then turned to him, AVANTS, and requested AVANTS to
shoot WHITE. AVANTS stated he asked FULLER, "Where should I
shoot him?" FULLER replied, "shoot him in the God damn head,"
which AVANTS did.
AVANTS stated that he has been advised by his attorney
that he, AVANTS, could not be convicted of murder because
all he did was shoot a corpse. It was pointed out to AVANTS
that WHITE might not have been dead when AVANTS shot him to
which AVANTS replied "he had to be dead because of the number
of shots fired into him by FULLER."
AVANTS did not volunteer any information regarding
where this shooting occurred or any further details concerning
the shooting.
AVANTS again stated he was ready for trial any time
and that any delay is being caused by the District Attorney.
J. B. T emple , owner of Temple Auto Parts, Carter
Street, Vidalia, Louisiana, was Interviewed at his place
of employment. He was informed of the identities of the
interviewing Agents and the purpose of the investigation.
He thereafter voluntarily furnished the following
information:
He and the bank own the store and it has been his
practice to issue receipts on charged purchases, but if a
purchase was for cash he would, not issue a receipt. R. J.
GLOVER has an account with his store. He then displayed
a receipt dated February 27, 1967, for R. J. GLOVER and
which revealed the following:
Receipt number 23322, dated February 27, 1967, written
by J. B. TEMPLE and the items purchased were a brake cylinder
kit and a can of brake fluid.
TEMPLE stated that he could not exactly recall when
during the day of February 27, 1967, the purchase was made
by GLOVER; however, by looking through other receipts he
could determine about the time of day. As best as he could
tell, the sale was probably either the first sale of the
day or the last and he
would more likelystate that the sale
was last one of the day.
On the sequence of the receipts, number 233145 was
the closest to the receipt of GLOVER and he thus feels that
the receipts from 23314 were to the lower end of the scale.
On February 28, 1967, the receipts ran on that day from the
high end of the scale, from 23324 at the beginning, to the lower
numbers for the end of
the day. There was a slight
mix up
in the sequence during these two days as e v i d e n t l y he
had gotten into a half box of receipts during the day and
without knowing this fact and thus causing all the receipts
for those two days to be mixed as far as following a logical
sequence.
JN
4 4 -2 0 4 4
2
He cannot recall the exact time of day that
R . J. GLOVER, better known as RED GLOVER, came into the
store on February 27, 1967, due to the number of customers
who come and go during the day; however, he does remember
that the purchase of the wheel cylinder kit and brake fluid
was for GLOVER's blue GMC pickup truck.
RED had mentioned to
him that the wheel cylinder on the truck was leaking.
About a month ago he recalls that RED GLOVER's truck
had some trouble with the ignition system.
It was his GMC
pickup truck and as he recalls there had been a fire around
the starter. TEMPLE had to have the truck towed in from
the Vidalia Highway near the Standard Lumber Company in
Ferriday, Louisiana.
RED GLOVER got a boy from the Southland
Station next to the Temple Auto Parts, to do the necessary
work on the truck. The truck was worked on while at the
rear of the Temple Auto Parts and he cannot exact recall
when this work was done. He does not see the work on the
February charge list of GLOVER. As he recalls, GLOVER's
truck required replacement of several wires in the electrical
system.
TEMPLE was asked about several individuals, whether
he was acquainted with them if they were customers and if they
had a charge at the store. TEMPLE furnished the following:
NORMAN HEAD - he knows HEAD and he has an account
at his store.
BUCK HORTON - he knows HORTON and he also has an
account at the store.
E. D. MORACE - he knows MORACE, however, he is not
a customer and has no account with him.
SONNY TAYLOR - he is not a customer, he knows TAYLOR,
but has not seen him for about a year.
GERALD FORD
- He is not a customer and he has not seen
FORD for several years.
WOODROW HOLLOWAY - He does not know HOLLOWAY.
JN 44-2044
3
TEMPLE additionally stated that he has no knowledge
of any of the above persons having a silver dollar, either
a lucky one or an unlucky one.
When asked if he had ever taken a ride to Laurel,
Mississippi, in the Fall of 1963, TEMPLE quickly stated that
he had, in fact, gone over to Laurel, Mississippi, in the
Fall of 1963 and it was on a Sunday. MILTON R. FOSTER, who
had worked at the Riley Drilling Company, owed him some money
and he thus drove to Laurel, Mississippi, in order to try
and get this money from FOSTER. FOSTER was reported to be
living in a trailer park in Laurel; however, inquiry at this
park disclosed that FOSTER had moved to Citronelle, Alabama.
As he recalls, BUCK HORTON drove his car on this
particular Sunday and RED GLOVER and himself were also
in the car. Another person accompanied him on the trip, but
he cannot recall who this person might be, but after not
finding FOSTER they all returned to Vidalia, Louisiana.
He called FOSTER in Citronelle, Alabama, when he
returned to Vidalia, Louisiana, either that night or the
next day. As he recalls, FOSTER had actually owed $158 and
some odd cents to the Vidalia Auto Parts whom he was working
for at the time. FOSTER had been buying repossessed GMAC
automobiles from TROYCE GUICE of Ferriday, Louisiana, and
then getting the needed repair parts from Vidalia Auto
Parts who TEMPLE worked for at that time.
Concerning the receipts, after looking at these
receipts again, they followed a numerical sequence on
February 27, 1967, at the start of the day until that of
GLOVER's. This receipt seemed to have some missing
numbers in order and on February 28, 1967, the
starting number was 23324; thus, he feels certain that GLOVER's
purchase was the last purchase on February 27, 1967.
J. B. TEMPLE, owner of Temple Auto Parts,
Carter Street, Vidalia, was contacted at his place of business
and furnished the following:
He stated that all information contained in his
records were confidential in nature. When advised of the
purpose of this investigation, he then related that he
would allow the Agents to look at his records if he could
get the approval of his CPA.
After telephoning his CPA, TEMPLE then stated
that the Agents could look at his records if they so desired.
He related that R. J. GLOVER had been at his shop
on Sunday night between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
He was at the shop
working on his statements and GLOVER came by in order to look
at his records. GLOVER did not buy anything and at that time
GLOVER related how he had showed the FBI some of the receipts
that he had obtained from TEMPLE. After talking for a few
minutes, GLOVER left.
TEMPLE stated he wanted to also correct one previous
statement he had made about GLOVER. He stated that GLOVER
did not make the trip with him to Laurel, Mississippi.
TEMPLE advised that he knows JOEL FREEMAN who lives
on Lee Avenue and he was not sure, but FREEMAN may have gone
with him to Laurel, Mississippi, in the Fall of 1963.
TEMPLE stated he does not know anyone by the name
of PRICE.
Temple advised he makes a receipt for all purchases
whether they be cash or charge and that his shop usually
closes for business between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. each day.
He does not recall GLOVER being in his store on
February 28, 1967, concerning a $.12 purchase and the only
time he mentioned to GLOVER anything about the investigation
Of the FBI was on his visit to theshop on Sunday night.
JN
4 4 -2 0 4 4
2
TEMPLE then supplied his records concerning the
purchases of R. J . GLOVER, Lee Avenue, Vidalia, Louisiana,
from December 3, 1967, to February 27, 1967. He first
displayed an account book which revealed the following:
Debit or Credit
Balance
17782
$10.00 credit
$24.40
December 28, 1966 19369
$ 5.00 credit
$19.40
December 31, 1966 19577
$ 7.69 debit
$27.09
January 21, 1967
20895
$ 2.17 debit
$29.26
February 6, 1967
21944
$ 5.00 credit
$24.26
February 15, 1967 22545
$ 3.16 debit
$27.42
February 17, 1967 22657
$ 2.17 credit
$25.25
February 27, 1967 23322
$ 1.39 debit
$26.64
Date
Number
December 3, 1966
TEMPLE further displayed the numbered receipts for
GLOVER'S purchases from December 3, 1966, to February 27, 191
and they revealed the following:
#23344
R. J. GLOVER, February 28, 1967, paid (cash)(Orig.)
(unsigned)
1 320-A Behrmanning (sand paper) $.12
#23322
R. J. GLOVER, February 27, 1967 List
Amount
1 12 oz. N-70 Niehoff (brake) Fluid
$.95
$.48
1 K-3600
Niehoff (brake) K i t
1.45
.87
Signed R. J. GLOVER
$1.35
tax
.04
$1.39
#22656 February 17, 1967
1 SC-2A Gunk
List
$2 .1 0
tax
Paid cash (unsigned)
Amount
$1.26
.04
$1.30
JN 44-2044
3
#22657
February 17, 1967 paid on account $2.17
(unsigned)
#22545
1 8348
1 7800-21
February 15, 1967
Gates belt (fan)
Gates pulley
(unsigned)
Charged
#21944
February 6, 1967
(unsigned)
#20895
1 453A
1 888
January 21, 1967
Whitaker (battery cable) $2.72
Quick Seal (battery clamp) .95
List
$2.50
1.85
tax
Amount
$ 1.68
1.39
3.07
.09
$3.16
paid on account $5.00
$1.63
.48
2.11
Signed JAMES WATTS
of GLOVER)
tax
(relative
.06
$2.17
#19577
8
1
1
UJ8
DR 3HV
DR-20
January 31, 1966
Champion plugs
Niehoff points
Niehoff condenser
$.08 $4.80
2.75 1.57
1.93 1.10
7.4 7
tax
Charged, signed R.J. GLOVER
#19368
1 small
1 M-506
December 28, 1966
GoGo (hand cleaner)
windshield solvent
$.80
.65
tax
Paid (unsigned)
.22
$7.69
$
.60
.39
.99
.03
$ 1.02
#19369
December 28, 1966 paid on account $5.00
(unsigned)
#17782
December 3, 1966
Paid on account $10.00
(unsigned)
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER, 113 Lee Avenue, Vidalia,
was interviewed at his residence. GLOVER is acquainted with
interviewing Agents and SA JOHN A. PFEIFER read to GLOVER
hie rights, GLOVER also read the form containing his rights
and thereafter signed the Wavier of Rights Form in the
presence of SAs JOHN D. BRADY and JOHN A, PFEIFER. He
furnished the following informations
He wanted to add something to his previous story
concerning his whereabouts on February 27, 1967. At about
7:00 p.m., February 27, 1967, he left his house and drove
to the home of NORMAN HEAD. He stayed there for just a few
minutes because HEAD had not eaten supper and he was in the
middle of helping his daughter with a science project. The reason
for his going to HEAD'S house was that he had lost a gas
can and a saw belonging to HEAD on the previous weekend.
He later determined from HEAD that the gas can was now in the
possession of HEAD as he had gone to his house that weekend
and took the gas can from the rear of his truck. He thereafter
stated that after finding out that the gas can was not missing
he attempted to buy HEAD another saw, but HEAD insisted he did
not need this saw and it was unnecessary for him to do so.
He related that on February 28, 1967, he had gone to
J. B. TEMPLE'S Auto Parts in Vidalia and purchased a
sheet of sand paper for $.12. He stated he had a receipt for
this and as he can now recall on February 27, 1967, he also
went to Temple Auto Parts at about 8 :30 a.m., and purchased
a wheel cylinder kit. He displayed receipt number 23322 dated
February 27, 1967, from Temple Auto Farts and this reflected
a wheel cylinder kit.
He stated that after leaving Temple's Auto Parts
on February 27, 1967, he also went to Lewis' Shopping Center
for a loaf of bread and thus arrived at his home at about
9:00 a.m.
He usually signs all the receipts he obtains from
J. B. Temple Auto Parts and he was sure that the receipt dated
JN 44-2044
2
February 27, 1967, was signed; however, he was not sure about the
other copies of these receipts as there was no signature on
his copy.
When asked about a man named PRICE, who may have gone
to Mississippi with him in 1963, GLOVER stated that he knows a PRICE
who works in Department 23 at the Armstrong Tire and Rubber
Company plant in Natchez, Mississippi, and that he usually works
on the 4i00 p.m., to Midnight shift doing tire building. He
described PRICE as being a white male; reddish blond hair;
about 30 years old; 5 '11"; medium build. He also stated
approximately four to five years ago PRICE worked on his
shift, that is the midnight to 8 :00 a.m., shift. He
knows PRICE only slightly and would recognize him when he
saw him around the plant. He did not go with PRICE to
Mississippi.
He slightly knows JOEL FREEMAN as he is a neighbor
of his living a few houses down the street. He is not
closely associated with FREEMAN, but would recognize him
by sight. He never went with FREEMAN to Laurel, Mississippi,
in the Fall of 1963.
He went to NORMAN h e a d 's house Sunday night
in order to see how HEAD'S daughter had come out on her
science project. The reason he went to HEAD'S house was that
he had first called HEAD about 8 :00 p.m., and talked to him
about head's picking up the old GMC pickup truck for repairs
over that weekend. He also questioned HEAD about his reason
for not picking up the pickup truck and HEAD told him that
he had visitors a few days ago. He stated the visitors
HEAD referred to was the FBI. He further related the
Agents Who visited with HEAD also asked about GLOVER.
On Sunday night at approximately 7:30 p.m.,
March 5, 1967, he had stopped at J . B. Temple's Auto
Parts. TEMPLE was at the shop and he stopped there in order
to obtain a copy of all receipts from TEMPLE concerning recent
purchases so that he could show these to the Agents.
TEMPLE made up a package of receipts and told him he would
put them in the mail and he received these receipts in the
mail this date.
3
While leaving the residence of GLOVER, the inter­
viewing Agents noticed in the rear of GLOVER's truck a wooden
box approximately 5' long, 1" in height and 8" wide. This
box appeared to be freshly sawed and nailed together with
some tar paper covering certain portions of the box. When
questioned about the box, GLOVER stated that it was just
an old rotten piece of wood. One end of this box appeared
to be open with tar paper lining the inside.
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER, more commonly known as RED
GLOVER, was interviewed at his Residence, 113 Lee Avenue, Vidalia,
Louisiana. GLOVER is familiar with the identities of the
interviewing Agents. He furnished the following information:
He had been to the shop of J. B . TEMPLE on this date
and had borrowed a hydraulic jack. He related that TEMPLE
had told him that the FBI had questioned him concerning a trip
to Laurel, Mississippi, and that TEMPLE had originally told
the FBI that he had accompanied him on this trip. GLOVER
said he told TEMPLE this morning that he did not go on this
trip with TEMPLE. TEMPLE told him that he that he was now
not exactly sure who may have gone on the trip.
Concerning the Negro at the plant, named WHITLEY, and
one he previously stated worked in the tube room and resides on
Pine Street, Natchez, Mississippi, he is not sure if this
person's name is WHITLEY. He does know that a Negro working
in the tube room was reported to have mentioned that WHARLEST
JACKSON was carrying some explosives in his truck. He stated
he will attempt to determine exactly who this Negro is and what
his name might be.
He stated he knows a WHITLEY who works at the plant
and who is a Negro who was whipped some time ago. He believes
this same WHITLEY put a dent in the fender of his vehicle
sometime ago and he also paid him for the damage to the
truck.
The Negro by the name of SEWELL works with him
in Department 23 and it is the Negro by the name of JOHN WOODFORK
who is in the habit of saying "Say, Hey, lookie here." SEWELL
is not the same person previously quoted as making similar statements.
He mentioned that he was questioned this morning at
work by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The highway patrol
asked him about his membership in some sort of secret organization
in which he was reported to wear a klan uniform. He told the
highway patrol that he was not a member of such an organization
JN 44-2044
2
He stated there were two investigators from the highway patrol
who had questioned him, one being an officer SMITH.
He stated some of the other men had been shown
photographs of him by the highway patrol and these photographs
reportedly showed him wearing a cowboy hat. He has never
owned a cowboy hat and has never been at any meeting with
a group of men from the plant outside of the plant.
He stated he does not know BRUCE PAYNE; GEORGE GREEN; ERNEST
AVANTS, or FRANK HYMAN.
He stated he believes that JOHN W. BARBER is a salesman
for McPhail Oldsmobile in Natchez and he knows him only by
sight.
He does not know a Negro by the name of BLANTON.
He stated the name of ROY BESSON is unfamiliar to him.
He does
know a JOHN R. BESSON who works at the tire plant,
but he knows nothing about a BESSON being picked up by two
car loads of white men and being beaten by these men with
whips.
He believes that ALFRED WHITLEY, a Negro male,
is the same person who works in the tube room at the plant;
however, he knows nothing about WHITLEY being stopped by two
car loads of white males and then beaten with bull whips
by eight men wearing white hoods.
He does know HARRY "CATFISH" SMITH as he
believes he is a real polite young boy who works at the plant.
This is the only association he has with SMITH.
He does not know JAMES C. WINSTON, WILLIE JACKSON,
ERNEST FINLEY, or ERNEST PARKER.
He believes that ARCHIE CURTIS is a Negro male who
operates a funeral home in Natchez, although he knows nothing
about the fact that CURTIS was beaten in a remote spot a few
years ago.
He is acquainted with JACK SEALE by sight only
and does not know him on a real close basis.
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
3
He does not know RICHARD JOE BUTLER, ED FULLER,
WILLIAM DAVIDSON, RAY WALTERS, MARVIN MC KINNEY, PETER
SHEPPERS.
He stated he believes that BILLY WOOD is a boy
who works at the tire plant along with L. C. MURRAY, who has
worked at the tire plant for the past couple of months.
He stated that L. C. MURRAY works on his shift and he knows
MURRAY and WOOD mostly by sight.
He stated that JIMMY WHITE could possibly be identical
to a
tire painter at the plant whom he has known by sight for
the past ten years.
He knows CALVIN CLARK along with his brothers and
has known them for the past ten years, but does not know them
on a
real friendly basis.
He believes RODNEY BRITT is another person he has
known off and on for the past ten years.
He does not know J. L. "BIG MACK" MC KINNEY,
CHARLIE EDDIE MOORE, HENRY HEZEKIAL DEE, CHARLES EDWARDS,
MYRON WAYNE, ARCHIE PRATHER.
He stated he knows JAMES and CLYDE SEALE by sight
only.
He does not know GEORGE EDWARD WHITE, a 14 year old
Negro,and has no knowledge
of who may have been involved with
him concerning an incident where three white males shot at
WHITE'S car.
When asked about SAM WOODS, a Negro who was shot
at by a unknown person in June, 1964, GLOVER said "shot or shot
at" and gave no further explanation about his knowledge
of the incident or of WOODS.
He knows nothing about the burning of the Bethel
BaptistChurch, the Jerusalem Baptist Church or the Mount
Pilgrim Baptist Church. He does not know WILLIE WASHINGTON.
He further related he believed that Dr. A. W. DUMAS was a
Negro who owned the Riverview Motel in Natchez, Mississippi.
JN 44-2044
4
He does not know JAKE FRISHMAN, SAM FREEMAN,
CHARLES FAIVEY, WALTER GENE HALL, ARCHIE C. CURTIS. He stated
he believes JOHN NOSSER is the mayor of Natchez; however, he
knows nothing about a bomb thrown in his front yard.
He stated he does not know JAMES KENNETH GREER,
PAUL L. FOSTER, DOUGLAS BYRD or LANNIE POWELL.
He stated that JOEL FREEMAN, a neighbor, has been
friendly with him for the past two or three years and
they first became acquainted when they took some training
together under the direction of BUD SPINKS, Chief of Police,
Vidalia, Louisiana.
He has known NORMAN HEAD for the past three years
and also trained with HEAD under the direction of Chief
SPINKS.
HOMER HORTON, also known as BUCK HORTON, is an
acquaintance of his and HORTON works days in the tube room
at the plant. He has known HORTON for the past one and onehalf years and last saw him one morning at the plant, which
he believed was Friday, March 3, 1967. He stated HORTON
has spoken to him about getting a job in his department at
the plant.
He has never known GERALD FORD, from Sicily Island,
Louisiana, and he las known SONNY TAYLOR from Harrisonburg,
Louisiana, for about two years. The last time he saw
TAYLOR was when he obtained from him two wagon wheels at
his home about one year ago.
He stated that JAMES FREDERICK LEE has been
a close friend of his for the past two years in that they
both work on the same shift at the tire plant in Natchez.
He stated he knows GEORGE METCALFE, a Negro at
the plant, by sight only and knows nothing about a projectile
being fired into his window in January, 1965.
He does not know C. S. REDDER, EDDIE ROBERT DAVIS,
also known as "RED DEVIL," or ERVIN LEE MARTIN, also known
as "MOVIE STAR."
231
He does not know ODIS GOOD.
He believes that LESTER DICKERSON may be a foreman
at the Armstrong Tire and Robber Plant in Natchez, Mississippi;
however he knows nothing about who may have placed a bomb in the
car Of GEORGE METCALFE.
FREDDIE L. FREEMAN is a painter at the tire plant
who he knows by sight only. He has seen him in the plant
for the past four to six years.
He does not know REGINALD CARTER, C. D. FREEMAN,
CHARLES DAVIDSON, JOE L. HARDY, HERBERT ROGILLIO, JR., OTIS
GERMANY, JR., or MARION BRASWELL.
He has known TOMMY JONES for the past four to five
years as he recognizes JONES as being an employee of the
Armstrong Tire and Rubber plant. However, he has never socialized
or been with JONES on any occasion outside of the plant.
Again on leaving the home of GLOVER, the interviewing
Agents noticed that the wooden box was still in the rear of
GLOVER's green Ford pickup truck. GLOVER stated that he would
be glad to have the Agents take this box and further stated,
"Guess I won't be able to use it now." GLOVER was unable to give
any explanation about the use of this box and pointed out to the
Agents that the box was open at one end. GLOVER stated the
wood in the box was possibly rotten and, upon inspection, it was
noticed that this box contained black tar paper lining the inside
with the tar paper sticking out about one foot from the open
end. This box is approximately 5' long, 1' in height and about
8 “ wide.
MEREDITH LAVON IE GLOVER, 113 Lee Avenue, was interviewed
at her residence. Mrs. GLOVER is acquainted with the identities
of the interviewing Agents and furnished the following information:
She stated she wanted to correct one thing concerning
her previous interview with the Agents. She had stated previously
that her husband had worked on the old blue pickup truck on
Monday, February 27, 1967; however, she now recalled it was
actually Tuesday, February 28, 1967, that her husband had
worked on the pickup truck and had replaced the brakes or
brake system on one of the wheels.
RALEIGH JACKSON
Louisiana, was interviewed
advised of the identity of
acquainted with SA BRADY.
information:
GLOVER, 113 Lee Avenue, Vidalia,
at his residence and was initially
SA DENT, having been previously
GLOVER furnished the following
When asked if he had determined the identity of
the Negro at the Armstrong Tire and Rubber plant who
reportedly stated in the presence of a group of white men
that WHARLEST JACKSON was carrying explosives in his truck prior
to the explosion on February 27, 1967, GLOVER advised that he
had now determined that the Negro was an individual by the name
of WATSON. He related that he does not know WATSON's first
name, however, he is the only Negro by the name of WATSON
employed in the tube room of the plant. He stated that as
he recalls, he was told by another unknown individual that
WATSON had stated that JACKSON had explosives in the truck
and he did not know if WATSON would admit this when questioned
by Agents of the FBI.
He again was questioned on Saturday morning by
individuals whom he believed to be either investigators for
the Mississippi Highway Patrol or Agents of the FBI and he
stated that he was a little disturbed over the fact that they
had again asked him such trivial questions as the name of
his wife. When further questioned concerning possible
identity of these individuals, GLOVER stated that one of
the investigators was named SMITH and as he now recalls he
believes that these men were not FBI Agents.
He stated that as best as he can recall he went
to NORMAN HEAD'S house on the evening of February 27, 1967,
and at that time he recalls seeing HEAD and his daughter
working on a science project. He later went to HEAD'S
house on the following Sunday concerning a gas can and skillsaw that he had lost and which were the property of HEAD.
As he can now recall, he feels sure that at this time he
had asked HEAD'S daughter how her science project had come
out and she had told him that someone else had to do some
further work on it as it did not work at first. He did not
know who this other person was, but was sure that NORMAN
HEAD had not done the additional work on the science project.
GLOVER stated that it was rather stupid for a
person to use dynamite in order to make a bomb and put it
in a truck to kill a "nigger." When asked how he would have
done the job, he did not at first reply, but then later stated
that he would "kill a nigger" by running over him with his
car.
GLOVER then related that he resented being contacted
so frequently by the FBI and due to these contacts he feels
that he must be a prime suspect in the bombing of the Negro,
JACKSON. The interviewing Agents advised GLOVER that he was
being contacted due to the fact that he was known to have
information about activities of the Ku Klux Klan over: a period
of years and had been associated with persons capable of
violent actions. He was further advised that he was an
active Klansman and continued his activities up to the
present time.
At this point GLOVER denied knowing anything
about the Klan. The Agents then emphasized that GLOVER and
the interviewing Agents were aware that he had been active
in the Klan and had associated with many violent Klan members
and thus obviously had knowledge of violent activities
discussed by these Klansmen. It was further emphasized
to GLOVER that if he was sincere in his desire to cooperate
with the FBI, as he had previously stated, that he would
not continue to deny his Klan membership and his knowledge
of violent activities at least discussed by various Klan
members.
At this point GLOVER was again asked if he would
continue to deny such Klan membership and he stated "no, he
would not deny it," but GLOVER failed to elaborate or discuss
the matter further.
The interview was thus terminated with the Agents
advising GLOVER that he should give some serious thought to
his stated intentions to cooperate with the law and furnish
any information concerning Klan violence which he may possess.
E . M . B O Y D was in t e r v ie w e d a t h i s home.
He
was a d v is e d of th e i d e n t i t i e s o f t h e in t e r v ie w i n g A gen ts
and furnished th e f o l l o w i n g in fo r m a t io n :
He advised his association with RALEIGH J. "RED"
GLOVER dates back several years to when GLOVER was a union
steward and he, BOYD, was on the union committee at the
Armstrong Tire and Rubber Plant in Natchez, Mississippi.
They worked closely together until BOYD decided to resign
his position with the union, at which time GLOVER assumed
the position of committeeman in his place.
He is unaware of any violence that GLOVER may have
been involved in in the past, but during the latter part of
the Summer of 1966, PERRY PITTMAN, a former member of the
United Klans of America, inc., from Mississippi, who had
moved to vidalia, Louisiana, and been more or less inactive
in the k lan affairs since that time, had contacted him
and told him that two or three crosses had been burned in
front of the Marvelle Lounge, house of prostitution, in Deer
Park, Louisiana. PITTMAN was curious to determent who
had done this and BOYD advised he had no knowledge of
the identity of the cross burners.
A short time after this and before the Louisiana
State Police raided the Marvelle Lounge, GLOVER contacted
BOYD and told him that a night or two previously when he
was driving from Vidalia to Matches to go to work, a yellow
Cadillac, which BOYD believed was used by the hoodlums
at the Marvelle Lounge, had followed his truck across the
bridge and through Matches and that GLOVER had stopped
his vehicle, jumped out of it with a pistol in his hand
to confront the men in the Cadillac, but the
Cadillac had driven past him without stopping.
He advised that he had learned that the operators
of the Marvelle Lounge were contributing $500 per month to the
Concordia Parish Private School being organised by some
klansmen from Ferriday prior to the incidents described above.
JN
2
4 4 -2 0 4 4
He learned this contribution was made so that the
klan would not take any steps to hinder the operations
of the house of prostitution.
He also learned that there had been a split
in the United Klans of America, Inc., (UKA)in the Natchez,
Mississippi, area over the fact that various klan members
were associated closely with the hoodlums and were attempting
to prevent the klan from taking disciplinary action against
the operators of Hale's Gulf Service Station in Natchez,
Mississippi, where the klan believed the hoodlums operating
at the Marvel Lounge were located.
The klan split between those that were opposed
to the criminal activity and those that tried to cover up
the criminal activity. He believed that the latter, upon
learning about the $500 a month contributions mads to the
klansmen in Concordia Parish, had been disgruntled with the
operators of the Marvelle Lounge and may have burned the crosses
at the Marvelle Lounge in order to get a contribution for them­
selves.
The most recent contact he has had with RED GLOVER
was a few weeks ago when GLOVER had him build a shelf with
sliding doors for the home that GLOVER is building
in South
Louisiana near the Mississippi line. GLOVER has told
him that he eventually intends to retire to this home.
He advised that in the past several months about
the only time he sees GLOVER was when GLOVER comes to ask
him to do a favor for him, particularly, jobs such as the
one described above because BOYD was a good carpenter.
He denied that GLOVER had ever had him make a box
of any sort for GLOVER or any other klansman.
JN 44-2044
FBL/bgj
1
The following investigation was conducted by SA
FRED B. LAFFERTY , III, on March 10, 1967, at Natchez,
Mississippi:
Mrs. ELLA ALKINS, Credit Bureau of Natchez, advised
that a review of her files reflected the following information
on WALTER G. HALL:
Sex:
Race:
Marital Status:
Address:
Employments:
Male
White
Married, wife's name YVONNE
On July 9, 1962, was the
River Oaks Apartments, Natchez,
Mississippi; address on
December 18, 1964, was Box 46,
Route 2, Roxie, Mississippi
Kaybee Sales - July 9, 1962;
J&H Garage, Roxie, Mississippi March 16, 1964;
Southern Supply Company, Roxie,
Mississippi - December 9, 1964;
Roxie Studs Mill, Roxie,
Mississippi - December 18, 1964.
JN 44—2044
RLT/acp
1
Chief of Police L. J. McBRIDE, Brookhaven, Mississippi,
on March 9, 1967, advised SA REESIE L. TIMMONS that he has
known ROBERT LUTHER HART for some 8 to 10 years that he has
resided at numerous addresses in the Brookhaven, Mississippi
area.
McBRIDE advised that HART has held numerous jobs
during the past 8 or 10 years with "seismograph companies"
throughout the South Mississippi area. He advised he was
also employed as a dynamite handler by Southwestern Pipe
Company at Brookhaven, Mississippi, on 2 different occasions,
one being in 1964 and the other in 1965.
McBRIDE described HART as being approximately
28 years of age, 6 feet tall, 210 pounds, very muscular
and an extreme " h o t h e a d .
"
He stated that he was stopped
by a Brookhaven Police Officer for a traffic violation
approximately 10 days ago and allegedly threatened to kill
the police officer.
He advised that HART has been in numerous fights
in the Brookhaven, Mississippi, area since he has known him
and is generally considered a "hothead." McBRIDE advised
that he knows HART is some 4 or 5 house payments behind on
his mortgage and is in very poor financial condition.
Chief McBRIDE advised he knows HART to have been
a member of a Klan organization in the Brookhaven, Mississippi
area during the period 1963 to 1965. He stated he does not
know if he is currently a member of any Klan type organization.
He described him as "more or less a loner" who to his
knowledge has no particular close friends.
JN 44-2044
R LT/acp
1
Records of the Credit Bureau of Brookhaven,
Brookhaven, Mississippi, were reviewed by SA REESIE L.
TIMMONS on March 9, 1967, and contain the following
information regarding ROBERT LUTHER HART:
Current address:
Route 2. Box 304A,
Brookhaven, Mississippi
Former addresses:
304 N. First Street, as of
12/2/57, when he was 21 years
of age and employed by Anchor
Pipeline, Houston, Texas;
504 N. Second Street, Brookhaven,
as of 5/12/59, when employed
by Marine Exploration Company,
address and location not noted;
304 N. Second Street as of
3/19/60 when employed by Faling
Drilling Company, location not
noted;
614 East Chickasaw Street,
Brookhaven, as of 4/25/60,
when employed by Empire Drilling
Company, main office Dallas, Texas;
514 West Chippewa Street, Brookhaven,
as of 7/27/64, when employed by
Southwestern Pipe Corporation,
Brookhaven, Mississippi.
There are no current employments listed for the
subject at the Brookhaven Credit Bureau. As of December 31,
1966, he was past due on $139.98 bill to the local Firestone
Store and a $56.50 doctor bill to a local doctor.
His wife's name is listed as ETHEL HART and her
residence is listed as Route 2, Box 304A, Brookhaven,
Mississippi.
J N 4 4 -2 0 4 4
RLT/acp
1
Observation of the address Route 2, Box 304A,
Brookhaven, Mississippi, the residence of ROBERT LUTHER HART,
reveals this to be a newly constructed frame house with
brick surrounding the house approximately 4 feet high and
the wood painted a bright yellow.
The house can be located as follows:
Going north on Highway 51 past the Mississippi
Highway Safety Patrol Substation at Brookhaven, Mississippi,
turn left at the first intersection approximately 200 yards
past the MHSP, turn right the first right-hand street and
proceed approximately one-half mile to the first bright
yellow house on the right. This is the second house past
the residence of MHSP Patrolman CLELL KING, whose name is
prominently displayed on the mailbox in front of his
residence.
Investigation indicates ROBERT LUTHER HART is
currently employed as an "oiler" on the construction crane at
the St. Regis Paper Mill site near Monticello, Mississippi.
CHARLES LANE, owner of Lane's Pharmacy, Carter
Street, Vidalia,, Louisiana, was interviewed at his store.
He was advised of the identities of the interviewing Agents
and thereafter supplied the following information:
On February 27, 1967, Mrs. BEVERLY HEAD worked
at his store from the hours of 8:00 a.m., to 5:38 p.m.
He does not keep time records and thus he could not be
sure of the exact times of her work on that day; however,
the normal hours of Mrs. HEAD are 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Mrs. HEAD began her employment with his drug store
sometime before Christmas of 1966. Her family frequently
comes in the store, her daughter and husband, but he could
not be sure if either her husband or daughters came to his
store on February 27, 1967, as there are many customers
in the store during the day.
He stated that
with Mrs. HEAD; however,
be interviewed after the
some difficulty with the
he did not mind if Agents talked
he would appreciate it if she could
rush lunch period as it would cause
lunch counter service.
Mrs. BEVERLY HEAD, nee WOOD, was interviewed at her
residence, 502 Locust Street, Vidalia, Louisiana. She was
apprised of the identities of the interviewing Agents and
thereafter furnished the following informations
She has been married to NORMAN HEAD for the past 17
years and she knows him very well, further stating that
"if he kills a nigger it'll be with his fists and because
of something done to his wife or children." She hoped that
the Agents would put this in their report.
She is employed at lane's Pharmacy in Vidalia,
Louisiana, and having previously been employed by Sears,
Roebuck and Company. She quit her job at Sears around
December 12, 1966, due to the fact that she did not like
waiting on "niggers," especially having to try on clothes
on "filthy niggers."
On February 27, 1967, she arrived for work at
the pharmacy at about 8 :05 a.m. having driven to work
in her vehicle, a white over yellow Buick. She drove
to work alone as her husband had left for his work at
about 6:30 a.m., on the same day. She could not recall
whether NOR
M A N drove alone to work in his white over orange
Buick or whether "BUTTERBALL" (W. G. WILSON) had picked him
up on that day.
She returned home from the pharmacy at about 11:00
a.m., for her lunch period. Her husband was not home for
lunch as he always takes his lunch to work. She was not
exactly sure, but believes that she returned to work on
Monday, February 27, 1967, at about 12:05 p.m.
After completing the remainder of her work day
at the pharmacy, she returned to her home about 5:30 p.m.
She may have stopped at the Shop N' Save for some milk
on her way home and if so, she would have arrived at her
house around 5:35 to 5:40 p.m. She returned from work
alone in her Buick and drove if directly to her house.
JN 44-2044
2
She recalls that about 4 :30 p.m. while she was
at work she called her husband at home and discussed the
science project of her daughter. She and her husband
were well aware for sometime that the project was due at
the school on February 28, 1967.
Later, NORMAN and her daughter, MARGARET, came
to the store in order to get some batteries for the science
project. MARGARET picked out two batteries, which she
herself placed on their charge at the pharmacy. As far
as she can recall, her husband had also purchased at that time
a double switch at the Western Auto Store and a spool
of copper wire from the electrical, company on the Vidalia
Highway. NORMAN had left MARGARET at the pharmacy for about
15 minutes while he went to get the wire and switch.
From 5 :40 p.m. on she had dinner with her family
and after dinner NORMAN and MARGARET worked on the science
project. Her husband worked on the project until about
10:00 p.m.
She does not knew GERALD FORD of Sicily Island,
Louisiana. RED GLOVER is a friend of her husband; however,
she cannot recall GLOVER being at the house in the past
few months. Her husband often works on GLOVER's truck
and he could have possibly come to the house in the recent
past and during the hours that she was at work.
She and her husband are fairly close friends
with BUCK HORTON of Vidalia, Louisiana. She has not seen
HORTON in sometime, especially since he took up flying
lessons about six to eight months ago. NORMAN and BUCK
were fairly close last summer as NORMAN was doing some work
for BUCK on a boat.
SAM H. COUCH, 1631 Carmelia Street, Vidalia,
Louisiana, was interviewed at his place of business, Miss-Lou
Electric company, Vidalia Highway, Vidalia, Louisiana. He
furnished the following:
He is the shop foreman of Miss-Lou Electric and
he does recall that NORMAN HEAD came to the shop a short
time ago. As he recalls, HEAD came to the shop to "pick
up wire for the little girl's science project." He could
net recall the exact day that HEAD came to the shop, but
it was probably ever a week ago. He does remember that
HEAD came into the shop shortly before closing time, around
4:30 p.m.
HEAD was given about 20 feet of number 23 magnet
This wire has a red varnish coating and is manufactured
b y Essex Wire Corporation of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
wire.
Mrs. ROYCE DUNCAN, 102 Nichols Street, Vidalia,
Louisiana, was interviewed at her residence.
She furnished
the following information:
She and her husband operate the Miss-Lou Electric
Company on the Vidalia Highway in Vidalia, Louisiana. She
generally is at the office of the company and has an
opportunity to see most all of the people who come and go
during the day.
She could not recall seeing NORMAN HEAD at the
office on
February 27, 1967, and this was probably dueto the
fact thatthere are so many persons during the course of
a day who come and go from the office of the company. She
does recall that many people in the recent past have been
coming to the company for wire and other electrical equipment
for a science project at the Vidalia Junior High School.
She stated that most of the people had been asking for
magnetic wire and the company was giving it out in small
amounts, free of charge.
SAM COUCH is
able to recall whether
February 27, 1967.
the shop foreman and he
of not HEAD came to the
may be
shop on
She advised further that JOEL FREEMAN is her
next door neighbor, his house being on Lee Avenue. She
described FREEMAN as being about 30 to 33 years old,
medium brown hair, over six feet tall, and talks with a
noticeable lisp. FREEMAN is married and has four children,
his wife is known only to her as "SISSIE" and FREEMAN is
employed at the International paper Company in Natchez,
Mississippi.
KENNETH NORMAN HEAD, 502 Locust Street, Vidalia,
was contacted at his residence and was advised of the identity
of SA WILLIAM E. DENT, JR., as HEAD was previously advised
of the identity of SA BRADY,
Thereafter, HEAD furnished
the following information:
On February 27, 1967, he now recalls,that RED GLOVER
stopped by his house at about 7 :00 p.m. He failed to mention
this before, but it had completely slipped his mind. As he
recalls RED was there for a very short period of time.
GLOVER came to the house to advise him that GLOVER's brotherin-law was unable to determine if some tin and lumber were
available from a house being torn down on the Government Fleet
Road in Natchez, Mississippi. At the time GLOVER stopped
by the house, his family had completed supper and he and his
daughter were working on the science project.
After staying
a short period of time GLOVER left and as he can now best recall
GLOVER also returned to see him on the following Sunday night.
On this Sunday night GLOVER had stopped by his
house to talk to him about repairing a couple of holes in the
front fenders of his old (MC pickup truck. He also believes
that GLOVER had mentioned something about the gas can and a hand power
saw that he had loaned to GLOVER. As he recalls, GLOVER stated
he had possibly lost the gas can and saw; however, he is now of
the opinion that RED GLOVER has the can and the saw is definitely
missing.
HEAD further stated that last night he and RED GLOVER
took an old (MC pickup truck to Natchez, Mississippi,
and it was his understanding that a young white boy at the
Texaco Service Station across from the Jefferson Davis
Memorial Hospital purchased this vehicle.
He stated the
truck was left with this boy and he does not know the identity
of this young man.
When questioned concerning the Silver Dollar Group
of the Ku Klux Klan, he stated he knew nothing about such a
group; however, he formerly had a silver dollar. About two
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
2
years ago he got a silver dollar while he was running the
service station at Vidalia, Louisiana. He cannot recall how
he came by this silver dollar and he was sure no one had
given him this dollar, but he does recall that the silver dollar was
worth $1.20 as it was rather old, bearing the date 1886.
HEAD was asked if he had attended a fish fry over
a year ago at the home of JAMES LEE in Wildsville, Louisiana.
HEAD said he could not recall attending such a fish fry and he
did not recognize the name of JAMES LEE; however, he might
recognize this person by sight as there were several people
he knows by sight and not by name.
HEAD again was questioned concerning his klan
affiliation and known association with klan members. He
advised that as he had previously told FBI Agents, he has
never been a member of the Ku Klux Klan or any other such
klan-type organization and that the only organization of
which he is a member is the Methodist church of Vidalia,
Louisiana.
At this point it was pointed out to HEAD that
he is known to participate in klan activities and again HEAD
stated he is not a member of the klan. When asked whether or
when he got out of the klan, HEAD merely stated he did
not want to say anything more about the matter.
He advised that he would tell the FBI if he heard
of any information about an act of violence or about the
bombing in Natchez. HEAD was told that it was felt by
interviewing Agents that he would never furnish this
information to the FBI and HEAD stated that he was sincere
and he would if such a situation should arise.
Mr. JOHN LONG, Assistant Personnel Manager of the
Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company, advised that ELDEN GLENN
HESTER, SSN 427-46-3222, born July 23, 1928, in Franklin
County, Mississippi, was employed April 25, 1964, as a
"scrap man" and presently is a Millwright A, qualified for top
rate in this grade. His application reflects he is 6 feet,
170 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes, no military service,
12th grade education, married to EMMA JANE HESTER, a
housewife and has four children, ages 16, 14, 13 and 6.
Father was listed as OTIS G. HESTER and mother JULIAN M.
of Route 3, Meadville. Past employments were listed as
follows:
International Paper - December 1963 to April 1964;
American Bridge, Gonzales, Louisiana, September
1963 to December 1963;
Mississippi Steel, Jackson, Mississippi, June
1963 to September 1963;
Willhoitt Steel, Columbia, South Carolina,
March 1963 to June 1963;
Penick Erection Company, Jackson, Mississippi,
February 1963 to March 1963.
His friends were listed as working at Armstrong BARNEY GRAVES and GEORGE MYERS, at the time he filed his
application.
There was a notation in pencil that he claimed to
have worked 12 years in iron work at Johns-Mansville, and
that he would take any employment to get to move back to
the Natchez area.
ELDEN GLEN HESTER, of Route 3, Meadville,
Mississippi, was advised of the identity of the interviewing
Agents, in the conference room of the Armstrong Tire and
Rubber Company, the nature of the investigation, and that
any statement he might make could be used in a court of
law. He stated he had no objection to interview and would
cooperate in this investigation in any manner he could,
with facts - not rumors.
HESTER stated he worked during the day shift at
Armstrong, went home after 4:00 p.m. and remained with his
family until he returned the following morning to work. He
was at work when he heard of WHARLEST JACKSON'S death.
This was the first occasion he had heard of JACKSON. He
stated he had known who GEORGE METCALFE was since the
explosion involving him, but had no suspects in either matter.
He stated he rides back and forth to Meadville generally
alone but on occasion has gotten a ride with JOHN BOLANwho
lives in the country at Meadville.
HESTER stated he has never been invited to join
any Klan type Organization, has never belonged because he
is a member of the Holiness Church which is against belonging
to secret organizations, which he understands the Klan is.
He stated he knows the SEALE family of Bunkley Community
near Meadville but is not a close associate. He knows
BUFORD ASHLEY of Meadville, very casually pointing out that
he married a COWART girl. He thought possibly ASHLEY
had accidentally run over a Mr. TYNES (phonetic) on the
highway in the past but was not sure.
HESTER stated he had lived in the rural area of
Winnsboro, Louisiana, for only a short time and did not
recall having known a "SONNY” TAYLOR in the area.
He stated he had known EARL HODGES who had been
murdered in Ediston, Mississippi, as EARL had been an
excellent mechanic who had done who had done work for
HESTER. He had no information pertaining to the latter
case, nor did he have any information concerning the bombing
of GEORGE METCALFE in 1965.
JN 44-2044
AT WINNSBORO, LOUISIANA
The following persons were contacted by SA RICHARD D.
RACKLEFF at their respective agencies on March 10, 1967, and
were unable to furnish any information from their records
identifiable with ELTON HESTER:
MYRTIS BOUTWELL, Winnsboro Credit Bureau
HOWARD COLBERT, Clerk, U. S. Post Office
M. TAYLOR, Postmaster, U. S. Post Office
JIMMY GUICE, Deputy Sheriff, Franklin Parish
Sheriff's Office
Trooper J. COLVIN, Louisiana State Police
M. ERWIN, Franklin Parish Child Welfare Officer
MINNIE R. BROOKS, Local Draft Board 23, Selective
Service System
JAMES H. BROWNELL, Veterans Administration Officer
AUSTIN JOHNSON, Franklin Parish County Agent
Deputy GUICE, Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office,
advised the files of his department contain an arrest record
for GUIN HESTER, white male, approximately 31, 5 feet 2 inches,
120 pounds, brown hair and eyes and dark complected. Deputy
GUICE stated GUIN HESTER was arrested on October 25, 1961, and
charged with negligent homicide, inasmuch as HESTER hit and
killed a Negro child on Louisiana Highway 15, approximately one
mile north of Gilbert, Louisiana. At that time HESTER furnished
his local address as General Delivery, Roxie, Mississippi.
His bondsman was shown to be LEE HESTER of Roxie, Mississippi.
On April 16, 1962, the Franklin Parish Grand Jury
passed a no true bill for GUIN HESTER.
Mrs. MYRTIS BOUTWELL, Winnsboro Credit Bureau,
advised the only HESTER contained in her files is a J. C.
HESTER, Box 176, Clarks, Louisiana. This file was opened on
October 27, 1954, and the last account shown was the Goodwill
Sales Co., on February 16, 1960.
WOODROW
H O LLO W A Y,
a ls o
know n
as
BLUE
H O LLO W A Y ,
was interviewed at his home, 310 T e x a s Street, Ferriday.
Louisiana. He was advised of the identities of the inter­
viewing Agents and SA PFEIFER read to him the form containing
his rights. HOLLOWAY read this form and signed the Waiver
of Rights Form in the presence of SAs JOHN A. PFEIFER and
JOHN D. BRADY. He thereafter furnished the following
information:
On February 27, 1967, he got up at about 6:00 a.m.
and at about 6:45 a.m. he left his home alone in a red Ford
pickup truck belonging to R.
DEMY Construction Company.
He drove from his home to the DENNY farm south of N atchez ,
Mississippi, and there began his work for the day. He is
a bulldozer operator and has been clearing land on the DENNY
farm for the past few weeks.
Between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., on that day, February 21,
1967, he quit work due to the fact it began to rain moderately.
He drove alone in the same truck to the Denny Construction
Company yard on the Vidalia Highway in Ferriday, Louisiana.
He then filled his truck with gasoline which took, about
20 minutes and then proceeded directly to his home. He
believed he arrived at his home around 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.
He remained home with his family the remainder of the day
with the exception of about five to ten minutes when he went to
the Handi-Stop Store in Ferriday to get a package of cigarettes
sometime during the evening of February 27, 967 .
As he can best recall, Mr. JONES who lives on the
DENNY farm in Natchez was at the farm on February 21, 1961.
PERRY LUXFORD also worked with him on the bulldozer at the
Denny farm on February 27, 1967. LUXFORD lives near Sandy
Lake in Jonesville, Louisiana.
His wife was at his home when he left for
work in the morning and when he returned. To the best of
his recollection, he had no visitors or telephone calls
during the time he was at home on February 21, 1967.
JN 44-2044
2
He has never belonged to any klan organization
and has never been asked to join such a group. When asked
about the sign on his porch which reflected the name "Concordia
Parish Sportsman Club," he stated his young son, WOODROW, had
brought the sign to the house along with a cardboard box from
United Furniture. This was during the Summer of 1966 and he
had no idea where this sign came from and stated he had never
seen this sign before. He stated he does not belong to the
Concordia Parish Sportsman Club.
He stated he does not know JAMES SCARBOROUGH
personally although he would recognize him on the street.
He knows E. D. MORACE only slightly and has not spoken
to him for the past two or three months. He stated. MORACE
does not even work on his car.
He stated he does not know SCOTTIE WRIGHT; WALTER
REED; DAVE HANEY; E. M. BOYD; BUCK HORTON; SONNY TAYLOR; JAMES
FREDERICK LEE; GERALD FORD, or JOEL FREEMAN.
He advised he knows J. B . TEMPLE only slightly and
is familiar with the fact TEMPLE has an auto parts store in
Vidalia, Louisiana.
He further stated that he does not know RED GLOVER or
NORMAN HEAD.
He is not sure if he knows HANK HOWINGTON and indicated
that he may know him by sight only.
He may possibly know JOE WHEAT, who installs telephones
for the local telephone company. He stated he knows FRANK DE
LAUGHTER, by sight only. He stated that he believes there was a
DE LAUGHTER who was a deputy sheriff for the Concordia Parish
Sheriff's Office, but he has not been to the Chicken House in
Clayton, Louisiana, for the past two years.
He further stated that he did not know any of the
following individuals:
BRUCE PAYNE
GEORGE GREEN
ERNEST AVANTS
JOHN W. BARBER
frank
hayman
ROY BESOM
ALFRED WHITLEY
BARRY "CATFISH" SMITH
JAMES C .
WINSTON
ARCHIE C.
CURTIS
ERNEST F IN L E Y
ERNEST PARKER
JACK SEALE
RICHARD JOE BUTLER
BILLY WOOD
ED FULLER
WILLIAM DAVIDSON
RAY
WALTERS
L. C. MURRAY
MARVIN M C KINNEY
PETER SHEFPERS
JIMMY WHITE
J. L. "’BIG M
A
R
K
"
M
C
RODNEY B R ITT
CALVIN CLARK
CHARLIE EDDIE MOORE
HENRY HEZEKIAL DEE
JAMES SEALE
CLYDE SEALE
MYRON WAYNE
ARCHIE PRAPHER
DON SEALE
GEORGE EDWARD
WHITE
SAM WOODS
DR.
A .
W. DUMAS
WILLIE WASHINGTON
JAKE FRISHMAN
SAM
FREEM AN
CHARLES FALVE Y
WALTER GENE H A LL
FRANK THURMAN
PAUL L. FOSTER
DOUGLAS BYRD
K E N N E Y
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
4
LONNIE HOWELL
GEORGE METCALFE
C. S. REDDER
EDDIE ROBERT DAVIS
ERVIN LEE MARTIN
PEARL MATTHEWS
JAMES FREDERICK LEE
ODIS GOOD
LESTER DICKERSON
RAY SANDER
REGINALD CARTER
CHARLES DAVIDSON
JOE L. HARDY
DOYLE MURRAY
HERBERT ROGILLIO, JR.
OTIS GERMANY, JR.
MARION BRASWELL
JAMES JONES
BEN CHESTER WHITE
CLAUDE FULLER
FREDERICK L. “JUNE” CALLON.
He stated that he knew nothing concerning the burning
the Bethel Baptist Church, Jerusalem Baptist Church and the
Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church.
He stated that he believed JOHN NOSSER was the mayor
of Natchez but he knew nothing about a bomb thrown in the
front yard of NOSSER's home.
The following description of HOLLOWAY was obtained
through observation and interviews
Name
Alias
Sex
Race
Date and place of
birth
H OLLOWAY
Blue Holloway
Male
White
July 19, 1919, Calahoula
Parish* Louisiana
Height
Weight
Build
Hair
5'11”
200
Stocky
Gray* thin* balding in front
JN 44-2044
5
Teeth
Scars and marks
Education
Selective Service
number
Selective Service
classification
Military service
Bad teeth
None
Completed 5th grade at
Gilbert, Louisiana
Registered Local Board at Winnsboro,
Louisiana
Completed military obligation
U. S. Army Signal Corps
as telephone serviceman
February 10, 1942 - November
12, 1945, Honorable
Discharge as Tech. 4th grade
No demolition training
Cannot recall, was drafted
Military service number
L. J. Denny Construction
Present employment
Company as a Caterpillar
operator, Ferriday, Louisiana,
three years
Roland Stacy Construction
Past employment
Company, Natchez, six months;
Joe Furr Construction
Company, Natchez, nine years,
heavy equipment
Social Security
Number
434-20-4473
Louisiana driver's license
Driver's license
#2168237, issued April 22,
1966, picture 76,
examination 015, to WOODROW
HOLLOWAY, 310 Texas,
Ferriday
Checking account
Delta Security Bank and Trust
Married
Marital status
Relatives
Wife, HAZEL, nee Wallace, age 37,
married 1946 at Gilbert,
Louisiana, only wife
Children, MARY TILL, age 19,
divorced from SHEL TON TILL
of Delhi, Louisiana, living
with father, unemployed;
NELLIE FAYE SANDERS, age 17,
married to CARLOS SANDERS,
in U. S. Army, Fort Hood,
Texas
JUDY HOLLOWAY, age 14, student,
lives with parents.
JAMES WOODROW HOLLOWAY, age 7,
lives with parents
Deceased, wife's parents also
deceased
JOHN HOLLOWAY, age 64, married to
RUBY, live at Gilbert, Louisiana,
farmer
FRANK HOLLOWAY, age 61, married to
MYRTLE, live near Wisner,
Louisiana, farmer
WILLIAM "BILL” HOLLOWAY, 50s,
married to RUTH, live at
Gilbert, Louisiana,
THOMAS HOMER HORTON was contacted at Armstrong
Rubber Company and advised of the identity of the
interviewing agents by SA REESIE L. TIMMONS, who also
advised him he did not have to make any statement, that any
statement he did make could be used in a court of law and
that he had the right to consult an attorney of his choice
or anyone else before making any statement.
HORTON advised that he is commonly known in the
Adams County, Mississippi, Vidalia, Louisiana, area where
he resides at 413 Lynn Street, as "BUCK" HORTON.
HORTON advised that he was a member of a Klan
organization in Vidalia, Louisiana, from early 1963 until
approximately one and a half to two years ago when he got
out of the Klan and has not participated in any Klan activity
since that time.
HORTON advised that In late 1963 he, accompanied by
J. B. TEMPLE, DENNIS SMITH, (who works at Armstrong Rubber), and
JOEL FREEMAN of Vidalia, Louisiana, drove to Laurel, Mississippi,
to collect a debt owed J. B. TEMPLE by a Mr. FOSTER, who
allegedly resided in a trailer park in Laurel, Mississippi.
HORTON advised that they were unable to locate this
”Mr.FOSTER” and returned to Vidalia, Louisiana.
HORTON
advised that he is now and has for many years been a close
friend of J. B. TEMPLE, however, he does not know the other
two individuals very well and does not know why J. B.
TEMPLE invited them to accompany him to Laurel, Mississippi,
to collect this debt from Mr. FOSTER.
HORTON advised that on Monday night, March 6, 1967,
”RED" GLOVER came by his house and spent from two to three
JN 44-2044
2
hours visiting with him attempting to convince him that he
should buy his (GLOVER's) house In Vidalia as he hopes to
sell it in the immediate future and move to a house he is
building 16 miles south of McComb, Mississippi.
HORTON advised that he put his house on the market
Tuesday morning, March 7, 1967, in hopes of being able to
find a buyer for his house so that he may purchase that of
"RED" GLOVER.
HORTON advised that he did not specifically ask
GLOVER but assumes that when he sells his home and moves
he will give up his job at Armstrong Rubber Company.
J N 44-2044
B W W :raj
1
On March 9, 1967, ELLA ADKINS, Credit Bureau
of Natchez, Natchez,Mississippi, made available to SA BRENT W.
WARBERG the records of that credit reporting agency concerning
the below-listed individuals. The records reveal the
following information:
HOMER T. HORTON, 413 Lynn Street, Vidalia,
Louisiana, is a white male, is married, wife, HELEN;
and has been employed at the Armstrong Tire and Rubber
Company since October 18, 1961; lists four dependents.
Former addresses listed are General Delivery, Washington,
Mississippi, and Brookhaven, Mississippi. Former employment
listed as Complete Auto Transit Company, Atlanta Georgia.
The records also show that credit reports concerning HORTON
were sent to the Credit Bureau of Kansas City on May 13, 1963,
and the Credit Bureau of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 8,
1966. This credit rating issatisfactory and he has been listed
with the Credit Bureau of Natchez since January, 1963.
TOMMIE L. JONES, 75 Cloverdale Road, Natchez,
is a white male; is married, wife's name CONNIE MAE, and
has been employed by the International Paper Company since
September, 1956. His former address is listed as Route 1,
Liberty, Mississippi. He has been listed with the Credit
Bureau of Natchez since January, 1957, and his credit rating
is satisfactory.
RILEY J. GLOVER, 113 Lee Street, Vidalia, Louisiana,
is a white male; is married, wife's name LAVENIA, and has
been employed by the Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company since
1956. Other names listed for GLOVER are R. J. and ROLLIE.
The record also shows that in May, 1963, his address was
listed as 5 East Franklin Street, Natchez, and his wife's
name as MERIDETH. The records show the credit bureau sent
a credit report concerning GLOVER to the Credit Bureau of
Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, on January 16, 1965, GLOVER has been
in the files of the Credit Bureau of Natchez since 1940 and
his credit rating is satisfactory.
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
BW W : r a j
2
ELDON HESTER, Baskin, Louisiana, is a white
male; is married; wife's name, JANE; employed by the Armstrong
Tire and Rubber Company. He is 38 years old. He lists his
former address as Meadville, Mississippi, and has been in
the file of the Credit Bureau of Natchez singe March 2, 1966.
W. G. WILSON, 116 Banny Street, Vidalia, Louisiana,
is a white male; married; wife's name, BETTY; employed by
the Halburton Company as a truck driver. He has been in
the file of the Credit Bureau of Natchez since October 28,
1964, and has a credit rating of satisfactory.
THOMAS HOMER HORTON, contacted at the Natchez-Adams
County Airport, at his own suggestion, was advised by the
interviewing Agent that he did not have to furnish any statement, that any statement he did furnish could be used against
him in a court of law, and that he had the right to an attorney
or anyone else of his choice prior to making any statement.
HORTON furnished the following information:
HORTON advised that he was concerned about comments
made at the interview earlier that day and desired to furnish
information regarding his own Klan activity.
He stated at the outset that he would not discuss
activity of or identity of any other members of the Klan in
view of the oath he took on the Bible when he was sworn in
and when he was sworn out of the Klan at Vidalia, Louisiana.
HORTON advised that he was sworn into the Vidalia
Unit of the Original Knights of the Ku Klux Klan of Louisiana
(OKKKK) in the Spring of 1963, was immediately elected to the
position of "Night Hawk" and attended every meeting and social
function of that unit until the Winter of 1963-1964, when
officers of the unit allegedly produced proof that ROYAL V .
YOUNG of Boss
ier City, Louisiana, and a Mr. SWEENEY of
Shreveport, Louisiana, had swindled several thousand dollars
of Klan funds. He stated this action destroyed his belief
in the Klan and he was immediately "sworn out of the Klan,
under the Mississippi River Bridge at Vidalia, Louisiana, on
the mats". He stated this was a regular meeting and that
the Vidalia Unit often met underneath the Mississippi River
Bridge "on the mats". He stated he described the "mats" as
the rolls of wooden objects that can be seen stacked under­
neath the bridge as you cross the River Bridge.
JN 44-2044
2
HORTON advised that during the months he was a
member of the Vidalia Unit he did not participate in any
violence of any nature and knew of no instances wherein any
other members of the Vidalia Unit participated in any violence.
He advised that during the Summer of 1966 he joined
a parade of Klansmen in downtown Natchez, Mississippi, and
had a very strong argument with an individual taking his picture
whom he later learned to be an FBI Agent.
HORTON advised that during late June or early July,
1966, he was invited to a fishfry at the residence of JAMES LEE
in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, on a Saturday afternoon. He
stated that his best friend, NORMAN HEAD of Vidalia, Louisiana,
came by his residence in the early afternoon, told him "We
caught some fish last night and have them cooking at the
residence of JAMES LEE. Would you care to go with me?"
HORTON advised that he and NORMAN HEAD drove to the residence
of JAMES LEE in his old Chevrolet pickup, arriving at approxi­
mately 1:00 to 1:30 PM. He advised the two of them stayed
there approximately 30 minutes and left together returning to
his residence in Vidalia where his mother and sister from
New Orleans, Louisiana, were visiting.
HORTON identified the following individuals as
being present at this fishfry during the approximately 30
minutes he attended:
JAMES SCAROBROUGH
JAMES LEE
RED GLOVER
ERNEST FINLEY
NORMAN HEAD, and
himself
He advised there were one or two other individuals
present that he did not know.
JN 44-2044
3
HORTON described NORMAN HEAD as his closest friend
whom he sees almost daily. He described RED GLOVER as a very
close friend of his whom he sees quite often and who visited
his home some two to three hours the night of March 6, 1967.
He stated GLOVER wants to sell him his house in Vidalia,
Louisiana. He advised that GLOVER "has only $900 in the house
and if I can raise the $900 for GLOVER, I can take over the
payments", HORTON stated that GLOVER advised him Monday night
that his wife inherited 11 acres of land and a house some two
or three miles north of Kentwood, Louisiana, and he is most
anxious to sell his house in Vidalia and move to the Kentwood,
Louisiana, area. HORTON advised that GLOVER did not tell him
this, but he is certain he intends to continue his employment
at Armstrong and commute daily the approximately 80 miles
each way to the Natchez Plant of Armstrong Rubber.
HORTON advised the he is not now and has never been
associated with any organization known as the "Silver Dollar
Group" or anything similar thereto. He advised that he spends
all his spare time and money flying twin engine planes at the
Natchez-Adams County Airport in hopes of obtaining enough
hours to obtain a commercial pilot's license. He advised that
he has joined no group since leaving the Klanin the Winter of
1963-1964.
HORTON advised that should he obtain any information
from any source indicating that he is a member of any organi­
zation at this time he would immediately contact the FBI.
HORTON advised that he would talk with any representative of
the FBI at any time they desired.
On March 7, 1967, LESLIE HOLMES, owner and
operator of Selina Truck Stop, Highway 61, Selma,
Mississippi, advised SA FRANK B. WATTS and SA FRED
B. LAFFERTY that since September, 1966, he has known
JAMES F. LEE in view of the fact that LEE has rented a
home directly behind his truck stop.
HOLMES advised that during September, 1966,
LEE with his wife and four children moved from Wildsville,
Louisiana, to Selma, Mississippi. He stated that LEE is
employed on the "graveyard shift" at Armstrong Tire and
Rubber Company in Natchez, Mississippi. He advised that
LEE's wife presently is attending nurse's school at
Jefferson Davis Hospital in Natchez.
HOLMES advised that since he has known LEE he
has had many inquiries from "bill collectors" concerning LEE
and as a result he considers LEE to have a poor credit
standing in this area. He advised that LEE has many
friends visiting him on a frequent basis and that
almost every weekend LEE has a "party" at his residence.
HOLMES advised that he is not acquainted with any
of the individuals he has seen go to and from LEE's
residence.
JAMES FREDERICK LEE resident of R u r a l Selma,
Mississippi, acknowledged the identity of the interviewing
Agents, and volunteered that h e understood his rights completely,
but that for personal reasons he did not desire to sign a
Waiver of Rights form.
LEE continued to deny any membership at the present
time in any klan group. He did state, however, that he had in
the past had some affiliation with klan groups,but he
did not desire to further identify these groups and
would not furnish any specifics thereof.
LEE emphatically denied any participation or
knowledge of the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON'S truck in
Natchez, Mississippi, on February 27, 1967. He stated that he
did not know WHARLEST JACKSON prior to his murder, but
had heard him described as a "good Negro."
LEE volunteered
that he knew GEORGE METCALFE as a local Negro National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People worker and that he knew
that METCALFE had been riding with JACKSON to work at the
Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company. He further described
METCALFE as an "agitator" and volunteered that he felt
that because it was generally thought that METCALFE was
an "agitator" and that JACKSON was a "good" Negro, that the
bombing of JACKSON's truck was actually meant for METCALFE.
LEE advised this was his own thinking and that he had never
heard this fact discussed in his presence.
LEE stated that on the day this act occurred he
had been at home all day until approximately 4:00 p.m., at
which time he traveled to Natchez High School where he is
enrolled in an adult education course and that he had
remained there until approximately 7:00 p.m. He stated he
went directly home arriving at 7:30 p.m.
LEE advised he has no idea whatsoever who might
be responsible for the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON's truck.
JAMES FREDERICK LEE was advised of the identities
of the interviewing agents and volunteered that he recalled
being interviewed by SA FRANK B. WATTS during September, 1965,
and further advised that he was well aware of his rights but
did not desire to sign a waiver of rights form. He did state,
however, that he desired to furnish the following information:
LEE stated that he is not now nor has he ever been
a memberof any Klan organization and that he does not know
anyone who is so associated.
LEE stated that he has never been a member of any
group known as the "'Silver Dollar Group" and does not recall
ever having this mentioned to him before with the exception
of when he was interviewed by Bureau agents in 1965.
LEE stated that during contact with his friends
andrelatives
he has never heard any discussion concerning
planned acts of violence and never heard the name WHARLEST
JACKSON mentioned until after this individual's truck was
bombed. He advised that he works the "graveyard shift" in
Department 23 at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company in
Natchez and learned after JACKSON was murdered that JACKSON
also worked In this department. He stated, however, that
he did not know this until after this crime was committed.
LEE advised he had no idea whatsoever who might be
responsible for the murder of JACKSON,
LEE stated that he knew GEORGE METCALFE and that
he had heard GEORGE METCALFE's name mentioned on numerous
occasions at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company but does not
recall hearing any discussion in regard to planned acts of
violence concerning METCALFE,
JN 4 4 - 2 0 4 4
2
LEE advised that he Is acquainted on a social
basis with R. J. GLOVER, TOMMIE JONES, JAMES SCAROBOROUGH,
T. L. TORGERSON, JACK and JAMES SEALE, all of the Vidalia,
Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi, area. He stated,
however, that he has never been in any organization with
these individuals and knew them only on a social basis. He
volunteered that approximately a year ago he and R. J. GLOVER
planned a fish fry at his (LEE's) residence in Wildsville,
Louisiana. He said that most of the above-mentioned
individuals were present at this fish fry but that this was
not an organizational meeting of any sort and that no
discussions were had except general family matters.
The following physical description of LEE was
obtained during this interview:
Name:
Residence:
Race:
Sex:
Height:
Weight:
Eyes:
Hair:
Complexion:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Automobiles:
Employment:
JAMES FREDERICK LEE
Selma, Mississippi
White
Male
5' 10"
170
Blue
Red (receding)
Ruddy (freckles)
June 16, 1935
Orange, Texas
1962 blue Tempest, fourdoor sedan;
1964 green Chevrolet
station wagon
Department 23,
Armstrong Tire and Rubber
Company, Natchez, Miss.
ROBERT A. MARLER, Mill Agent, International Paper
Company, Natchez, Mississippi, advised that TOMMIE L. JONES
was placed on sick leave by his firm on November 24, 1966.
MARLER stated that JONES is still on sick leave as of
March 6, 1967. He stated his records reflect that on
February 14, 1967, JONES was operated on by a Dr. (FNU)
BLAKE of the Jackson Bone and Joint Clinic, Jackson,
Mississippi, for a disorder in his back. He stated that
by letter dated February 27, 1967, his firm was advised
that JONES was being discharged from the hospital for
return to his home where he would recuperate.
HERBERT E . FR ITH , C r e d i t M a n a g e r, B u s in e s s O f f i c e ,
M i s s i s s i p p i B a p t i s t H o s p i t a l , J a c k s o n , M i s s i s s i p p i , a d v is e d
a r e v ie w o f th e m e d ic a l r e c o r d f o r M r. TOMMIE L . JONES,
75 Cloverdale Drive, Natchez, Mississippi, reveals the
following information:
Patient Num ber:
Date Admitted to
H o s p it a l;
D a te D is c h a r g e d
H o s p it a l:
Room Number:
701913
F e bru a ry
13, 1967
fro m
Admitting Doctor:
February 25, 1967
7012
Dr. THOMAS H. BLAKE, M.D.
(J a c k s o n Bone an d J o i n t
C lin ic )
Mr. FRITH stated that if JONES had left the
hospital on any type of pass during the period February 13 25, 1967, a notation to this effect would be entered on his
hospital record; he said no such notation was on the record.
Mrs. JAMES A. HARP, Bookkeeper, RICHARD ARNAUD
FORD, Ferriday, Louisiana, furnished the following
information:
E. D . MORACE is a mechanic at the Ford Garage
and according to the attendance records, he was at work
on February 27, 1967. The company does not employ a
time punch system, however, the regular hours of business
for the company is from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 5 :30 p.m.
with one hour for lunch.
E.D.MORACE, 512 Mississippi
Street, Ferriday,
Louisiana was interviewed at his place of employment, Richard
Arnaud Ford Company, Ferriday, Louisiana. He was advised
of the identities of the interviewing Agents and thereafter
furnished the following:
On February 27 , 1967 , he worked at the Ford garage
for the entire day and after work he returned to his home.
He did not leave the Ferriday area during the entire day.
He stated that he did not desire to answer any further
questions concerning his whereabouts on February 27, 1967.
He did not want to answer any further questions and had nothing
further say to the Agents.
JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH, 332 Iowa Street, was
advised of the identities of the interviewing agents and
at the outset of the interview a waiver of rights form was
read to him at which time he volunteered that he understood
his rights but refused to sign a waiver if rights form.
SCAROBOROUGH advised that he has no present Klan
activity. He stated that the only organizations that he
belongs to at the present time is the Masonic Lodge and
National Rifleman's Association, both at Ferriday, Louisiana.
SCAROBOROUGH, when questioned concerning his
past Kish activity, advised that he would not deny that he
was formerly associated with a Klan group in Ferriday,
Louisiana, and that he would not deny the fact that he
was a past officer of this Klan unit. He stated, however,
that he took an oath in this Klan organization and did not
at this time desire to break this oath and tell of the
activities concerning this Klan group nor name names. He
did state, however, that in connection with his past Klan
activity he knows of no violent acts planned or carried out
by this Klan organization. He stated that approximately
three or four months ago he discontinued his Klan affiliation
because of the fact that all acts of violence taking place
throughout the south were being blamed on the Klan and he,
therefore, did not desire to have a finger pointed at him
in connection with any act of violence. He stated that he
does not condone violence and that any knowledge he had
concerning an act of violence he would immediately report
it unless the victim of this act of violence was a "communist."
He advised that he believes that the people are going to have
to take matters in their own hands concerning communists
in view of the fact that the U. S . Congress has not passed
adequate laws to cope with these communists.
SCAROBOROUGH advised that he knew nothing whatsoever
concerning the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON's truck and stated
that he had never heard of JACKSON until this act was
committed. He stated that he had never heard WHARLEST
JACKSON's name mentioned in any group. He advised that he
did know of GEORGE METCALFE, who was a National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) worker, and
and employee of Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company in Natchez,
but that he has never heard any discussion concerning any
act of violence concerning METCALFE.
SCAROBOROUGH advised that even though he may
not agree with what the NAACP is doing he did not
condone harming anyone with maybe the exception of
STOKELY CARMICHAEL, who is a leader of the Student
Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). SCAROBOROUGH
stated that he is of the opinion that CARMICHAEL is a
communist.
SCAROBOROUGH was questioned concerning his knowledge
of R. J. GLOVER, JAMES "RED" LEE, TOMMY JONES, "TOG" TORGERSON
and ERNEST PARKER. He advised that he knew all these
individuals but knew them only on a social basis and
has never been associated with them in any organization. He
advised that he has no knowledge whatsoever indicating that
any of these individuals are Klan members and that he has
never heard them discuss in his presence any acts of violence.
SCAROBOROUGH advised that, he has never had any
knowledge of a group known as the Silver Dollar Group. He
stated he does recall being questioned about a year ago by
FBI Agents concerning this group. He stated that he is not
associated with any group known as the "Silver Dollar Group"
and stated again that the only affiliations he has with any
organization is the Masonic Lodge and National Rifleman's
Association.
He advised that he has not associated nor even seen
any of the above individuals in the recent past with the
exception of R. J. GLOVER. SCAROBOROUGH stated that
approximately two or three weeks ago GLOVER came to his
278
home in Ferriday, Louisiana, and wanted SCAROBOROUGH to
do some repairs to his (GLOVER's) truck, SCAROBOROUGH
advised that he recalls the nature of this repair was that
of installing new shock absorbers on the body of GLOVER's
truck. SCAROBOROUGH stated that GLOVER wanted these shock
absorbers welded on his truck and since he, SCAROBOROUGH,
was a welder, GLOVER wanted him to do the job. SCAROBOROUGH
stated he told GLOVER that he would do this job for him and
to bring his truck by his residence any week end. SCAROBOROUGH
stated, however, that GLOVER has not been back for this repair
and that he has not seen GLOVER since this time.
SCAROBOROUGH advised that he understood what
conspiracy meant and that a person merely having knowledge
of a crime could be prosecuted in addition to those actually
participating in a crime. He reiterated, however, at this
point that he had never heard any individual in any gathering
discussing the bombing of anyone or anything. He stated
that he, himself, was deathly afraid of explosives in view
of the fact that he blew off his fingernails when as a child
shooting firecrackers. He stated since that time he has
had no dealings whatsoever with any form of explosives.
When questioned as to why he got out of the Klan
organization, SCAROBOROUGH stated that as stated before he
did not want a finger pointed at him as being responsible
for any acts of violence and further that he did not want
to get involved in any act of violence because of his
devotion to his family. He stated that he has a daughter
presently in Louisiana Technical College and two sons in
high school at Ferriday, Louisiana, and that he would never
do anything which would jeopardize their future. SCAROBOROUGH
stated that it was because of these reasons that he could not
or would not ever become involved in any act of violence.
The following physical description of SCAROBOROUGH
was obtained in the course of this interview:
JN
4 4 -2 0 4 4
4
Name:
JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH
Alias:
Sex:
Race;
Residence:
Length of Residence:
Telephone Number;
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Height;
Weight:
Build:
Hair:
Eyes:
Complexion:
Scars and Marks:
Jimmy
Male
White
332 Iowa, Ferriday, Louisiana
12 years
757-3476
March 11, 1921
Haile, Louisiana
5 ' 11"
170 pounds
Medium
Brown
Blue
Ruddy
2” cut scar, right
wrist
chronic ulcer
Welder, International
Paper Company, Natchez,
Mississippi (25 years)
8th grade
Parrish, Louisiana
1942 - 1945, U. S. Navy,
Serial Number 6452989
None claimed
Married
DOROTHY WATKINS
CAROLINE, age 18
STEVE, age 15
GLEN, age 9
1966 Dodge, copper colored,
current license 1967
Louisiana 11L221;
1957 GMC black pickup
truck, license unrecalled
Physical defects:
Occupation:
Education:
Union:
Military Service:
Arrest Record:
Marital Status:
Wife:
Daughter:
Sons:
Vehicles:
280
Review of time records, International Paper
Company, as made available through JOHN WILSON, Chief
Accountant, reflects the following information concerning
JAMES L. SCAROBOROUGH, Identification Number 5498:
These records reflect SCAROBOROUGH was laid off
during the month of December, 1968, and that the first week
in January, 1967, he received one week's vacation which he
had requested on October 23, 1966.
During the week of February 20 - 24,1967, he
worked eight hours each day commencing at 7:00 a.m. and
leaving the plant at 3:30 p.m. He did not work on
Saturday and Sunday, February 25 and 26, 1967, and on
February 27, 1967, he worked eight hours commencing at
7:00 a.m. and leaving the plant at 3:30 p.m.
CLARENCE WOODHAM, Personnel Foreman, Personnel
Department, International Paper Company, advised that even
though he knows of no specific activity in regard to Klan
affairs pertaining to JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH at International
Paper Company, he has heard from an unrecalled source or
unrecalled individuals that SCAROBOROUGH was a member of
some Klan type organization. He advised that he has not
received any official complaint from SCAROBOROUGH's fellow
employees reflecting any Klan activity on the part of
SCAROBOROUGH on the company grounds.
HARRY HILL, Personnel Department, International
Paper Company, advised that he has heard of no derogatory
Information coming from other employees concerning
JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH. He advised that to the best of
his knowledge SCAROBOROUGH has had no Klan activity at
the International Paper Company.
JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH, upon being recontacted,
acknowledged the identities of the interviewing agents,
stated he understood his rights, but refused to sign a
waiver of rights form. He did state, however, that he had
no objection whatsoever to talking with the Interviewing
agents and furnished the following information:
SCAROBOROUGH reiterated that he has never been a
member of a group called the "Silver Dollar Group" and that
he has never heard any of his friends mention a group by
this name. He stated that he does not recall ever hearing
any of his friends mention a group by this name. He stated
that he does not recall ever hearing any of his friends mention
the name of WHARLEST JACKSON but does recall several
conversations concerning GEORGE METCALFE. He stated,
however, that there was no mention of any planned violence
concerning METCALFE mentioned in his presence and that he
is sure no acts of violence have been discussed in his
presence by any of his friends.
SCAROBOROUGH was questioned again concerning his
past Klan activity and advised that he did not desire to
furnish details nor name individuals at this time. He did
state that several years ago he joined the Original Knights
of the Ku Klux Klan in Ferriday, Louisiana, and shortly
thereafter got out of this group. He stated that he got
out of this unit because the United Klans of America had
become more active in the Ferriday, Louisiana, area.
He stated he then became active in the United Klans of
America, Inc., in Ferriday, Louisiana, and remained active
until April of May of 1966. He advised that in April or
May of 1966 because of "personal reasons" he quit paying
dues and discontinued his activity in the United Klans of
America completely. He advised that since that time he
JN
2
4 4 -2 0 4 4
has had no Klan
United Klans of
activity whatsoever and after leaving the
America he joined no other Klan group.
SCAROBOROUGH advised that he did not desire to
discuss his Klan activity further with the exception of
stating that during all his Klan activity he does not
recall ever discussing or hearing discussed the plans for
acts of violence.
WALTER WAYNE REED, 330 Iowa Street, Ferriday,
Loui
siana, was interviewed at his residence. He was
advised of the identities of the interviewing Agents and
thereafter supplied the following:
On February 27, 1967, he was at his home just about
all of the day and he works on the 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
shift at the International Paper Company in Natchez , Mississippi,
After getting home on February 27, 1967, he went to bed and
slept most of the day.
JIMMY SCARBOROUGH is his next-door neighbor and as
he can best recall he did not see JIMMY on February 27, 1967,
and has no idea what he was doing on that day.
He is acquainted with RED GLOVER and saw him about
six months ago. He has seen GLOVER about twice at JIMMY
SCARBOROUGH'S house.
He knows JOEL FREEMAN of Vidalia, Louisiana, as he has
worked at International Paper Company for the past four years.
He has heard nothing concerning the identities of
the person or persons responsible for the bombing o f a Negro
in Natchez, Mississippi, on February 27, 1967.
JAMES LEE S C A R O B O R O U G H , 3 3 2 I o w a Street, Ferriday,
acknowledged the I d e n t i t y of the interviewing A g e n t and volunteered
that he was c o mpletely aware of his rights, b u t r e f used to sign
a Waiver o f Rights form,
SCAROBOROUGH re-emphasized that he did not participate
in, nor has he had any prior knowledge of the bombing of
WHARLEST JACKSON's truck in Natchez, Mississippi, on February 27,
1967. He stated that on that date he worked from 7:00 a.m.
until 3:30 p.m. at International Paper Company in Natchez.
He stated at 3:30 p.m., he returned to his home in Ferriday,
Louisiana. He stated that on that day he rode with JAMES
BASS, Iowa Street, Ferriday, Louisiana; JESSE RUCKER,
Lake St. John, Louisiana, and D A W EDWARDS, Texas Avenue,
Ferriday. SCAROBOROUGH advised he arrived home at approximately
4:30 p.m., and that he remained there until approximately
8:30 p.m., that evening.
SCAROBOROUGH continued to deny any membership at
the present time in any klan group and reiterated that he
was not a member of an had no knowledge of a group called
the Silver Dollar Group.
SCAROBOROUGH advised he has no idea whatsoever
who might be responsible for the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON's
truck on February 27, 1967, in Natchez, Mississippi.
CLARENCE WOODHAM, Personnel Foreman, international
Paper Company, advised that THOR LEE TORGERSON is considered
an above-average employee at International Paper Company
and that he has known of no complaints concerning TORGERSON
by any of his fellow employees.
WOODHAM stated that there has been talk around
International Paper Company employees that there were
several employees who were personally associated with some
Klan type organization; but that he has received no specifics
indicating that TORGERSON is so affiliated.
Records, Personnel Department International
Paper Company, Natchez, Mississippi, as made available
by JOHN WILSON, Chief Accountant, Personnel Department,
concerning THOR LEE TORGERSON reflects the following
background information concerning TORGERSON:
T ORGERSON is presently employed by International
Paper as a welder and first began his employment with this
company July 21, 1941, in Georgetown, South Carolina.
He was employed by this company in Georgetown
from 1941 until May 10, 1950. He was then transferred on
May 10, 1950, to Natchez, Mississippi, where he is presently
employed. He normally works the "day shift" which is a
shift from the hours of 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. He is
not permitted to leave the grounds of this company during
these hours.
He was born September 9, 1923, in Panama City,
Florida, and from May 21, 1943, until January 5, 1946, he
served in the U. S. Army Amphibious Engineers with the rank
of Tech 4th Class.
He has a ninth grade education, having completed
the ninth grade in Panama City, Florida. He presently
resides 1405 Westwood Road in Natchez, Mississippi, with
wife, BERTIE MAE FAULKNER, age 47 in 1966, and one daughter,
PATRICIA ANN, age eight, in 1966. He previously resided
1527 Front Street and 1628 Highmarket Street, both in
Georgetown, South Carolina. These files reflect TORGERSON's
Social Security Number to be 248-28-8690 and indicated
hobbies as hunting and fishing and civic club organizations
as Masonic lodge and Moose Lodge.
These records further reflect that during
TORGERSON's tenure of service with the U. S. Army Engineers
he received a three-month service school course in automobile
mechanics at Atlanta Ordnance Depot, Atlanta, Georgia.
Review of these records reflects no serious disciplinary
action taken against TORGERSON during his tenure of employment
with this company.
Mr. HARRY HILL, Personnel Department, International
Paper Company, advised that THOR LEE TORGERSON, also known
as "TOG," has been an above-average employee of International
Paper Company for the past 25 years. HILL stated that several
fellow employees of TORGERSON have described TORGERSON as
a "troublemaker" but that he, HILL, has no specifics concerning
this. HILL stated that TORGERSON is a union man and has
been involved in various strikes at the International
Paper Company but that he knows of no trouble caused
directly by TORGERSON.
HILL advised that he has never had any information
coming to his attention indicating that TORGERSON has
attempted in any way to further any Klan activities at the
International Paper Company.
1
Review of tine records, Personnel Department,
International Paper Company, as made available by JOHN WILSON,
Chief Accountant, reflected the following information concerning
THOR LEE TORGERSON, Identification Number 5496.
TORGERSON has had no time off during 1967 and
during the week of February 20 - 24, 1967, he worked eight
hours each day coming to work at 7:00 a.m. and getting off
at 3:30 p.m. He did not work on Saturday and Sunday,
February 25 and 26, 1967, and on February 27, 1967, he
worked 11 1/2hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. and leaving
the plant at 7:00 p.m.
THOR LEE TORGERSON, 1405 Westwood Street, was
advised of the identities of the interviewing agents
and waiver of rights form read to him at the outset of
this interview, at which time he stated he understood
his rights but refused to sign the waiver of rights form.
TORGERSON denied any present Affiliations with
any Klan type organization but when questioned concerning
his past Klan activity stated he did not desire to discuss
any of his past as it had reference to any Klan activity.
He did state, however, that he wanted the agents to know
that he had never held any office in any Klan group.
TORGERSON advised that he knew nothing whatsoever
concerning the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON and that he did
not hear of this act until the following day when he read
about it in the papers. He stated that he has no idea
whatsoever who might be responsible for this crime and
stated that he did not know WHARLEST JACKSON and had never
heard his name mentioned prior to reading about this in the
paper.
TORGERSON was questioned concerning his participation
in or knowledge of the "Silver Dollar Group" a renegade Klan
organization, and he stated that the only time he had ever
heard of the "Silver Dollar Group" was when he was questioned
by agents in September, 1965. He advised that on no other
occasion has he ever heard any group referred to as the
"Silver Dollar Group."
He was questioned concerning knowledge of R. J. GLOVER,
TOMMY JONES and NORMAN HEAD. He stated that he knew all these
individuals but strictly on a social basis. He stated that
he knows of no Klan affiliation on their part and stated that
J N
2
4 4 -2 0 4 4
he had never been with them in any kind of organizational
meeting. He did volunteer that for several months, until
about a month ago, he went on a daily basis to the Shamrock
Motel in Vidalia, Louisiana. He said the purpose of going
to this motel was to meet a "girl friend" and drink coffee.
He stated that he believes that on several occasions while
drinking coffee at the Shamrock Motel during this period of
time he was joined by GLOVER, JONES end possibly HEAD, He
advised, however, that this was merely for the purpose of
drinking coffee and that at no time did he or any of these
individuals discuss any ac t of violence. He stated that he
has never heard any of these individuals mention the
"Silver Dollar Group'' or even discuss anything concerning
committing any act of violence.
TORGERSON volunteered that he collects silver
dollars and that at the present time he has four but
they have no relation to any organization. He stated he is
active only in the Grace Methodist Church and Natchez
Citizens Council, both in Natchez, Mississippi.
TORGERSON advised that he knew GEORGE METCALFE
and knew of his activity in connection with the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
and described him as a "bad nigger" and an "agitator."
He stated, however, that even though he feels this way
toward GEORGE METCALFE that he personally would have
nothing to do with committing any act of violence concerning
METCALFE.
In regard to being questioned as to knowledge of
this act of violence, TORGERSON questioned the agents on
what was meant by conspiracy. He stated that he did not
know that mere knowledge of the planning of a crime without
actual participation was, in fact, a crime. This was explained
to TORGERSON at which time he reiterated that he had never
heard anyone discuss in his presence the bombing of WHARLEST
JACKSON's truck or any other act of violence.
The following physical description of TORGERSON
was obtained during the course of this Interview:
294
Name;
Alias:
Sex:
Race:
THOR LEE TORGERSON
" T O G "
Male
White
September 9, 1923
Date of Birth;
Place of Birth;
Panama City, Florida
1405 Westwood Street,
Residence;
Natchez, Mississippi
Since 1950
Length of Resident:
5' 10"
Height:
180 pounds
Weight:
Build:
Medium
Hair:
Black
Blue
Eyes:
Ruddy
Complexion:
Welder
Occupation:
Employee;
International Paper Company
Natchez, Mississippi
Marital Status;
Married
BERTIE MAY
Wife;
PATRICIA ANN, 81/2years old
Daughter:
1943 - 1946, U. S. Army
Military Service;
Amphibious Engineers
Social Security Number; 248-28-8690
Tattoos right forearm
Scars and Marks:
and left shoulder
None claimed.
Arrest Record;
THO R LEE TORGERSON was recontacted and
a cknowledged the identities of the interviewing agents,
advised that he understood his rights completely but again
did not desire to sign a waiver of rights form. He did
state, however, that he desired to furnish the following
information:
He stated that he would not deny the fact that
he had had some past association with Klan activity but
emphatically denied any part of any organization known as
the "Silver Dollar Group." He stated that he is well
acquainted, on a social basis, with R. J. GLOVER, TOMMY
JONES, JAMES SCAROBOROUGH, JAMES LEE and JIMMY SEALE, all
of the Vidalia, Louisiana and Natchez, Mississippi, area,
hut that he never attended any meeting with them. He
stated that this was a "social acquaintance" with each of
these and he has never heard this social group referred to
as the "Silver Dollar Group."
He advised that he had never heard any of these
individuals discuss anything pertaining to WHARLEST JACKSON
nor any acts of violence whatsoever. He stated that it
was possible that they could have discussed in his
presence GEORGE METCALFE but that he recalls no mention of
any acts of violence being planned concerning METCALFE.
TORGERSON volunteered that if any of the abovementioned individuals had anything to do with the bombing
of WHARLEST JACKSON's truck that he believed it would
eventually come to his attention. He volunteered that he
would make attempts to determine if any of these individuals
had knowledge of or participated in this crime and if any
information came to his attention he would make this information
available.
THOR LEE TORGERSON, a resident of 1405 Westwood
Street, met interviewing Agent at A&W Root Beer Drive In,
Highway 61 By-Pass, as pre-arranged,by TORGERSEN and the
interviewing Agent. He acknowledged the identity of the
interviewing Agent and volunteered that he is well aware of
his rights but did not desire to sign a waiver of rights form.
TORGERSEN stated he desired to furnish the following
information concerning his Klan activity:
TORGERSEN stated that two and one-half or three years
ago he joined the Original Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (OKKKK)
in Natchez, Mississippi, and then approximately one year later
got out of the OKKKK and joined the White Knights of the Ku
Klux Klan of Mississippi (WKKKKOM). He stated that approxi­
mately two years ago after a shooting had taken place at
Haney's Farm in Louisiana, he got out of the Klan completely.
TORGERSEN did not describe further a shooting at Haney's
Farm and declined to answer any questions concerning his past
Klan activity and did not desire to name any names of fellow
members in these Klan groups. He indicated that he was not
a true Klansman in view of the fact that he used the excuse
of attending Klan meetings to see a girl friend in Vidalia,
Louisiana. He stated that he visited this girl friend for
approximately six months until this became known to his
present wife. TORGERSEN stated they were almost divorced
over this but reached a reconciliation. TORGERSEN stated he
did not desire to further identify this girl friend in Vidalia,
Louisiana.
TORGERSEN stated that after he got out of the WKKKKOM
he did not join any other group, nor has he had any Klan
affiliation since that time. He stated that if there was a
Silver Dollar Group existing in this area it would be an "action"
group
made up of former Klansmen. He could only Assume who was
J N 44-2044
2
in it. He stated he would assume that R. J. GLOVER, TOMMIE
JONES and JAMES SEALE might possibly be members of this group.
TORGERSEN stated he could think of no one else who might be a
member of this group. TORGERSEN volunteered that if a group
was a "action" group, they would naturally be interested in
security and, accordingly, eliminate the possibility of infor­
mants in this group. He stated that in view of this, members
of such a group may not know other members of the group.
TORGERSEN stated he did not desire to be questioned further
concerning the possibility of a "Silver Dollar Group".
Concerning the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON's truck,
TORGERSEN volunteered that he felt any explosives attached to
an automobile should be attached to the brake lights. He
explained this reasoning by stating that brakes are always
used when a person drives his automobile and that headlights
naturally are used only after dark. He volunteered further
that signal lights are never used by a "nigger". TORGERSEN
stated that this was merely a thought of his and emphasized
that he had never heard this discussed in his presence.
TORGERSEN stated he desired this interview to cease
for the present time but that he would contact the Agent at
a later date.
THOR LEE TORGERSON,
1405 Westwood Street,
acknowledged
re in te r v ie w
h is
rig h ts ,
f o r m.
th e id e n t it y o f th e in te rv ie w in g A gen t upon
and s t a t e d
t h a t he was w e l l a c q u a i n t e d w i t h
b u t d id
n o t desire to sign a w a i v e r o f r i g h t s
TORGERSEN again stated that he was not now a member
of any klan organization and he was not now nor had he ever
been a member of a group called the Silver Dollar Group.
TORGERSEN volunteered, however, that he had heard from
some unrecalled sources that approximately two years ago several
individuals who had formerly been associated with various
klan groups had separated themselves from these klan groups.
He stated as best he can recall he was told that these
individuals then formed another group, but he could not recall
whether or not he had heard the name of this group. He further
advised that he could not recall who told him this nor could
he recall the identities of any individual who might have
joined this group.
TORGERSEN again emphatically denied any knowledge
or participation in the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON's truck
on February 27, 1967, in Natchez, Mississippi.
The following investigation was conducted by
SA FRED B. LAFFERTY, III, on March 8, 1967, at Natchez,
Mississippi:
Mrs. ELLA ATKINS, Credit Bureau of Natchez, advised
that a review of her files reflects the following information
on JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH, who has been known to the files
since September 25, 1952:
Date of Birth:
Sex:
Race:
Marital Status:
Children:
Employment:
Position:
Residence:
Salary:
Wife's Employment:
March 11, 1921
Male
White
Married
Four
International Paper
Company since 1947
Welder
332 Iowa Street,
Ferriday, Louisiana
$375 per month
In 1956 the Lee Drug Store,
Ferriday, Louisiana, her
monthly income $150;
in 1958 Singer Machine
Company, Saleswoman,
salary unknown
A further review of her files reflect the following
information regarding THORE LEE TORGERSON, who has been
known to the files since April 26, 1950:
Sex:
Race:
Marital Status:
Wife:
Children:
Address:
Male
White
Married
BERTIE
Two
1405 Westwood Drive,
Natchez, Mississippi
J N 4 4 -2 0 4 4
2
Employer:
International Paper
Company, Natchez, Miss.,
Welder, employed since 1941,
monthly income $500
Mrs. ATKINS finally advised that her files reflect
no information on a JAMES FREDERICK LEE.
301
JN 44-2044
VI. INFORMATION CONCERNING VICTIM’S WIDOW
The following investigation was c onducted by
SA FR ED B. LAFFERTY, III, at Natchez, Mississippi, on
March 8, 1967:
Mrs. WHARLEST (EXERLENA) JACKSON, 9 College Hill
Road, advised that she was gradually recuperating from
the initial shock of her husband's death and that her
children were also doing well. She said that she had
been in the hospital practically the entire month of November
with a blood condition and that she was still under constant
care.
Mrs. JACKSON stated she had five children ranging
in age from 8 years to 12 years. The names of the children
are as follows:
DEBORAH, age 12, attends Northside Elementary;
DORIS, age 11, attends Northside Elementary;
DENICE, age 10, attends Northside Elementary
WHARLEST, JR., age 8, attends Prince Street School;
DEBRESIRA, age 7, attends Prince Street School,
Mrs. JACKSON continued that she lives alone with
her children and that no relatives or friends are presently
staying with them. She advised, however, that hermother
lives nextdoor and is constantly available.
Mrs. JACKSON stated that at the present time
she has received $13,000 from her husband's insurance fund
at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company, and approximately
$800 in contributions.
She continued that she has heard of the WHARLEST
JACKSON Fund which she believed had been set up in her
behalf, but to date does not know where the fund is,
how much money may be in it, or who is controlling it.
Mrs. JACKSON also advised that she has had no
visits from any of the Natchez public officials, i.e.
Mayor, Sheriff, Chief of Police, etc., and thatonly the
FBI Agents have talked with her.
When Mrs. JACKSON was asked if she had any
problems or complaints, she stated that only one thing
was confusing her. She stated that to date she has
3 0 3
JN 44—2044
2
received three letters s p e cifically addressed to her in
care of the office of the M ayor of Natchez, Mississippi,
from people who wished to e i t h e r make a contri b u t i o n
or simply pass on their condolences.
She c o n t i n u e d that
each of these three letters
m a r k e d "P e r s o n a l " arr i v e d at
her residence encl o s e d in an o f f i c i a l e n v e l o p e f r o m the
Mayor's office in an ope n e d c o n dition.
She advised that the first letter was from Mr.
and Mrs. T. R. SOBIESKI, 834 Briar Cliff Road, N. E.,
Apartment 5, Atlanta, Georgia, which stated that they
had enclosed a $5 contribution. Mrs. JACKSON stated
there was no money in the envelope and she did not know what
had happened to it. The second letter was from PAULA
HENDLIN, Room LE-4, CBS, New York, New York, which was
in an opened condition and contained a statement of
condolence. The third letter could not be found at the
time by Mrs. JACKSON, but she advised that it, too, had been
opened and that the sender said in it that he had sent a
$20 contribution. This amount was not contained therein.
Mrs. JACKSON was advised that this problem does
not fall within the jurisdiction of the FBI, but rather
the concern of the U. S. Post Office. She was assured
that the facts which she gave to the interviewing Agent
would be forwarded to the appropriate agency for
investigation.
Mrs. WHARLEST JACKSON, 9 College Hill Road, furnished
Che following information after being advised of the Identity
of the interviewing Agent:
Mrs. JACKSON stated that on March 10, 1967, at
approximately 1:30 PM, a woman came to her home in a cab
and told her that for $850 she would guarantee that the men
responsible for her husband's death would be Apprehended.
The woman identified herself as GEORGIA LEE COOKS from
Winnsboro, Louisiana. COOKS toId Mrs. JACKSON that the
reason she came to her home in a cab was that she believed
that she was being followed and thus parked her personal
automobile in Vidalia, Louisiana.
Mrs. JACKSON continued that COOKS told her that she
knew the three men who were responsible for her husband's
death and that they planned to leave town within four days'
time. Mrs. JACKSON did not know what town she was referring
to. COOKS then told Mrs. JACKSON that she would call her on
Saturday, March 11, 1967, to see if she was agreeable to the
arrangement.
Mrs. JACKSON further advised that she was away from
her phone all day Saturday and that the woman called her long
distance collect on Sunday, March 12, 1967. She could not
remember where the call came from but stated that it would
appear on her monthly telephone bill.
Mrs. JACKSON said that when COOKS telephoned her on
Sunday, March 14, 1967, COOKS re-stated her offer and further
advised that for the requested amount she would keep these
men in town and see that they were apprehended within 30 to
90 days after payment. Mrs. JACKSON stated that COOKS would
not tell the specific names of the men involved but only
that they would be apprehended in the stated number of days.
JN
44-2044
2
When Mrs. JACKSON asked her why she did not contact
the local authorities with such information and thereby collect
$36,000, COOKS replied that she didn't work that way. COOKS
told her that even if she decided not to pay the requested
amount her group would continue their efforts to see that the
guilty men were apprehended. She also told Mrs. JACKSON that
she had made a call to Beaumont, Texas,for this purpose.
Mrs. JACKSON then stated that COOKS told her that
should she decide to pay the $850 she would meet her in
Ferriday, Louisiana, and from there take her to her home.
Mrs. JACKSON advised that COOKS promised to get in
contact with her again but did not give a specific date.
She said that the reason she had not previously
contacted the FBI about this incident was that she did not
want any more trouble. Mrs. JACKSON stated that she had
experienced recent difficulty with "Jet Magazine" which had
intentionally misquoted her in a recent article.
The following description of COOKS was furnished
by Mrs. JACKSON:
Race:
Sex:
Height:
Weight:
Age:
Dress:
Remarks:
Negro
Female
5 feet 4 inches
150 - 160
48 - 50
Wore old clothes with a black
rag tied around her head.
Was carrying an eight or nine
month old Negro baby in her
arms.
306
J N 4 4 -2044
VII,
MISCELLANEOUS
30 7
On March 4 , 196 7 , LEE "RED" BRADY, Negro, m a le ,
forme r ly a resident o f Natchez, Mississippi , and currently
residing at 3420 West Lexington, Chicago, Illinois,
presented himself at the Chicago Office of the FBI for
interview.
BRADY advised that he formerly resided at
202 Bluff Street, Natchez , Mississippi, but had traveled
to Chicago, February 23, 1957, in order to obtain employ­
ment in the Chicago area.
BRADY declared that he had no
information relative to the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON,
an Official of the Natchez Branch of the national Association
for the Advancement of C olored People on February 27, 19G7,
and that his sudden departure from Natchez, shortly after
the bombing was merely c o -i n c i de n t a l .
BRADY revealed, however, that at 2:50 a.m.
February 23, 1967 , he was awakened at his home by a
shout "RED" which appeared to come from his front porch.
As he approached the front door in order to see who was
calling him, he shouted, "who do you want," and immediately
thereafter saw a young white male flee from his porch to
a parked automobile, parked in front of his home, containing
another white male in the driver’s sea t . he described
such automobile as possibly a 1959 Dodge, light in color
with Mississippi plates.
As soon as the fleeing white male entered the
car, the driver pulled away from its parking place, made
a U-turn, and again parked in front of BRA D Y 's home,
facing in the opposite direction.
BRADY continued to
observe the two young white male occupants in the auto­
mobile and noticed that the driver had a rifle across his
legs, pointed in the direction of BRA D Y ’s home. The
driver honked his horn two or three times while parked
there and BRADY heard the passenger say, "don't, do n ’t."
The car containing both occupants, departed without
further incident, approximately ten minutes after BRADY
first heard the shout "RED".
2
C G 44-992
BRADY declared that no threats were made or
Inferred and he can give no reason for such nocturnal
visit. He declared that he has not been involved in
any civil rights activities or with any organizations
active in that field and that he was unable to provide
any reason for such visit. BRADY noted, however, that on
February 1, 1987, he had been fired from his job with
the Rich Lumber Company, Natchez, Mississippi, after a
dispute with his immediate boss "BILLY," a white male.
BRADY declared, by way of explanation that, he did not
believe his discharge which occurred one month prior to
the visit described had anything at all to do with such
visit.
He again reiterated the fact that he had no
information relative to the recent killing of WHARLEST
JACKSON and that the reason he departed Natchez,
Mississippi, was to obtain employment in the Chicago
area after having been fired from his employment in
Natchez, February 1, 1967 .
310
JN 44-2044
B.
Curtis Funeral Home
JN 4 4 - 2 0 4 4
FBL/bgj
1
On March 5, 1967, information was received
by SA CLARENCE G . PROSPERE from J. T. ROBINSON, Chief
of Police, Natchez Police Department, that Mrs. WHARLEST
JACKSON was receiving telephone calls from an unknown
person threatening to blow up the body of her husband.
312
Mrs. WHARLEST JACKSON, 9 College Hill, Natchez,
M i s s i s s i p p i , furnished the following information after
b eing advised o f the identity of the interviewing Agent
and the nature of the investigation:
She stated that she has not received any calls
threatening either herself or the body of her dead husband.
Mrs. JACKSON continued that she did not know the source of
this information and knew nothing about it.
Mrs. JACKSON further advised that her husband,
WHARLEST, and Mr. ROBERT DIXON, a lso emplpyed at Armstrong
Tire and Rubber Company, were involved in a hog raising
venture. She stated that the hogs have always been and
still are at the residence of DIXON on the corner of Pine
and Gayosa Streets. Mrs. JACKSON also advised that to
the best of her knowledge her husband and DIXON had eight
pigs and each man owned four of them.
Mrs. MARY CURTIS, Curtis Funeral Home, Natchez,
Mississippi, furnished the following information after
being advised of the identity of the interviewing Agent
and the nature of the investigation:
She stated that on March 2, 1967, at approximately
1:30 PM, she received a phone call at the funeral home
from a man asking if JACKSON's body was being taken care
of there. Mrs. CURTIS told the unknown individual that it
was in the parlor in such a condition that it could be
viewed by his friends and relatives. She continued that
the man then stated that he thought they had done a good
enough job so that his body would not be in any condition
to be seen. At this point Mrs. CURTIS hung up. She then
stated that approximately ten minutes later she received
a second phone call from whom she believed was the same
individual who stated that "they would fix the next nigger
so that no one could see him after he was blown up".
Mrs. CURTIS then stated that his remarks did not frighten
her, at which time he then said that they would "blow up
JACKSON's body in the funeral home". She then again hung
up. Mrs. CURTIS finally advised that these were the only
two phone calls which she received of such a nature and
she is not expecting any more.
She mentioned the above telephone calls to MAMIE
MAZIQUE, who is an official of the Adams County National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP),
and did not mention it to her husband or any of the local
authorities.
Mrs.
M AR Y CURTIS,
Curtis
Funeral System,
Inc.,
106 East Franklin Street, telephone 445-4674, furnished
the following information after being advised of the identity
of the interviewing Agent and of the nature of the
investigation:
She stated that approximately 1:15 p.m., March 2,
1967, she received a telephone call from an unidentified
person who threatened to burn the funeral home in which the
body of WHARLEST JACKSON was located. Mrs. CURTIS had been
previously instructed by her husband to ignore any such
telephone calls and thus she immediately hung up on the
person. In addition, she did not advise her husband
of the incident.
She continued that approximately 15 or 20 minutes
later the same person called again and made similar statements.
Mrs. CURTIS further advised she was positive
that the person was a white man and was around the immediate
area of the funeral home as he had told her that they were
having quite a few visitors at the time.
She also advised that during the second telephone
call she heard voices in the background, but was not
sure if these were the voices of people or were the sounds
of a television set or radio.
The following is an approximate text of the
conversation of the first telephone call as remembered by
Mrs. CURTIS:
The unidentified voice stated, "Do you have the
body of WHARLEST JACKSON?" Mrs. CURTIS replied, "Yes."
The voice then stated "Can I see it?" Mrs. CURTIS
replied "Yes, we have been having people come in and
see the remains all day." The voice stated "Oh, yes?"
The voice continued, "We must didn't do the job well enough."
J N
44-2044
2
Mrs. CURTIS asked, "Who is this?" She received no answer.
The voice then stated, “The next job we do won't no one
be able to see him." At this point Mrs. CURTIS hung up.
The following is an approximate text of the
conversation of the second telephone call:
The unidentified voice stated, "I see that you
have had quite a few visitors," Mrs. CURTIS asked, "Who
are you?" The voice replied "It makes no difference."
The voice replied "I'll burn that damn place up."
At this point Mrs. CURTIS hung up.
M rs. CURTIS advised that these were the only
two such telephone calls received at the funeral home.
Mrs. CURTIS stated she does not anticipate receiving
any additional calls of that nature.
She stated that after the telephone calls HERSEY
KING, an employee of the Curtis Funeral Home, was assigned
to stand outside and watch for any possible trouble.
Mrs. CURTIS said that at approximately 6:00 Or 7:00 p.m.
on the evening of March 2, 1967, HERSEY KING came into
the funeral home and stated that someone had thrown an egg
at the building. She stated that KING went after the car,
but did not catch it.
316
H E R S E Y KING,
e mployee, Curtis Funeral System,
Inc.,
106 East Franklin Street, Hatcher, telephone 445—4674,
furnished the following information after being advised
of the identity of the interviewing Agent and of the nature
of the investigation:
Mr. KING stated that he was standing in front of
the Curtis Funeral Home which faces onto East Franklin Street,
at approximately 6 :30 p.m., on March 2, 1967. He advised
that at that time a black Volkswagen with five yellow stripes
down the top of the roof, occupied by four white men in their
mid 20s, drove by the funeral home and shouted, "hey you
nigger," and then threw an egg. The car was heading west
on East Franklin Street toward downtown Natchez. KING
further advised that approximately 10 minutes later the
car again passed in front of the funeral home, headed in the
opposite direction, and one of the white occupants shouted,
"hey you nigger, get off the street,"
KING advised that he did not notice what kind of
license was on the vehicle.
He stated that after the ear drove by a second
time he went into the funeral home office and got a shotgun
and unsuccessfully attempted to catch the car.
C . Jessie Paris
318
Investigation at Natchez, Mississippi, was instituted
upon information to the effect that JESSIE PARIS, 1035 Mayes
Street, Jackson, Mississippi, received threats in the Form of
a note, a telephone call, and a red "K" painted on his apartment door on March 1, 1967.
Mr. PARIS, MAJOR C. M C DANIEL and others submitted
their applications for the position of Director of the
Community Action Program
(CAP). It should be noted that
Mr. PARIS submitted a resume which contained his telephone
number to the board members of the Adams-Jefferson Improve­
ment Corporation. Interview with the Chairman of the Board,
as well as other members of this screening board, revealed
that practically anyone could have had access to the resume
and the PARIS telephone number. The board members pointed out
that they narrowed their final selection down to MAJOR MC DANIEL
and JESSIE PARIS. MAJOR MC DANIEL withdrew his application for
the Directorship by letter directed to the Chairman of the
Board dated February 24, 1967. On February 25, 1967, the
Chairman informally advised some members of the board that
MAJOR MC DANIEL had withdrawn his application.
On March 7, 1967, MAJOR MC DANIEL advised he with­
drew his application for personal and financial reasons, and
that his wife did not want to make a change at this time.
The Negro members of the board advised that the white
members of the board could have made the reported threats to
Mr. PARIS; however, the white members of the board pointed
out the fact that the only serious contenders for the Director­
ship were Mr. PARIS and Mr. MC DANIEL, and since Mr. MC DANIEL
withdrew his application three to four days before the
reported threats, the motive for these threats, as far as they
were concerned, had been removed.
All members of the board who were interviewed
advised that they had no suspects who might have made the
reported threats.
M. B. PIERCE, Chief of Detectives, J ackson, Miss­
issippi Police Department advised that a review of his re­
cords reflect that JESSIE PARIS, 1035 Mayes Street, Apart­
ment 9, Jackson, Mississippi telephonically contacted the
Jackson Police Department on the evening of March 1, 1967
and stated that he had found a threatening note on the
windshield of his car and the note was reportedly signed
by the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. He a ls o reported that
his wife had received a threatening phone call at his wife's
mother's residence during the day. PARIS reported that his
wife had stated an unknown male had said, on the telephone,
that PARIS was next.
P I E R C E stated no a c tiv e in v e s tig a tio n is being
conducted by his Department.
The following persons were contacted by
Special Agents JOHN EDGAR BARKES and JAMES O . INGRAM
on March 3, 1967 at the Virden Park Plaza Apartments,
1035 Mayes Street, Jackson. The following persons
could furnish no information concerning this matter.
Each person contacted stated they had not heard of the
incident involving Mr. and Mrs. PARIS on March 1, 1967:
Mrs. ALICE MINOR, Apartment #12;
Mrs. MARY HENRY, Apartment #11;
Mrs. MARY BRAITHWAITE, Apartment #10;
Mrs. ELIZABETH NICHOLS, Apartment #15;
Mrs. BETTY WASHINGTON, Apartment #14;
Mrs. MARJORIE WILSON, Apartment #16;
Mrs. DIANE HIGGENS, Apartment #8;
Mrs. EVELYN JACKSON, Apartment #1;
ALONZO BAILEY, ALICE TRAVIS, Apartment #4.
Miss LOIS ROGERS employed with Child Development
Group of Mississippi, Jackson, advised on March 3, 1967
that she resides in Apartment 7 at 1035 Mayes Street. She
said she is the only white person to live in the apart­
ments and she is acquainted with JESSIE and PATRICIA PARIS.
She said she could furnish no information regarding a
threatening note received by PARIS at his residence. She
added there are very few white people seen in the area
since it is an all-Negro neighborhood.
J N 4 4 -2 0 4 4
2
GEORGE LEE, Apartment 50, 1035 Mayes Street,
advised on March 6, 1967 that he is the Manager of Virden
Park Plaza Apartments and Mr. and Mrs. JESSIE PARIS pre­
sently reside in Apartment 9. He said he had received
no information concerning anything unusual occurring in
the neighborhood on March 1, 1967. He could furnish no
additional information whatsoever concerning this matter.
322
JESSIE PARIS, Apartment 9, 1035 Mayes Street,
J a c kson ,
M is s is s ip p i,
re s id e n c e .
He
w as
c o n tacted
on
M arch
3,
1967,
at his
stated he did not d e s i r e t o
furnish a signed statement concerning certain incidents
but orally furnished the following information:
He was born and raised in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and came to Mississippi in March, 1965,
He resided at Mt. Beulah Delta Ministry, National
Council of Churches, Edwards, Mississippi, however, states
he was
never in Civil Rights activities. He went to
work for Child Development Group of Mississippi (CDGM)
in May, 1965, and worked as a field representative in
Hattiesburg, Gulfport, Pascagoula, McComb, and Moss Point,
Mississippi, setting up Head Start Programs. He lived
in Hattiesburg at 1105 Dewey Street. He returned to
Mt. Beulah in February, 1966, but later moved to 1035
Mayes Street. He was employed CDGM until December, 1966,
and then went to work for Mississippi Action for Progress,
Inc. (MAP), an anti-poverty program supported by
government funds. He is now a training officer for MAP.
He said that on the morning of March 1, 1967,
around 7:30 to 7:45 AM, he and his wife, PATRICIA, were
in their apartment. His wife had noticed something on the
windshield of their 1963 light green Buick LaSabre, which
bears 1967 Mississippi License HD-8660. He went out to
their car which is visible from the window of their apartment
and which was parked about six yards from the rear door of
their apartment in the Virden Park Plaza Apartments parking
lot. He walked out to the car and noticed a small brown
paper bag which is usually a bag which holds small items
and noticed printing in pencil indicating, "JP you are
next if you go to Nat.
KKK".
JN 44-2044
2
He returned to his apartment exhibiting the
small brown paper bag to his wife and stated he nor his
wife were upset at this time. They continued on to work
at MAP. He traveled to Wayne County on March 1, 1967,
working on a project for MAP. He returned to his
residence around 7:30 PM and he observed a large letter
"K" which had been painted on the rear door of his apartment.
The letter appeared to be approximately two and one-half
feet in height and appeared not to be paint, but could
possibly be black shoe polish. His wife was not at the
residence, so he left immediately for his mother-in-law's
residence, Mrs. WILLIE BELL, 919 Bloom Street, Jackson.
When he arrived at his mother-in-law's address,
he conferred with his wife, told her about the painted
"K" on his rear door, and she in turn became upset.
His wife then related that she had received a telephone
call at her mother's residence around 5:30 PM wherein
an unknown male stated, "JESSIE's next, JESSIE's next,
JESSIE's next". The caller then reportedly hung up.
After conferring with his wife for several minutes, his
wife decided to telephonically contact CHARLES EVERS,
Director, National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP) for the State of Mississippi, in
Natchez. She reportedly contacted him at a church in
Natchez where a mass meeting was held and she became
highly emotional while explaining to EVERS the situation.
To the best of his knowledge, he believes the time was
around 8:30 PM, March 1, 1967. EVERS reportedly instructed
his wife to contact authorities.
PARIS stated to his knowledge he has no
enemies and he knows no one associated with the Ku Klux
Klan in Mississippi. She said there are very few people
324
JN 44-2044
3
who are aware of the telephone number listed to his motherin-law, Mrs. WILLIE BELL, on whose phone the threatening
call was received by his wife. He could furnish no
suspects in this matter in regard to the telephone call,
the note received earlier on March 1, 1967, and the
painted "K" on his apartment door.
He explained that he listed his mother-in-law's
telephone number and his address as 1035 Mayes Street,
Apartment 9, on a resume which he furnished to board
members on the Community Action Program (CAP) in
Fayette, Mississippi, about one month ago. He explained
that he noted an advertisement in a newspaper believed
in October or November, 1966, indicating the CAP was
seeking a Director for the Adams and Jefferson County
Projects with offices in Natchez. Approximately one month
ago he was interviewed by CAP board members composed
of
approximately twelve people at Fayette for the Directorship.
The members were furnished the resume with the telephone
number and his address. He could not furnish the names
of the board members with the exception of Mrs. MAMIE
MAZIQUE. He indicated that he knew that a white man
named MC DANIEL, in Natchez, was also seeking the position
of Director for CAP.
On the evening of March 1, 1967, he stated he
telephonically contacted the FBI Office and the Jackson
Police Department and furnished both offices information
concerning the threatening phone call received by his wife.
PARIS also pointed out that his wife was
reportedly interviewed by a news reported, Mr. QUINN, on
March 2, 1967, concerning these incidents.
JN 44-2044
4
PARIS stated he could furnish no logical suspects
In this matter and stated he lives in a very nice
neighborhood, predominately Negro.
The following physical description and
background information was furnished during the interview:
Name
Race
Sex
DOB
POB
Height
Weight
Eyes
Hair
Social Security Number
Selective Service Status
Occupation
Education
Relatives:
Wife
Children
Male
11/5/39
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5'11"
195
Brown
Black
2-Y
Training Officer
in Administrative
MAP, Milner Building,
Jackson
Cheney State,
Chester, Pennsylvania,
BS in 1961;
William Penn Business
School, 1 year - 1956
Benjamin Franklin High
School, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
PATRICIA NICHOLS PARIS,
Jackson, Mississippi
None
326
Mrs. WILLIE BELL, 919 Bloom Street, Jackson,
Mississippi, advised her daughter is PATRICIA BELL NICHOLS
PARIS and she is presently married to JESSIE PARIS and they
both reside at 1035 Mayes Street, Apartment 9. She said
she believes her daughter married PARIS in November, 1966.
They both are employed by Mississippi Action for Progress,
Inc.(MAP).
On March 1, 1967, she was at her residence
around 5:30 PM with her daughter, PATRICIA. Her daughter
received a telephone call on her, Mrs. BELL's, telephone,
telephone number 355-1824. Mrs. BELL was not in the living
room when the call was reportedly received but recalls hearing
the telephone ring. She said she did not overhear the
conversation and her daughter did not explain to her the
nature of the telephone call upon its completion. Later
during the evening, sometime after 7:00, her husband
decided to transport PATRICIA to her residence since
her husband, JESSIE, had not arrived. They left the
residence and while en route were involved in an accident
and PATRICIA returned to 919 Bloom Street. Her husband,
JESSIE, then arrived at 919 Bloom Street and stated
someone had painted a large letter "K" on their apartment
door. Her daughter then blurted out that she had received
a threatening call stating that if JESSIE went to Natchez,
he could be harmed,
Mrs. BELL stated she could furnish no suspects
in this matter, but stated she would only surmise that
someone is attempting to keep JESSIE from obtaining the
Directorship of the poverty program in Natchez. She
indicated he could have some enemies at his present
place of employment, but then immediately said she has no
reason to make this statement. She could furnish no
additional pertinent information.
Mr. WILLIE BELL, 919 Bloom Street, Jackson,
Mississippi, advised that his daughter is PATRICIA PARIS
and she is married to JESSIE PARIS. He said he was at his
residence around 5:30 PM on March 1, 1967, but he was
outside and did not know anything about a threatening
telephone call reportedly received by his daughter.
He said his daughter was at the residence from about
5:00 PM to about 7:30 PM. He understood from conversation
with his daughter and son-in-law that they received a
threatening note and threatening telephone call.
PATRICIA BELL NICHOLS PARIS, 1035 Mayes Street,
Jackson, Mississippi, Apartment 9, was contacted at the
Mississippi Action for Progress, Inc., Milner Building,
where she is presently employed as a secretary. Mrs.
PARIS was advised of the nature of the inquiry and at
first stated her husband found a note on the windshield
of their 1963 Buick on Tuesday morning, February 28, 1967,
and she received a threatening telephone call on
Tuesday, February 28, 1967. She later stated that both
incidents occurred on March 1, 1967. The following
signed statement was furnished by Mrs. PARIS:
"March 3, 1967
"Jackson, Miss
"I, Patricia Bell Nichols Paris, furnish
the following voluntary signed statement to
Special Agents James O. Ingram and John Edgar
Barkes who have identified themselves to me
as Special Agents, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
(F.B.I.), U. S. Department of Justice. I have
been advised the nature of the inquiry.
"I am 25 years of age, and presently
reside at 1035 Mayes Street, Jackson, Mississippi,
Apartment 9. I am presently employed by the
Mississippi Action for Progress, Inc., Milner
Building, Jackson, as a secretary, I have been
employed since October, 1966, and it is a
poverty program dealing with Head Start Projects.
I formerly was employed by the Child Development
Group of Mississippi in Jackson from March, 1966
to October, 1966, another poverty program
operating Head Start Projects.
"J e ssie Paris, my husband,
is also employed
by Mississippi Action for Progress.
"On the morning of March 1, 1967, around
7:30 AM, I was with my husband at our residence,
1035 Mayes Street. My husband stated he noticed
a note on the windshield of our 1963 Buick,
parked in back of our residence. He went out
and picked up the note and returned to the
residence. The note was a small brown paper
bag and note read as follows:
'JP you are next if you go to Nat
KKK'
"I thought someone was playing a joke or
just trying to scare us. We have no enemies
to the best of my knowledge. My husband and
I have never received any threatening notes
or calls prior to March 1, 1967.
"My husband and I left for work on the
morning of March 1, 1967, without incident.
"After work, I went to my mother's residence,
Mrs. Willie Bell, 919 Bloom Street, Jackson.
Around 5:30 PM, March 1, 1967, a telephone
call was received at the residence and I answered
the phone. I picked up the phone and said
hello, an unknown male voice stated, 'Jessie's
next, Jessie's next, Jessie's next.' The caller
then hung up. The person had a high pitched
voice and I did not recognize the voice. I
did not mention this to my mother, but told my
husband and parents later on during the evening.
I have no reason to suspect anyone at this time.
JN
3
44-2044
"I have read this statement of four pages
and it is true and correct.
”/s/ Patricia Bell Nichols Paris
’"Witnessed:
James O. Ingram, Special Agent,
FBI, Jackson, Miss., 3/3/67
John Edgar Barkes, Special Agent,
FBI, Jackson, Miss., 3/3/67."
Mrs. PARIS furnished the following additional
information:
On the evening of March 1, 1967, her husband
advised her that upon his arrival at their apartment
around 7:30 PM, he observed that someone had painted a
large letter "K" on the back door of their apartment.
The letter was approximately three feet in height and
was painted in the middle of their apartment door. She
said she later arrived at her home around 8:30 and
observed the letter "K" painted on the door. She said
her husband then washed the letter off with Ajax during
the late evening hours of March 1, 1967; however, he
was unsuccessful in cleansing the entire area.
Mrs. PARIS stated that she and her husband
have never received any threatening notes or calls in
any manner in the past. She could not recall any
problems they have had with Negroes or whites. She
said there is only one white resident in the apartments
and that is LOIS ROGERS, a white female who holds an
executive position with the Child Development Group of
Mississippi (CDGM) in Jackson. She resides in
JN 44-2044
4
Apartment 7, however, they have always had a friendly
relationship with her since her husband was formerly
employed with CDGM in Jackson before he resigned to go
to work with Mississippi Action for Progress (MAP).
The other neighbors in the surrounding area are all
Negroes and very few white people are observed in the
neighborhood.
Mrs. PARIS could furnish no logical suspects
concerning this matter but pointed out the following.
She married her husband in November, 1966, and they have
resided at 1035 Mayes Street since that time. They have
not had a telephone. She was formerly a private
secretary to CHARLES EVERS, Director of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
for the State of Mississippi during 1963 and 1964. She
formerly worked for CDGM until CDGM lost their funds and
she resigned her position around November, 1966, and
went to work for MAP. EVERS contacted her in November
and asked her to come to Fayette and assist him in handling
secretarial duties for him. She went to Fayette and
assisted EVERS and while working for him, EVERS approached
her and told her that a new position of Director of the
Community Action Program (CAP), was being established in
Natchez. The CAP would work in the Adams and Jefferson
Counties and the purpose of CAP would be to set up in
the counties an anti-poverty program on the local
community level. The CAP would be refunded by the Office
of Economic Opportunity, Washington, D. C. She said
EVERS told her to immediately have her husband submit
his application to the Board in Natchez and one of the
board members was MAMIE MAZIQUE, Natchez, a close
friend of EVERS. She instructed her husband to submit
his application, which he did, and approximately one
month ago her husband traveled to Fayette where he was
333
JN
5
44-2044
interviewed by a CAP screening board. At this time her
husband furnished to the screening board a background
resume and the resume on the last page contained the
address 1035 Mayes Street, Apartment 9, Jackson,
Mississippi, phone 355-1826, She said this telephone
number is the telephone number of her parents, Mr.
and Mrs. Willie Bell, 919 Bloom Street, Jackson,
and no one else would have this telephone number except
the CAP Board members or very close family members
and friends. She could not explain who would be in
a position to know this telephone number to call
her on March 1, 1967,
PARIS said that when her husband went
for his interview in Fayette about one month ago, the
members of the board were as follows:
Reverend SHED BALDWIN
Negro male, NAACP official
GEORGE METCALFE,
Negro male, NAACP official
MAMIE MAZIQUE, Negro female,
active NAACP worker; and
Father MORRISSEY, white male
She could not at this time recall the other
members of the CAP Board. She said that a Reverend
(First Name Unknown) MC DANIEL, a white male from the
Natchez area, is seeking the same position as her
husband and she has been told by Mrs. MAZIQUE that
there appears to be an internal conflict between the
334
JN
6
44-2044
members of the Board over who should be the Director or
who should be the Deputy Director. Her husband
desired to be the Director and does not want to be the
Deputy Director.
She said there appears to be someone who
does not want her husband to receive the Director
position of CAP but again could furnish no logical
suspects. She said it appears that they would have to be
someone who would be in a position to have obtained
her mother’s telephone number through a close association
on the CAP Board. She and her husband have both kept this
information quiet at MAP because they do not want to
lose their jobs at MAP.
On the evening of March 1, 1967, while at her
mother's residence, she telephonically contacted EVERS
in Natchez between 8:00 and 9:00 PM and she reached
EVERS in an unknown church where a rally was being held.
She told EVERS that she had received a threatening
phone call and that her husband would be next if he
accepted the position of Director of the CAP in Natchez.
She also told him about the note on their car and the
"K" painted on their door. EVERS told her to contact
authorities.
On March 2, 1967, she said CHARLES QUINN, who
identified himself as being with the National Broadcasting
Corporation, appeared at her home and interviewed her at
length concerning the above described incidents. She said
KENNETH DEAN of the Mississippi Council on Human Relations
in Jackson accompanied the news reporter and she knew that
QUINN and DEAN both handled the note written on the
brown paper bag. She asked the reporter if he intended
to run the story and he stated, "I don't know".
335
7
Mrs. PARIS was requested to furnish names
of any persons who would know her telephone number through
her mother and also her assistance was solicited in the
evaluation where neighbors or close friends could furnish
any pertinent information.
On the afternoon of March 3, 1967, she was
recontacted and she stated she had not had an
opportunity to pursue this matter. On March 5, 1967,
she was recontacted at which time she stated she had
been in Natchez and had not had an opportunity to pursue
this matter.
The following background information was furnished
by Mrs. PARIS:
Name
Race
Sex
DOB
POB
Height
Weight
Eyes
Hair
Occupation
Residence
Relatives:
Husband
Mrs. PATRICIA BELL
NICHOLS PARIS
Negro
Female
2/4/42
Jackson, Mississippi
5'3 1/2"
150
Brown
Black
Secretary, MAP,
Milner Building,
Jackson, Mississippi
1035 Mayes Street,
Apartment 9,
Jackson, Mississippi
JESSIE PARIS
same address
336
Mother
Father
LOUGENE BELL
WILLIE BELL
919 Bloom Street
Sister
SARAH BELL
919 Bloom Street
Married
Lanier High School
Jackson, 1960
Demonstration in Jackson,
June, 1964 - arrested
Jackson, Mississippi
Police Department.
Marital Status
Education
Arrest
337
On Sunday afternoon, March, 5, 1967, the area
surrounding the Vlrden Park Plaza Apartments, 1035 Mayes
Street, was observed by SA JAMES O . INGRAM. It was
noted that there were numerous children playing in the
area surrounding the apartment of JESSIE PARIS, Apartment 9,
and in the vicinity. It was noted that darkness fell on
the area around 6 :3 5 PM and there was still considerable
light until after 7:00 PM. It was noted there is a lot
of activity in the parking lot next to the apartments
since the parking area is only approximately six yards
from the apartments and many residents were sitting
outside in lawn chairs after 7:00 PM.
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
1
The following investigation was conducted by
SA JAMES R. McGEE and SA THOMAS J. CONNOLLY at Natchez,
Mississippi:
On March 6, 1967, Mr. RANDALL FERGUSON, 727 North
Pearl Street, advised he did not know of any threats against
JESSIE PARIS until notified by Mrs. MARJORIE BARONI immediately
prior to this interview.
He advised that he did not receive a copy of the
resume which PARIS submitted. He advised that he is a
member of the Adams - Jefferson Community Improvement
Corporation Borad, however, he is not a member of the
screening board and would have no need to receive such
a resume.
He advised on Thursday, February 16, 1967, the
board met at the Supervisors' Room of the Adams County
Courthouse, Natchez, Mississippi, and a recommendation was
made by Mr. TRULY that MAJOR McDANIEL be made Director of
the Adams - Jefferson Community Improvement Corporation
and that Mr. JESSIE PARIS be made Assistant Director.
He advised that the screening committee was
supposed to mail out resumes to the other board members
for their consideration of the position of Director,
however, he never received such a resume.
He advised that either on February 16, 1967, or
at a prior board meeting he believes he observed JOHN F.
BANKS, who resides on Elm Street, home telephone number
445-8396, at a meeting which is open to the public.
He advised that JOHN F. BANKS is not a board
member and is of the opinion that BANKS is somewhat
eccentric. He stated he could not give a clear definition
as to what he meant by eccentric.
339
Mrs. MARJORIE R. BARONI, Board Member, Adams Jefferson Community Improvement Corporation, Star, Inc.,
Natchez, Mississippi, advised that on Tuesday, February
28, 1967, or Wednesday, March 1, 1967, she heard from
Mrs. MAMIE MAZIQUE that a Mr. JESSIE PARIS from Jackson,
Mississippi, received several threats against his life.
She advised that Mr. JESSIE PARIS has made application
for the position of Director of the Adams - Jefferson
Community Improvement Corporation. She advised that she
received a copy of a resume submitted by Mr. PARIS for
the above mentioned position.
She advised that she made several Thermofax
copies of this resume and has distributed them to the
screening board concerned with the Adams - Jefferson
Community Improvement Corporation.
She advised that she has kept these copies in
her desk at the Star, Inc., office, Natchez, Mississippi,
and does not keep her desk locked. She further advised
that anyone connected with the screening board or any
other persons working at Star, Inc., could have access
to Mr. PARIS' application.
She further advised that on February 16, 1967,
Mr. FARRAR TRULY, the Chairman of the Adams - Jefferson
Improvement Corporation, asked her for a copy of the
resume mentioned above. She advised that at the board
meeting which took place on February 16, 1967, the
screening board had narrowed the candidates for the
position of Director down to the following two
individuals:
MAJOR McDANIEL, from the First Baptist
Church, Natchez, Mississippi;
Mr. JESSIE PARIS, from Jackson, Mississippi.
JN 44-2044
2
She further advised that M r . ALBERT LEHMAN from
Fayette, Mississippi, has applications of all those
candidates who applied for the position of Director of
the Adams - Jefferson Community Improvement Corporation.
She advised that MAJOR McDaniel withdrew his
application for the position of Director on February 26,
1967, and further that MAJOR McDANIEL made this intention
known to Mr. LEHMAN. She advised she heard the reason that
MAJOR McDANIEL withdrew was the fact that McDANIEL stated
that the difference in salary connected with the Directorship
was not enough to induce him to leave his present position.
Mrs. BARONI advised that throughout all the
meetings of the board members in considering a Director
she has not observed anyone violently pushing fo r MAJOR
McDANIEL to be hired as Director.
Mrs. BARONI further advised that the following
persons are board members who are responsible for conducting
any business connected with the Adams - Jefferson Community
Improvement Corporation:
ADAMS COUNTY
One year members
Rev. T. C. JOHNSON
Mr. MICHEL DUMAS
Mr. ARCHIE CURTIS
Mr. JOE ZUCCARO
* Mrs. MARJORIE BARONI
Mr. RANDALL FERGUSON
Two year members
* Mrs. MAMIE MAZIQUE
* Rev. SHED BALDWYN
Rev. L. R. MILLER
* Mr. RAIFORD HUFF
Father (FNU) MORRISSEY
341
J N 44-2044
3
JEFFERSON COUNTY
One Year Members
Mr. BOZE RILEY
* Mr. JOHN C. BERRY
Rev. (FNU) THOMPSON
* Mr. FARRAR TRULY
* Mayor (FNU) ALLEN
* Mr. APPLETON OWEN
Two Year Members
* Mr. FRED ALLEN
* Mr. J. D. WASHINGTON
* Mr. SOL JACKSON
* Mr. ALBERT LEHMAN
Mr. LEON MASSEY
Mr. GEORGE IVEY.
Mrs. BARONI made available a Thermofax copy of
the resume submitted by Mr. JESSIE PARIS to the Adams Jefferson Community Improvement corporation, dated
October 19, 1966. She advised that JESSIE PARIS resides
at 1035 Mayes Street, Apartment 9, Jackson, Mississippi,
and listed a telephone number of 362-1413, which was
crossed out on Mr. PARIS' original application and
Mr. PARIS has substituted the telephone number 355-1824.
Mrs. BARONI advised that the FBI may keep the
above mentioned Thermofax copy for its file and that it
would not be necessary to return it to her.
*
Members of the screening board who are responsible
for ultimately selecting any applicants.
342
_________
MAJOR CYRUS MC DANIEL, First Baptist Church, 701
Main Street, Natchez, Mississippi, was interviewed at his
place of employment and furnished the following information:
MC DANIEL advised that he is employed as the Minister
of Music at the First Baptist Church of Natchez, Mississippi.
MC DANIEL stated that because of his religious beliefs, he
is concerned with the relations between the Negro and white
races and with the way in which the white face had been
treating the Negro race. MC DANIEL stated that because of
this interest he took note of an advertisement which he saw
in a local newspaper during approximately August, 1966, in
which the Directorship of the Committee Action for Progress
(CAP) was advertised. MC DANIEL stated that the CAP is an
organization sponsored under the Federal Poverty Program ,and
is in this way a factors in Negro and white community
relations.
MC DANIEL stated that in order to obtain the
Directorship, he was interviewed by a sub-committee of the
CAP in which his interest and qualifications were reviewed.
MC DANIEL stated that the Appointment Committee consisted
of approximately 24 members, both Negro and white. MC DANIEL
stated that this interview took place during January, 1967,
in Fayette, Mississippi. MC DANIEL further advised that
following the meeting he gave further consideration to the
matter and decided to withdraw himself from consideration
for the Directorship of CAP. MC DANIEL stated that he
wrote a letter on or about February 24, 1967, to ALBERT
LEHMANN, of Fayette, Mississippi, who was the Chairman of
the GAP Appointment Committee, and advised him of his with­
drawal in seeking the CAP Directorship. MC DANIEL stated
among the reasons for his deciding to withdraw his name
from consideration were the facts that the salary of $10,000
JN 44-2044
2
paid to the CAP Director was less than his present salary,
as well as the fact that his wife did not want him to
change jobs.
MC DANIEL stated that he was not acquainted with
anyone named JESSIE PARIS from Jackson, Mississippi, or
anywhere else in Mississippi. MC DANIEL stated that he
did not know that JESSIE PARIS was also seeking the CAP
Directorship, and had never heard his name prior to this
interview. MC DANIEL stated that he had no knowledge what­
soever regarding any threats being made against PARIS.
MC DANIEL stated that he has no connection with or member­
ship in any civil rights groups or any other organizations
sponsored under the Federal Poverty Program. MC DANIEL
stated that he does not know if the CAP Appointment Committee
has selected a new Director as yet.
344
Father WILLIAM J. MORRISSEY, SSJ, 16 Orange Avenue,
Natchez, Mississippi, advised he is a member of the Board
that would consider applicants for the position of Director
of the Community Action for Progress.
He advised that on Sunday, February 26, 1967,
he was first notified that MAJOR McDANIEL had withdrawn
his application. He advised that Mr. ALBERT LEHMAN of
Fayette, Mississippi, notified him of this fact.
He advised he did not see the resume or application
that JESSIE PARIS had submitted.
He advised he does not know anyone on the Board
who was vehemently opposed or favorably disposed towards
any candidate.
He advised the Board has not officially met
since February 16, 1967, and that from informal discussions
with other Board members he could not determine any suspects
for the reported threats made against JESSIE PARIS.
He
advised he first learned about the threat on Wednesday
evening, March 1, 1967, after Mr. CHARLES EVERS received
a telephone call from Mrs. PARIS,
He advised of all the persons on the Board he
would most likely suspect the following persons, and
advised he has no basis whatsoever for these suspicions:
Mr. APPLETON OWEN, Mr. RAIFORD HUFF, and REX ROBINSON.
M r. FARRAR M. TRULY, B oard Member, A dams Jefferson County Improvement C o r p o r a ti o n , a d v i s e d he had
no knowledge of any t h r eats mads against JESSIE PARIS
until so advised by the interviewing Agents.
He advised
that the S c r e e n i n g Board had narrowed down t h e applicants
for the position of Director of the Community Action
for Progress to four persons, t h e s e p e r s ons being
JESSIE PARIS, MAJOR McDANIEL, one unknown individual
who worked as an accountant for either Armstrong or
International Paper Company in Natchez, Mississippi,
and a fourth unknown individuals
He advised that
Mrs. MARJORIE BARONI, also a Board member, would have
the above two names.
He advised that in early February, possibly
February16, 1967, MAJOR McDANIEL and JESSIE PARIS
appeared before the committee to discuss their qualifi­
cations. He advised that PARIS at this meeting
distributed resumes to the Board.
He also advised
that at this meeting MAJOR McDANIEL stated that he only
wanted to be Director of the Community Action for Progress
and that Mr. PARIS stated that he would be agreeable to
be Director or Assistant Director of the above organization.
He advised that the committee met on February 18,
1967, and decided that they would recommend to the general
board that McDANIEL be considered for Director and Mr.
PARIS would be considered as Assistant Director.
He advised that on or about February 18, 1967,
heturned over a copy of the
PARIS resume to Mrs. BARONI.
He further advised that he learned MAJOR
McDANIEL had withdrawn his application for the position
of Director. Mr. TRULY further stated he learned this
fact from Mayor ALLEN of Fayette, Mississippi, after
February 27, 1967.
He stated that Hr. RAY HUFF, also a board member,
J N 4 4 —204-4
2
for tills c o m m i t t e e , is employed at the Armstrong Tire
and Rubber Company, and Hr. HUFF recommenced two other
individuals for the position of Director, however,
Hr. TR U L Y did not know the names of those individuals.
347
Mr. A L B E R T LEHMAN, Chairman, A dams - J efferson
Improvement Corporation, a d v i s e d that the S c r e e n i n g
Committee had n a r r o w e d the p o s i t i o n of D i r e c t o r d o w n
to MAJOR McDANIEL a n d JESSIE PARIS.
He advised that JESSIE PARIS had mailed a
resume to him about three months ago and he subsequently
kept this resume until about January 31, 1967, when he
delivered it to Mr. FARRAR TRULY.
He advised he kept
this resume in an unlocked cabinet at his Ford Agency
in Fayette, Mississippi, and that anyone coming into
the Ford Agency could have had access to it.
He advised that the white members of the
Board predominantly wanted to select MAJOR McDANIEL for
the position of Director and that the Negro members of
the Board wanted to select JESSIE PARIS.
He advised that on March 6, 1967, he learned
from Mrs. BARONI that several threats reportedly had
been made to PARIS concerning his accepting the position
of Director.
He further advised that Father MORRISSEY, Mrs.
BARONI and Mr. LEHMAN were the only members of the Board
who would have considered having a Negro as Director.
He advised that on February 24, 1967, MAJOR C.
McDANIEL wrote a letter to M r. LEHMAN advising him that
he was withdrawing his application for Director. He
advised this letter was received by him on February 25,
1967. He advised he notified JOHN BERRY and Father
MORRISSEY, both Board members, of the Above letter.
He advised that in December 1966 the Screening
Committee met and at that time a copy of the PARIS
resume was distributed to all the Board members present,
however, he could not furnish the names of those Board
members in attendance since he was not there himself.
He advised that he notified the following
persons that MAJOR McDANIEL had withdrawn his application:
R. J . ALLEN, Mr. TRULY, and Father MORRISSEY,
He stated,
however, he is not sure if he notified Mrs. BARONI at
this time.
He advised that the position for Director of
the Community Action for Progress was announced by
advertisement in the Jackson, Mississippi "Clarion
Ledger" and the "Natchez Democrat," He advised that
he received 25 applications for the position of Director
and that Mrs. BARONI had received four additional names.
He advised there were many more applications for lesser
positions of this committee.
He advised he told Mr, TRULY about the fact that
MAJOR McDANIEL had submitted a letter of withdrawal prior
to the bombing which took place on February 27, 1967.
Mrs. MAMIE LEE MAZIQUE, 12 East Woodlawn Street,
advised that on Wednesday morning, March 1, 1967, the
wife of JESSIE PARIS telephoned her and asked to speak
with CHARLES EVERS. Mrs. PARIS stated that her husband
was supposed to go to Meridian, Mississippi, on March 1,
1967. She advised that as Mr. PARIS got into his
automobile that morning he noticed a threatening note
written on brown paper placed on his car.
She advised that Mrs. PARIS telephoned her
at least two or three times after the initial phone
call and again called later that night while the
Negroes were holding a meeting at the Jerusalem Church,
Natchez, Mississippi, and at this time Mrs. PARIS spoke
to Mr. EVERS and relayed additional threats received by her
husband to him. She advised that Mrs. PARIS stated someone
was making threatening phone calls and also someone had
painted a red K on her door.
Mrs. MAZIQUE advised that Mrs. PARIS made
several copies of her husband's resume and sent them to
Mr. ALBERT LEHMAN, Mr. CHARLES EVERS and several other
Board members.
She advised that Mr. RAY HUFF, a Board member, was
opposed to Mr. PARIS being considered for the position of
Director.
She further stated she believed that if any threats
were made to Mr. PARIS they could have come from a Board
member, since probably the general public did not know
that Mr. PARIS had applied for the position.
She advised that a Mr. REX ROBINSON, a Job
Specialist who works at the Star, Inc., office, could be
suspected
as the person who made these reported threats
to Mr. PARIS, because ROBINSON had openly sanctioned Klan
matters.
J N 44-2044
2
She advised she first learned that MAJOR McDANIEL
had withdrawn his application sometime after the bombing
on February 27, 1967.
She advised that the Screening Board of this
committee would first have to select any candidates for
the position and then the entire Board would vote for
the final decision.
351
Reverend S. L. WEBB, 2508 Holmes Street,
Jackson, Mississippi, advised he is acquainted with Mr.
and Mrs. JESSES PARIS, 1035 Mayes Street, Jackson,
as they are both members of his church. Reverend WEBB
said he (WEBB) is employed by Mississippi Action For
Progress (MAP), an anti-poverty program sponsored by
United States government funds. He is personally
acquainted with the PARIS family, as they are also
employed by MAP.
He said Mrs. PARIS recently furnished him
with a telephone number where they could always be reached.
The telephone number is reportedly listed to Mrs. PARIS's
mother.
Reverend WEBB said he conversed with Mr. and
Mrs. PARIS the past week and was advised they had been
threatened by unknown persons. The threats were received
by Mrs. PARIS telephonically. He questioned Mr. and Mrs.
PARIS and determined that someone is interested in
keeping Mrs. PARIS from receiving an important position
in Natchez. From what he gathered, they were both under
the impression the persons who threatened them must
work for the Program in Natchez or in that vicinity.
He could furnish no additional pertinent
Information.
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
TJC/bgj
1
The following investigation was conducted by SA
THOMAS J. CONNOLLY and SA JAMES R. MC GEE:
On March 8, 1967, Mr, REX ROBINSON, Post Office
Box 265, Raymond, Mississippi, was contacted at his place of
employment, Star, Incorporated, where he is in charge of job
development. Mr. ROBINSON advised that he has just recently
heard of the threats received by JESSIE PARIS through Mrs.
MARGE BARONI. He advised he did not even know that PARIS had
made application for the job of Director of the Community
Action Program (CAP). He stated he never saw a resume sub­
mitted by PARIS. He advised he shares the same office with
Mrs. BARONI but stated many people have access to the office
and it is often unattended. He stated he does not know MAJOR
MC DANIEL but did know that he had applied for the job of
Director of CAP.
Mr. ROBINSON advised he is not, nor never has been,
a member of the Ku Klux Klan and has never been approached to
join, nor has he attempted to join. He advised he has never
attended any meetings or rallies of the Klan even out of
curiosity.
On March 8, 1967, Mrs. MARGE BARONI, Star, Inc.,
advised that the only other two applications seriously con­
sidered for the job of Director of CAP other than MAJOR
MC DANIEL and JESSIE PARIS were H. SHELBY BERRY, 801
Tanglewood Drive, Clinton, Mississippi, and Mr. JOHN R.
BAKER, Route 5, Box 291, Natchez, Mississippi. She stated
that neither BERRY nor BAKER would normally have known that
MAJOR MC DANIEL had withdrawn his application for the job of
Director as there to date has not been another meeting con­
cerning this point.
353
Mrs. PATRICIA BELL NICHOLS PARIS, 1035 Mayes
Street, Jackson, Mississippi was recontacted for any
information obtained by she or her husband, concerning
this matter. She stated she and her husband had dis­
cussed this situation throughly and the only person who
would know the telephone number of her mother's residence,
Mrs. WILLIE BELL, 919 Bloom Street, Jackson, would be their
Pastor, Reverend S, L. WEBB. She said Reverend WEBB is a
personal friend and that they had discussed this matter
with him and he has not released their telephone number to
anyone.
She stated that the resume furnished to members
of the Board of the Community Action Program in Natchez
listed on Page Four the telephone number 353-1824, which
is the telephone number of her mother. She could furnish
no additional pertinent information.
Reverend SHEAD BALDWIN, 105 Georgia Street, Natchez,
Mississippi, advised he is a member of the screening board
for the Adams-Jefferson Improvement Cooperation. He Advised
he first heard about the threats against Mr. JESSIE PARIS
on Wednesday, March 1, 1967, when Mrs. PARIS called Mr.
CHARLES EVERS and reported these threats to Mr. EVERS.
He advised that someone on the board, possibly the
screening board, who had access to the resume which Mr. PARIS
had submitted, could have made the threats to PARIS.
He advised that the screening board narrowed the
position of Director for the Community Action Program
(CAP) down to MAJOR MC DANIEL and JESSIE PARIS. He advised
that all of the white members of the board were pushing for
MAJOR MC DANIEL and all of the Negro members of the board
considered Mr. PARIS more qualified for the job as Director.
He advised he was not notified that MAJOR MC DANIEL
had withdrawn his application for the position of Director.
JN
4 4 -2 0 4 4
BCL/bgJ
1
The following investigation was conducted by SA
BERNARD C. LANG and SA THOMAS W. KELTY:
On March 9, 1967, Mr. GEORGE METCALFE, Number 9
St. Catherine Street, advised that he is not a member of
the Adams-Jefferson Improvement Committee and does not know
a JESSIE PARIS from Jackson, Mississippi. METCALFE stated
he had no idea that Mr. PARIS had applied for the job of
Director of the Community Action Program.
D . G l e n M a u rice S e y f a r t h
GLEN MAURICE SEYFARTH, Route 5, Box 261, Natchez,
Mississippi, was Advised of the identity of the interviewing
Agents and was further advised by SA JAMES R. McGEE that he
had the right to remain s ilent and anything he said could
be used against him in a court of law. He was further
advised that he had the right to talk to a lawyer before
answering any questions And that be could have a lawyer
present during questioning and could stop answering
questions at any time. SEYFARTH advised he understood
his rights and that he did hot desire to consult an attorney
and would answer all questions asked of him. No force,
threats, or promises were used.
SEYFARTH advised he has been employed at the
Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company Since around October
1966. He advised he has no knowledge whatsoever concerning
the killing of WHARLEST JACKSON at Natchez, Mississippi.
He advised that on Saturday, March 4, 1967, he
met STANLEY "MURRAY in downtown Natchez and the two of them
rode around Natchez in SEYFARTH's 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle,
maroon in color, bearing 1967 Mississippi License 1-7255.
He advised that at approximately 12:30 p.m. on
Saturday while he and MURRAY were riding around they noticed
a group of Negroes in a car parked on a downtown street.
He advised as he and MURRAY passed those Negroes he thought
he heard the Negro say something to him. He and MURRAY
then circled the block to see what the Negroes had said
to them. SEYFARTH advised that MURRAY asked the Negroes
"what did you say?” He advised the Negroes said something
in return, however, he did not hear what was said.
SEYFARTH advised that at ho time did he exhibit
a gun or point a gun at the Negroes and did not have any
guns in the automobile. He also advised that he did not see
MURRAY with any guns at any time.
He advised he is not a member of any Klan
organization and has never been approached to join the
the Klan, and has no knowledge of the Klan whatsoever.
He further advised that he does not believe MURRAY IS
a member of the Klan and has never heard MURRAY speak
of the Klan.
He advised that STANLEY MURRAY is a white male,
about 21 years old, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, brown hair.
He advised MURRAY is a carpenter employed at Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, and has ho knowledge of MURRAY'S residence or
place of employment.
The following description was obtained from
observation and interview:
Race:
Sex:
Date of birth:
Place of birth:
Height:
Weight:
Hair:
Eyes:
Remarks:
Education:
Weapons:
Prior arrests:
White
Male
October 12, 1946
Adams County, Mississippi
6 feet
175 pounds
Brown - crewcut
Blue
Wearing full beard
High school graduate,
Adams County High School,
1964
one 12 gauge pump shotgun,
single barrel; one 20 gauge
automatic shotgun; one long
barrel .22 caliber pistol.
February 19, 1967, by
Natchez Police Department,
for speeding and reckless
driving.
J N 4 4 -2 0 4 4
E . Charles Evers
360
Mr. CHARLES EVERS, Director, National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), State of
Mississippi, was interviewed at his office located in the
Carolyn Store, Fayette, Mississippi. Mr. EVERS was advised
that in a news article by ANGUS MC EACHRAN, appearing in
the March 6, 1967, edition of "The National Observer", Mr.
EVERS was quoted as saying "We know the Klan was behind this.
We even think we know the ones who did it ...".
Mr. EVERS advised that he is not personally acquainted
with A N G U S MC EACHRAN; however, he might know this individual
should he see him in person. He stated he was acquainted with
"The National Observer". Mr. EVERS stated that regarding the
statement "We even know who did it...", that this is ridiculous
because if he knew who had done it or had any information
regarding the murderer of WHARLEST JACKSON, he would most
certainly immediately report this information to the proper
authorities.
Mr. EVERS stated he has repeatedly made the statement
that he believes the Klan is behind the murder or WHARLEST
JACKSON and is responsible for other acts of violence. Mr.
EVERS stated that the reason he believes the Klan is behind
the murder of JACKSON and other acts of violence is because
in previous acts of violence Klansmen have been arrested or
interviewed about these acts and because of the expose' of
Klansmen by the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
F.
Marion Edward Stewart
The following investigation was conducted by
SA DAVID T. DALY and SA JACK W. WILSON on March 3, 1967:
JOHN W . EDWARDS, Route 2, Box 90, Pineville, Louisiana,
advised he previously owned a white 1959 Chevrolet which he
disposed of approximately two months ago by turning the car
over to his nephew, LAVERNE RASHALL, telephone 443-9672.
LAVERNE RASHALL, 1101 Bayou Marie Road,Pineville,
Louisiana, advised that the 1969 white Chevrolet which he
obtained from his uncle, JOHN EDWARDS, was turned over to
the Cenla Auto Sales, 1912 Lee Street, Alexandria, Louisiana,
for sale.
W . R. JOHNSON, Manager, Cenla Auto Sales, 1912 Lee Street,
Alexandria, Louisiana, advised that his records show that
a 1959 Chevrolet, 1967 Louisiana license 57E-228, VIN E59S191081,
was sold to MARION STEWART, 417 Lynn Street, Vidalia, Louisiana,
on January 14, 1967.
W A LTER L. PATRICK, Manager, C o t t o n 's H o ls u m Bakers,
Inc., B r e nham Avenue, N a t c h e z , advised, t ha t h is records s h o w
that M A R I O N EDW A RD STEWART, e m p l o y e d in t h e s h i p p i n g department,
reported for work at 1:54 p.m., on February 27, 1967. STEWART
went off duty at 10:04 p.m.
The records show that STEWART
remained in the plant building during his entire tour of duty
on February 27, 1967.
This record was maintained from
time stamps recorded by a mechanical clocking device in use
by all employees at the factory.
JN 4 4-2044
VIII.
APPENDIX
ORIGINAL KNIGHTS OF THE KU KLUX KLAN
(LOUISIANA)
(OKKKK)
A source advised on October 25, 1963, that an
organization known as the Original Knights of the Ku Klux
Klan (OKKKK) had been organized in the State of Louisiana
at Shreveport, Louisiana, in December of 1960.
A second source advised on August 12, 1966,
that the OKKKK continues to be active within the State
of Louisiana, and that the aims and purposes of this organ­
ization continue to be to promote Americanism, the supremacy
of the white race, and the furtherance of segregation
between the races.
Records of Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia,
reflect that this Klan organization was granted a corporate
charter on February 21, 1961, at Atlanta, Georgia, under the
name United Klans, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan of America,
Inc.
A source advised on February 27, 1961, that
United K lans was formed as a result of a slip in the
U.S . K lans, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc. According to
the source, the split resulted from a leadership dispute
and United Elans has the same aims and objectives as the
parent group. These are the promotion of Americanism,
white supremacy, and segregation of the races.
The first source and a second source advised in
July, 1961, that United Klans, Knights of the Ku Klux K lan
of America, Inc., merged with Alabama Knights, Knights of
the Ku Klux Klan . The merged organization established
headquarters in Suite 401, Alston Building, Tuscaloosa,
Alabama. ( The organization is directed by ROBERT SHELTON,
Imperial Wizard, and is the dominant Klan gr o u p in the
South, with units in several southern states.)
Second source advised that at a meeting in
Prattville, Alabama, on October 22, 1961, the U. S. K lans,
Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, merged with the United Klans
of America, Inc., Knights of the K u Klux Klan.
Third source advised on May 25, 1966, that the UKA
is currently an active organization, with Klaverns in
several states. This source said that ROBERT M. SHELTON is
the Imperial Wizard of this organization and was elected to
this position on September 5, 1964, at a National Klonvocation
in Birmingham, Alabama. Source stated that during April,
1966, the National office was moved from Suite 401,
Alston Building, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to the carport of
SHELTON's residence, #18 Lake Sherwood, Star Route, Northport, Alabama, which space he had converted into a room.
A source advised that on February 15, 1964,
approximately 200 members o f the Original Knights of
the Ku Klux Klan (OKKKK) from the State of Mississippi
met at Brookhaven, Mississippi. Those present decided
to defect from the OKKKK and to form their own Klan
group in Mississippi to be known as the White Knights
of the Ku Klux Klan of Mississippi.
This source advised that the aims and purposes
of the WKKKKOM are to preserve Christian civilization,
protect and promote white supremacy and the segregation
of the races, to fight communism and to extend the dignity,
heritage, and rights of the white race of America.
A second source advised on August 10, 1966,
that the WKKKKOM is an unincorporated secret organization
existing in the State of Mississippi and dedicated to the
preservation of white supremacy at any cost, including the
use of force and violence.
The official constitution and
other directives of the o rganization do not show any
advocation of force or violence, but it is generally
conceded among the members tha t in the end, force and
violence will be the only salvation of the white man
with regard to his relationship with the Negro race.
The WKKKKOM is controlled by the Imperial Wizard and
other State Officers and the state is divided into districts
and provinces.
There is an estimated membership, as of
August 10, 1966, of 800 to 1,000 dues-paying members of this
organization.
The aims and purposes of the organization
continue to be the same as when the organization was created
in February, 1964.
Sam Holloway Bowers, Jr., Laurel,
Mississippi, continues to be the Imperial Wizard
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
IX.
INDEX
371
INDEX
PAGE
NAME
342
349
149
217, 219
79
353
334, 343
339
353
339, 341
340
135
337
337
337
329
324, 325,
354
353
348
342
310
100, 101,
154
65
35
95, 114
173
308
309
321
70
191
36
180
203
70
ALLEN, FRED
ALLEN, R . J.
ARNOLD, LARRY JOSEPH
AVANTS, ERNEST HENRY
BACON, HENRY
BAKER, JOHN R.
BALDWIN, SHED (Rev.)
BANKS, JOHN F.
BARONI, MARGE (Mrs.)
BARONI, MARJORIE (Mrs)
BARONI, MARJORIE R.
BEARD, C. C.
BELL, LOUGENE
BELL, SARAH
BELL, WILLIE
BELL, WILLIE (Mr.)
BELL, WILLIE (Mrs.)
BERRY, H. SHELBY
BERRY, JOHN
BERRY, JOHN C.
BILLY
BLACKMAN, SAMUEL L.
BLACKWELL, CLINTON R.
BLACKWELL, LEWIS BROWN
BOWIE, WORRE (Mrs.)
BOYD, EARSEL
BOYD, EARCEL MILTON
(SR)
BRADY, LEE PROTORY
BRADY, LEE "RED”
BRAITHWAITE, MARY (Mrs.)
BREWER
BREWER, W. J.
BROWN, GERALDINE
BUNCH, JOE SILAS (Jr.)
CARLOCK, ALTON CORNELIUS
CARTER, ODELL (Jr.)
372
PAG E
NAME
111
87
36
18, 19
C L A R K , RO BER T
CO LEM AN
C O LEM A N , J O S E P H
CRANE, FORD
120
CUNNINGHAM
CURTIS, ARCHIE
341
314, 315
107, 108
87, 149
157
199
181
35
87, 157
126
335
182
206
33
CURTIS, MARY
CURTIS, RAY
DAVIS, BUFORD
DAVIS, BUDDY
DAVIS, BUFORD BROWN
DAVIS, JACK
DAVIS, MELINDA
DAVIS, ROSIE
DAVIS, RUDOLPH
DEAN, KENNETH
DE ES, BURL HOWARD
DENNIS, KENNETH DE¥INE
DENT, FRANK
120
DIGGS
DIGGS, JAMES A.
81
136
313
341
248
DIGGS, MACK
DIXON, ROBERT
DUMAS, MICHEL (Mr.)
DUNCAN, ROYCE (Mrs.)
DUNN
DUNN, ALVIN
DUNN, JERRY
120
84
84,85,105,127,109,110,113,
129,158,147,149,157
104,105
363
122
335
324,333,345,350,355,360,
361
339,341
176
55
37
167
162
94
EARLS, LUCIUS SHELTON
EDWARDS, JOHN W.
EVANS, JERRY
EVERS
EVERS, CHARLES
FERGUSON, RANDALL (Mr.)
FINLEY, CLIFFORD ADOICE
FITZGERALD, MONROE
FLEMING, TOM
FOSTER, PAUL L.
FORTENBERRY, BEN F. (Jr.)
FOWLER
373
JN
44-2044
NAME
PAGE
FRANK
120
FRANK, ROBERT LEE
FREEMAN, MARION WILLIAM
FREEMAN, WASH
"FRENCHY"
FRYAR, A.E. (Mrs.)
FRYAR, BETTY
FRYE, JEROME
GARVEY, JAMES
GASTON, FRANK LEE
GIBSON, ROBERT
GLOVER, MEREDITH LAVONIE
GLOVER, RALEIGH JACKSON
GOLDEN
GOLDMAN
GREEN, ALEX
GUICE, NATHAN LEE
HAIK, ROBERT E.
HALL, DENVER
HALL, OLLIE
HALL, WALTER G.
HAMILTON,CHARLIE
HANEY, DAVID HARMON
HARDY, JOE LEE
HARPER, JULIUS HUNTER
HART, ROBERT LUTHER
HEAD, BEVERLY (Mrs.)
HEAD, KENNETH NORMAN
HENDRICK, ESTELLE
HENRY, MARY (Mrs.)
HESTER, ELDEN GLENN
HESTER, GUIN
HIGGENS, DIANE (Mrs.)
HOLLOWAY, WOODROW
HOLMES, WILLIE B. (Mrs.)
HORTON, THOMAS
374
184
116
87,149
82
62
62
124
71
97
106,107
235
227,230,236
83,88,91,104,92,116,112,
120,138,158
70,71
51
138
45
147
72
240
71,86
193
211
172
18,19,241
245
249
42
321
251,252
253
321
254
44
261,62,66
JN
4 4 -2 0 4 4
NAME
HUFF , RAIFORD
HUFF, RAIFORD (Mr.)
h u f f , ray
HURST, TRAY W.
IVEY, GEORGE
JACKSON,
JACKSON,
JACKSON,
JACKSON,
JERRY
EXERLENA (Mrs.)
SOL (Mr.)
WHARLEST (Mrs.)
WILBUR
JOHNSON, ELMER HARRISON
JOHNSON, T. C. (Reverend)
JONES, LANK
JONES, TOMMIE L.
JONES, WILLIAM BARNEY
KELLY, HUNTLEY BENJAMIN
KENN, BERTHA
KING, HERSEY
KIRBY, JAMES
KIRBY, ROBERT LAVELLE
LANE, CHARLES
LANE, CHARLES EVANS
LEE, JAMES FREDERICK
LEE, "RED"
LEHMAN, ALBERT
LEHMAN, ALBERT (Mr.)
LINDER, CURTIS OWEN
LINDLEY, BARBARA
MC DANIEL
MC DANIEL (Reverend)
MC DANIEL, MAJOR
MC
MC
MC
MC
MC
MC
MC
DANIEL, MAJOR C.
DANIEL, MAJOR CYRUS
EACHRAN, ANGUS
FARLAND, WILLIAM E.
MAHON, CHARLES OSCAR
MAHON, JOHN TAYLOR
MURRAY
345
343
347,350
120
342
303
342
305
136
90,125
155
341
111, 136
274
92
201
327
316,
150
214
244
186
270,
77
342,
341
64
63
325
334
346,
355,
319
343
361
22
60
74
72
317
271
343, 345, 348, 350
348, 349, 351, 353,
339, 340, 341
N am e
MAGEE, WILLIAM H.
MANGUN, J. B.
MARLER, ROBERT A.
MASSEY, LEON
MATCALF, GEORGE
MATTHEWS, RICHARD
MAZIQUE, MAMIE
MELTON, MARZELL
MERRICK, ELLA (Mrs.)
MERRITT
MERRITT, D.
METCALFE, GEORGE
MILLER, L. R. (Reverend)
MINOR, ALICE (Mrs.)
MOON, JERRY
MORACE, E. D.
MORRISEY, (Father)
MORRISSEY, WILLIAM J. (Father)
MULLIN, JAMES
MURRAY, L. C.
MURRAY, RED
MURRAY, STANLEY
NATIONS, JERRY S.
NICHOLS, ELIZABETH (Mrs.)
NOLAN, DAVID RAY
NORWOOD, LUCIAN B. (DICK)
NUNNERY, ALTON
OWEN, APPLETON
PARIS, JESSIE
PARIS, JESSIE (Mrs.)
PARIS, JOHN
PARIS, PATRICIA
PARIS, PATRICIA BELL NICHOLS
PARIS, PATRICIA NICHOLS
PARIS, REBECCA
PARKER, JAMES SPIVEY
P A G E
147
195
273
342
334
40
333, 314, 325, 334, 340,
341, 350
188
41
120, 157
94
356
343
321
313
275
334, 343, 348, 349
345
91
72
72
358, 359
109, 110
321
129
141
106
345, 342
318, 319, 320, 321,322, 323,
326, 328, 329, 331, 327,
336, 338, 339, 340, 342,
344, 345, 346, 348, 350,
353, 355, 356
352
327
321
323
328, 330, 332, 336, 354
326
327
94
J N 4 4 -2 0 4 4
NAME
PAGE
PATRICK, WALTER L .
PERRAULT, FRANK
PIERCE, M. B.
PRICE, BUD
PRICE, CORBANEARL
QUINN, (Mr.)
QUINN, CHARLES
RASHALL, LAVERNE
REED, WALTER WAYNE
REVETTE, FRENCHIE
REYNOLDS, ROBERT
RILEY, BOZE (Mr.)
RIVETT
RIVET, FRENCHIE
RIVETTE, "FRENCHIE"
RIVETTE
ROBINSON, REX
ROGERS, LOIS
ROGERS, LOIS (Miss)
ROLLINGS, JAMES (Jr.)
RUSHING, WASH
RUSSELL, GLENDA
RUSSELL, RODNEY
SCALES, ALEX
SCAROBOROUGH, JAMES LEE
SEBILLE, WILLIAM JOSEPH
SEWELL, SHEVRY
SEYFARTH, GLEN MAURICE
SIMMONS, JAMES ALLEN
SMITH
SMITH, "CATFISH"
SMITH, FOUR PENNY
SMITH, HAROLD
SMITH, HARRY WILLIAM
SMITH, HARRY WILLIAM (Jr.)
SMITH, KENNETH
364, 365, 366
179
320
94
157
325
335
363
286
117, 129
39
342
147
155
105
92
345, 350, 353
332
321
122
87
36
147
42
277, 284, 287
118
153
357, 358
84
85, 92, 107
166, 170, 152
88
155
165, 169
76
83, 106, 92, 158, 120
131, 116
SMITH, KENNETH LAMAR
SMITH, KENNY
197
144
377
J N
44-2044
NAME
PAGE
SMITH, MILTON
"SMITTY"
STEELE
STEELE, MARCUS
STEVENS
STEWART (SUPV.)
STEWART, AUDREY ANN
STEWART, MARION
STEWART, MARION EDWARD
STOKES, JAMES
SULLIVAN, MONAT
TALLEY, AUGRA
TEMPLE, J. B.
THOMAS, BURBA
THOMAS, JAMES PHILLIP
THOMPSON (Reverend)
THORNBURG, HUBIE
THORNBURG, NORMAN HUBY, JR.
THORNTON, J. L.
TIBBS, MILTON LEONARD
TILLMAN, O. S.
TILLMAN, SYLVESTER
TORGERSON, THOR LEE
TRULY (Mr.)
TRULY, FARRAR (Mr.)
TRULY, FARRAR M.
WALLACE
WALLACE, FLYNN J.
WASHINGTON, BETTY (Mrs.)
WASHINGTON, J. D.
WASHINGTON, SOPHIE (Mrs.)
WEBB, S. L. (Rev.)
WEST, BERNARD
WEST, BERNARD (Mrs.)
WEST, PLEZ
WHINGTON, PALLEY (Mrs.)
WHITLEY, ALFRED
WILLIAMS, AGNES T. (Mrs.)
WILLIAMS, DAVID
WILLIAMS, DORA LEE (Mrs.)
WILLIAMS, JESSIE
378
104, 139
125
104, 92, 116, 138,
91, 120, 158
83, 88
70
92, 104
366
363
362, 364
131
87
185
221, 224
45
47
342
158
143
151
113
45, 47, 49
51
289, 291, 293, 296,
297
339
340, 342
346, 348
70
53
321
342
54
352, 354
146
59
33, 34
36
151
38
37
37
108
JN
44
2044
NAME
PAGE
WILSON, MARJORIE (M rs.)
WINDLEY, REBECCA
WOOD, BEVERLY
WOODHAM, CLARENCE
WOODS, ANDREW
YOUNG, JOHNNY LOUIS
YOUNG, THOMAS E.
ZUCCARO, JOE
321
327
245
282, 288
72
160
133
341
RE JACKSON TEL SEPTEMBER TWENTY ONE, LAST.
MINUTEMEN:
ON SEPTEMBER TWENTY TWO,
A
D
V
I
S
E
INSTANT,
D THAT HE MET WITH JAMES LE E SCAROBOROUGH,
A KNOWN SDG MEMBER, AT SCAROBOROUGH' S RESIDENCE IN F ERRIDAY,
LA.,
ON SEPTEMBER TWENTY ONE, LAST.
HE WAS GIVEN TWO BOOKS
TO READ IN CONNECTION WITH THE MINUTEMEN ORGANIZATION.
OF THE BOOKS WAS ENTITLED GUERRILLA, BY CHARLES W. THAYE
R
;
AND THE OTHER BOOK ENTITLED THE CRAFT OF INTELLIGENCE.
BY ALLEN DULLES.
SCAROBOROUGH
ADVISED SOURCE THAT THERE WOULD AGAIN BE
NO MEETING OF THE NEW CONCORDIA PISTOL AND RIFLE CLUB
( NRA) AT
THE
OFFICE OF VIRGIL WRIGHT IN FERRIDAY CITY HALL,
AS WILLIAM GUTHRIE, THE VI CE PRESIDENT, IS WORKING AND
END PAGE ONE
PAGE TWO
VIRGIL WRIGHT IS...."
SOURCE STATED THAT AT THIS POINT
SCAROBOROUGH DROPPED THE ENTIRE SUBJECT.
IT APPEARED EVIDENT
TO SOURCE THAT SCAROBOROUGH IS CONCERNED ABOUT VIRGIL WRIGHT
AS THERE HAS BEEN NO NRA MEETING FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS.
SCAROBOROUGH THEN INFORMED SOURCE THAT EACH MEMBER OF
THE MINUTEMEN WILL NEVER KNOW MORE THAN THREE OTHER MEMBERS
N THE ORGANIZATION.
I
SCAROBOROUGH ADVISED THAT THIS WAS
BEING DONE FOR MAXIMUM SECURITY REASONS.
SCAROBOROUGH THEN TOLD SOURCE THAT HE NOW WANTS HIM TO
PUT A MINUTEMEN WARNING STICKER IN THE CAR OF TOMMIE LEE
J ONES, BUT TO MAKE SURE NOT TO GET CAUGHT AS THIS WOULD
EXPOSE THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION.
SOURCE INQUIRED IF SCAR­
O
BOROUGH THOUGHT JONES WAS A TRAITOR AND SCAROBOROUGH SAID,
"I DON'T KNOW, BUT I’M GOING TO FIND OUT".
SOURCE ADVISED THAT JONES ,NOW PARKS HIS CAR RIGHT NEXT
TO THE GUARD HOUSE AT INTERNATION PAPER COMPANY, NATCHEZ,
MISS.
END PAGE TWO
PAGE THREE
HE BELIEVES JONES IS DOING THIS IN FEAR THAT SOMEONE
IS GOING TO PLACE A BOMB IN HIS CAR WHILE HE IS AT WORK.
SCAROBOROUGH THEN ADVISED SOURCE THAT WHEN THE REVOLUTION
BEGINS, HE IS TO GET THOR LEE TORGERSEN, J. K. GREER, JOE
HARDY, AND TWO OTHER UNIDENTIFIED INDIVIDUALS AND BRING THEM
DIRECTLY TO SCAROBOROUGH’S HOUSE.
SCAROBOROUGH DID NOT
INFORM SOURCE WHEN THE REVOLUTION WAS TO BEGIN.
AUTOMATIC WEAPONS:
ON SEPTEMBER TWENTY TWO, INSTANT, SOURCE PRODUCED A
MIMEOGRAPHED COPY OF AND ORDER FORM OF THE EASTERN FIREARMS
COMPANY, THIRTY FOUR DASH THIRTY SIX LEE AVENUE, NEW
BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY.
HE ADVISED THAT MEMBERS OF THE KLAN
HAVE BEEN ORDERING PARTS FROM THIS COMPANY SINCE NINETEEN
SIXTY TWO, TO BUILD THEIR OWN THOMPSON SUBMACHINE GUNS,
SPRINGFIELD RIFLES, FORTY FIVE CALIBER AUTOMATIC PISTOLS,
AND PARTS TO CONVERT M ONE RIFLES TO M TWO AUTOMATIC
RIFLES.
END PAGE THREE
PAGE FOUR
HE STATED THE PEANUTS CARNELL, WHO OWNS A WELDING SHOP
ON
HI GHWAY SIXTY
SUBMACHINE GUN,
COMPANY.
ONE NORTH, NATCHEZ, MISS., HAS A THOMPSON
WHICH HE MADE FROM PARTS ORDERED FROM THIS
CARNELL ORDERED ALL PARTS BUT THE RECEIVER, AND
HE MADE THIS HIMSELF, AS HE IS AN EXCELLENT GUNSMITH.
IN
ADDITION, SOURCE ADVISED THAT JACK SEALE, A KNOWN SDG MEMBER
ALSO ORDERED ALL PARTS FOR HIS THOMPSON, EXCEPT THE RECEIVER
AND THAT CARNELL ALSO MADE HIM ONE.
SOURCE STATED THAT "WITHIN REASON" HE BELIEVES THAT THE
FULLY AUTOMATIC CARBINE WHICH CLAUDE FULLER USED TO KILL
BEN CHESTER WHITE, WAS MADE FROM PARTS ORDERED FROM THIS
C OMPANY. SOURCE ADVISED THAT HE WAS FIRST INFORMED ABOUT
THIS COMPANY BY BOBBY PACE OF DELHI, LA. PACE IS A CLOSE
ASSOCIATE OF JOHN MC CLERKIN OF FERRIDAY, LA.
MC CLERKIN
IS A CLOSE ASSOCIATE OF JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH.
INVESTIGATION AND APPROPRIATE LEADS RE SOURCE INFOR­
MATION ABOUT THE EAST FIREARMS COMPANY WILL BE HANDLED
END PAGE FOUR
PAGE FIVE
UNDER THE PENDING CASE ENTITLED "WARREN SWINGLEY CROSS, JR.:
JOHN HUGH HENRY: JOHN CALVIN WEEKS", NEW ORLEANS FILE FOUR
DASH TWENTY SIX, AND JACKSON FILE FOUR DASH FOUR.
TANGIPAHOA BUSHHOG:
ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY, TANGIPAHOA PARISH, LEONARD
YOKUM, ADVISED SEPTEMBER TWENTY ONE, LAST, THAT HE HAD THE
GLOVER BUSHHOG MATTER ON THE COURT CALENDER FOR PLEADING
THAT DAY.
WHEN HE RECEIVED THE DOCKET, HE FOUND THAT THE
CASE HAD BEEN DROPPED FROM THE DOCKET.
HE MADE INQUIRIES
AND FOUND THAT DISTRICT ATTORNEY DUNKIN KEMP HAD REMOVED
THE MATTER FROM THE PLEADING DOCKET AT THE REQUEST OF CLIFFORD
GRAHAM, GLOVER’S BROTHER-IN-LAW.
YOKUM CONTACTED KEMP AND TOLD HIM HE WAS INTERESTED
IN
PURSUING THE MATTER.KEMP TOLD HIM HE HAD REMOVED IT
FROM THE DOCKET AT GRAHAM'S REQUEST AND THAT HE WOULD TALK
WITH HIM ABOUT IT LATER.
ON
KEMP DID NOT SHOW UP IN COURT
SEPTEMBER TWENTY ONE,LAST, AND YOKUM HAS HAD NO OPPORTUNITY
END PAGE FIVE
PAGE SIX
TO PURSUE THE MATTER WITH HIM FURTHER.
YOKUM STATED THAT HE
FULLY INTENDS TO HAVE THIS MATTER PRESENTED UNLESS HE IS
SPECIFICALLY ORDERED BY KEMP TO DROP IT.
HE SAID HE WOULD
ADVISE US OF THE RESULTS OF THIS CONFERENCE WITH KEMP.
INVESTIGATION PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER TWENTY THREE, NEXT:
CONTINUE INVESTIGATION OF SDG.
MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH
INFORMANTS, POLICE AGENCIES, AND NEGRO SOURCES.
INTERVIEWS OF KLANSMEN.
END
BAP
FBI WASH DC
TUP
CONTINUE
RE JACKSON TEL TO
BUREAU, SEPTEMBERTWENTYSEVEN,
LAST.
the
SILVER DOLLAR GROUP (SDG):
ADVISED
ON SEPTEMBER TWENTYSEVEN, LAST, THAT HE BELIEVED THE
PREVIOUSLY UNIDENTIFIED SDG MEMBER WHO ATTENDED THE MEETING
ON SEPTEMBER NINE, LAST, WAS MISS. SDG MEMBER ERNEST PARKER.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF PARKER WILL BE SHOWN SOURCE WHEN NEXT
CONTACTED TO RESOLVE THIS IDENTIFICATION.
INFORMANT SAW SDG MEMBER JAMES LEE ON SEPTEMBER
TWENTYFIVE AND TWENTYSIX, LAST, AND WAS TOLD BY LEE THAT
SIX HARDCORE SDG MEMBERS HAD MET ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER
TWENTYFOUR, LAST, AND DISCUSSED THE FUTURE
SDG.
PLAN
LEE DID NOT GO INTO DETAIL CONCERNING THESE DISCUSSIONS
EXCEPT TO SAY THAT THE TOMMIE JONES CASE WAS ONCE A G A I N
END PAGE ONE
PAGE TWO
DISCUSSED.
LEE IDENTIFIED NORMAN HEAD, RALEIGH JACKSON
GLOVER, E.D. MORACE, JACK SEALE, L.C. MURRAY, AND HIMSELF
AS THE INDIVIDUALS ATTENDING THE MEETING.
LEE INVITED INFORMANT TO ATTEND A SDG MEETING
TO BE HELD DURING THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER ONE, NEXT, IN
THE VICINITY OF HUNTING CAMP OWNED BY SDG MEMBER E.D.
MORACE.
LEE DID NOT GO INTO DETAIL CONCERNING THE MEETING
BUT INDICATED THAT THEY WERE TRYING TO GET ALL OF THE
TRUSTED SDG MEMBERS TOGETHER AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE.
LEE EITHER WOULD NOT OR COULD NOT FURNISH
SOURCE DIRECTIONS TO THE EXACT LOCATION OF THIS MEETING
BUT INDICATED THAT HE WOULD PICK UP SOURCE AMD TRANSPORT
HIM TO THE MEETING.
TOMMIE LEE JONES:
THOR LEE TORGERSEN, SDG MEMBER AND CLOSE
END PAGE TWO
PAGE THREE
ASSOCIATE OF TOMMIE LEE JONES, HAS ADVISED JONES APPEARS
TO BE UPSET OVER THE POSSIBILITY THAT JAMES FREDERICK
LEE AND RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER MAY TAKE SOME ACTION
AGAINST HIM.
TORGERSEN ADVISED THAT JONES TOLD HIM HE HAD
RECENTLY RECEIVED A TELEPHONE CALL FROM AN UNKNOWN PERSON
REPORTING THAT LEE AND GLOVER PLANNED TO KILL HIM.
TORGERSEN STATED JONES ADVISED HIM THAT LEE AND GLOVER
FELT HE "DRINKS AND TALKS" TO MUCH. AS A RESULT OF THIS
FEAR, TORGERSEN REPORTED THAT JONES HAS BEEN STAYING HOME
AT NIGHT AND HAS BEEN OUT ONLY ON ONE OCCASION DURING
THE PAST WEEK AND A HALF.
ON THIS OCCASION, JONES INSISTED
UPON TORGERSEN ACCOMPANYING HIM TO A MOVIE AT A NATCHEZ
THEATER.
JONES ADVISED TORGERSEN THAT DURING THE PAST
TWO OR THREE YEARS "THEY" HAVE SUSPECTED HIM OF TALKING
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THE FBI. HE STATED "THEY" HAVE,
END PAGE THREE
PAGE FOUR
IN FACT, CONFRONTED HIM WITH THEIR SUSPICIONS.
JONES
SAID THAT EACH TIME HE HAS ASSURED THEM HE WAS NOT TALKING
AND NO ACTION WAS EVER TAKEN..
JONES APPARENTLY FEELS, AT PRESENT, THAT THIS
FEELING OF SUSPICION WILL ALSO "BLOW OVER" WITHOUT ANY
SERIOUS ACTION TAKEN AGAINST HIM. HE HAS SAID THAT WHEN
THIS "BLOWS OVER" HE INTENDS TO DISASSOCIATE HIMSELF COMPLETELY
WITH ANY OF THIS GROUP.
BOMBING OF GEORGE METCALFE, NATCHEZ, MISS., AUGUST, SIXTYFIVE:
WE HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT
WAS INVOLVED IN THE METCALFE BOMBING.
EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ELICIT INFORMATION FROM THE
INFORMANT CONCERNING THIS BOMBING.
ON SEPTEMBER TWENTYSEVEN, LAST, SOURCE DID SAY
THAT A WEEK OR TWO PRIOR TO THE BOMBING OF METCALFE, HE
HAD HEARD A GROUP OF TEN OR TWELVE KLANSMEN DISCUSSING
THE BOMBING OF GEORGE METCALFE. HE REFUSED TO FURNISH ANY
END PAGE FOUR
DETAILS AS TO THE IDENTITIES OF THESE INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISCUSSION OR THE PLACE WHERE THE DISCUSSION WAS
HELD. ALTHOUGH SOURCE STILL REFUSES TO FURNISH DETAILS, THE
ABOVE ADMISSION MIGHT INDICATE THAT SOURCE IS NOT AS DEEPLY
INVOLVED IN THE METCALFE BOMBING AS PREVIOUSLY BELIEVED.
JOE LEE HARDY, OIL THEFT:
SINCE ADAMS COUNTY ATTORNEY EDWIN BENOIST
ISSUED HIS WARRANT ON CAPTIONED MATTER AND INSTRUCTED THE
SHERIFF OF ADAMS COUNTY, ODELL ANDERS, TO ARREST JOE LEE
HARDY AND SEIZE THE STOLEN PROPERTY AT HIS RESIDENCE, THE
SHERIFF HAS BEEN WAITING.
FIRST HE SAID BECAUSE THIS CASE
WAS SO IMPORTANT HE WANTED AN EXPERIENCED INVESTIGATOR
TO ASSIST, NAMELY SAM NEWMAN OF THE MHSP.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO HAVE NEWMAN COME TO
NATCHEZ. THEREUPON THE SHERIFF ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAD
LOST HIS WARRANT AND SUPPORTING AFFIDAVITS, AND THAT THE
ORIGINAL AFFIDAVIT WAS ALSO MISSING FROM THE JUSTICE OF THE
PAGE SIX
PEACE’S OFFICE.
ON THIS BASIS, ANDERS SAID HE WAS UNABLE
TO PROCEED.
COUNTY ATTORNEY BORROWED A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL
AFFIDAVIT WHICH HE HAD FURNISHED TO THE FBI.
UTILIZING
THIS COPY OF THE AFFIDAVIT, HE ISSUED A NEW WARRANT AGAIN
VERIFYING THAT THE STOLEN OIL DRUMS WERE STILL ON HARDY’S
PREMISES AND INSTRUCTED ANDERS TO PROCEED.
AFTER FORTYEIGHT
HOURS, ANDERS RETURNED TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND SAID HE
HAD BEEN THINKING THE MATTER OVER AND DECIDED THAT THE
RISK OF LAW SUIT WAS TOO SERIOUS, THEREFORE, HE WOULD
NOT PROCEED.
BENOIST TOLD HIM THAT HE PERSONALLY HAD PREPARED
AND SIGNED THE AFFIDAVIT, IT WAS A PERFECTLY VALID AND
SECURE AFFIDAVIT, AND INVOLVED NO RISKS WHATSOEVER FOR
THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE.
BENOIST SAID THE RISK ENTAILED
WAS HIS PERSONALLY AND HE WAS CONFIDENT OF HIS POSITION
AT LAW.
END PAGE SIX
PAGE SEVEN
WITH THIS THE SHERIFF ANNOUNCED THAT HE DISAGREED
WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S EVALUATION OF THE SITUATION
AND REFUSED TO TAKE ANY ACTION IN THIS MATTER.
BENOIST IS AT A LOSS AT THE MOMENT AS TO WHAT
FURTHER COURSE OF ACTION HE MAY FOLLOW TO EFFECT HARDY’S
ARREST.
INVESTIGATION PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER TWENTYNINE, NEXT:
CONTINUE INVESTIGATION OF SDG.
MAINTAIN CONTACT
WITH INFORMANTS, POLICE AGENCIES, AND NEGRO SOURCES.
CONTINUE INTERVIEWS OF KLANSMEN.
END
BJP
FBI WASH DC
TUP
WHARBOM
This is the case involving the bombing death of Wharlest
Jackson at Natchez, Mississippi, on 2/27/67. In connection
therewith there is set forth below estimated cost to the Bureau
through close of business August 31, 1967.
The total estimated cost is $232,325. A peak of 180
agents was assigned to this case and a total of 6,719 hours of
unpaid overtime has been performed. Bureau automobiles have
been driven an estimated 164,512 miles.
ACTION:
None. Informational.
111111-
Mr. DeLoach (sent direct)
Mr. Mohr (sent direct)
Mr. Rosen (sent direct)
Mr. Bishop (sent direct)
Mr. Callahan (sent direct)
Mr. Martindale, Room 2266, (sent direct)
RE JACKSON T E L E T Y P E
SEPT.
T WE N T Y ,
LAST.
TOMMI E L E E J O N E S :
FURNISHED
F OLLOWI NG I N F O R M A T I O N
ON S E P T .
SEVEN,
SOURCE A ME E T I N G
LAST,
AT
ON
HELD
F.
IN
ON S E P T .
LAST,
JAMES
OF SDG MEMBERS
SEPT.
NINE,
NATCHEZ,
LAST,
MISS.
WHERE THE ME ET I N G
BLUE
F.
LEE,
E.D.
HOL L OWA Y ,
BELIEVED
FREDERICK
WAS
TO
LEE
BE HELD
A ME E T I N G OF
ADVISED
ON S E P T .
MORACE,
JAMES
ONE
A
RI VERFRONT
THE
NINE
JAMES
HORACE
WAS
THE HOME OF
P A RK
F O L L O WI N G
SCAROBOROUGH,
FROM V I D A L I A ,
SDG MEMBERS
THE MEMBERS MET A T
WAS H E L D .
JAMES L E E P R E S I D E D
END P A GE
LAST:
L E E ’ S HOME.
L E E AND THEN PROCEEDED TO
JAMES
T WE N T Y ,
IN
JAMES
NATCHEZ
WERE P R E S E N T :
TAYL OR,
R.J.
GLOVER,
AND ONE OTHER MAN
NAME UNKNOWN.
AND D I D
MOST
OF THE
TALKING.
THE
THE
PAGE TWO
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE MEETING WAS TO DISCUSS TOMMIE JONES, SDG
MEMBER,
WHO IS SUSPECTED BY THE GROUP OF BEING AN
FBI INFORMANT.
IN DISCUSSING SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES INDICATING THAT JONES
WAS AN INFORMANT, LEE SAID THAT RECENTLY JONES HAD COME TO HIS
HOME AND WHILE THERE LEE’S TELEVISION SET WAS UPSET EVERY TIME
JONES WALKED CLOSE TO IT, INDICATING THAT JONES HAD A RECORDER
OR SOME RECORDING DEVICE ON HIS PERSON.
OTHERS COMMENTED THAT THEY HAD TESTED JONES IN VARIOUS
WAYS AND THEY BELIEVED HIM TO BE AN INFORMANT.
ONE PERSON
STATED THAT SOMETHINGS THEY HAD TALKED ABOUT IN PRIVATE HAD
GOTTEN BACK TO THE FBI: AND FROM THE NATURE OF THE INFORMATION,
ALL EVIDENCE POINTS TO JONES AS BEING THE INFORMANT.
AFTER
A LENGTHY DISCUSSION, LEE SUGGESTED THAT THEY TAKE A VOTE ON
WHETHER TO DISPOSE OF JONES OR NOT.
LEE IMMEDIATELY SAID THAT
HE WOULD VOTE TO DISPOSE OF JONES, BUT GLOVER INTERRUPTED TO
SAY THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DEFINITE PROOF BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION.
TAYLOR AND MORACE SPOKE UP SUPPORTING GLOVER AND THE GROUP THEN
DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD WAIT FOR DEFINITE PROOF BEFORE TAKING ANY
END PAGE TWO
PAGE THREE
ACTION.
ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE URGED TO INVESTIGATE AND CHECK
ON JONES AND IT WAS DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD MEET AT A LATER
DATE FOR A FINAL DECISION.
JAMES FORD SEALE:
ARRANGED FOR JAMES
FORD SEALE TO TALK TO THE FBI.
PREVIOUSLY HE HAS REFUSED
TO TALK TO AGENTS.
SEALE APPEARED AT THE NATCHEZ RESIDENT AGENCY ON THE
MORNING OF SEPT. TWENTY, LAST.
HE ADVISED HE HAD HEARD THAT
THE FBI DESIRED TO TALK WITH HIM BUT HE COULD NOT TALK TO THE
AGENT ON THIS DATE BECAUSE HE HAD A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT.
SEALE HAD TO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT HIS LEFT SHOULDER
WHICH HAD BEEN OPERATED ON IN THE RECENT PAST.
SEALE LEFT THE RESIDENT AGENCY STATING HE WOULD TALK
TO THE AGENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
SHORTLY THEREAFTER, SEALE
TELEPHONICALLY CONTACTED SA BENJAMIN F. GRAVES AND ADVISED THAT
IF THE AGENT WOULD MEET HIM AT THE MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING PARKING
END PAGE THREE
PAGE FOUR
LOT IN NATCHEZ, HE WOULD TALK TO THE AGENT.
THE AGENT MET
SEALE AND SEALE DROVE THE AGENT AROUND IN HIS AUTOMOBILE
FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE AND ONE - HALF HOURS.
DURING THE RIDE,
SEALE CRITICIZED THE FBI FOR HARASSING HIM DURING THE PAST
FEW YEARS AND CAUSING HIM TO LOSE SOME OF HIS JOBS.
SEALE
WAS ADVISED THAT HE HAD NOT LEAD AN EXEMPLARY LIFE AND HE HAD
CAUSED HIS OWN PROBLEMS AND SHOULD NOT BLAME THE FBI FOR HIS
SHORTCOMINGS.
SEALE INQUIRED AS TO THE REASON THE FBI DESIRED TO
TALK TO HIM.
HE WAS ADVISED THAT IN VIEW OF THE FACT HE WAS
A MEMBER OF THE SILVER DOLLAR GROUP, HE COULD FURNISH INFORMATION
ON THIS ORGANIZATION TO THE FBI.
HE ADVISED HE HAD BEEN A MEMBER OF THE SILVER DOLLAR
GROUP AND HE THOUGHT RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER HAD GIVEN HIM HIS
SILVER DOLLAR.
HE ATTENDED A SDG GROUP MEETING ON THE SANDBAR OF
THE HOMOCHITTO RIVER IN FRANKLIN CO., MISS., AND HE ATTENDED THE
FISH FRY AT THE RESIDENCE OF JAMES FREDERICK LEE.
END PAGE FOUR
HE IDENTIFIED
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE SILVER DOLLAR GROUP
IN ADDITION TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS LISTED ABOVE:
JACK SEALE,
L.C. MURRAY, ERNEST PARKER, ERNEST FINLEY (DECEASED), TOMMIE
LEE JONES, THOR LEE TORGERSEN, CHARLES FALVEY, RALPH DAY, WALTER
GENE HALL, E.D. MORACE, AND JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH.
SEALE DID NOT KNOW HOMER T. HORTON AND JAMES "SONNY"
TAYLOR BY NAME.
HE STATED THERE WERE A NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS
AT THE FISH FRY WHO HE DID NOT KNOW.
SEALE STATED THAT THE NAME GEORGE METCALFE WAS NOT
MENTIONED AT THE FISH FRY TO HIS KNOWLEDGE.
HE STATED THE MATERIALS
USED TO TRY TO MAKE EXPLOSIVES AT THE FISH FRY WERE INEFFECTIVE.
SEALE STATED HE WOULD CONTACT THE AGENT ON SEPT.
TWENTY-TWO NEXT WHEN HE RETURNS TO NATCHEZ FOR ANOTHER DOCTORS
APPOINTMENT.
HE STATED HE WOULD HELP THE FBI IN ANY WAY THAT HE
COULD IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTS OF VIOLENCE BECAUSE VIOLENCE
IS NOT THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS IN THE SOUTH.
END PAGE FIVE
PAGE SIX
EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO DEVELOP SEALE AS AN RI
PROB.
INVESTIGATION PLANNED SEPT. TWENTY-TWO, NEXT.
CONTINUE INVESTIGATION OF SDG.
MAINTAIN CONTACT
WITH INFORMANTS, POLICE AGENCIES AND NEGRO SOURCES.
INTERVIEWS OF KLANSMEN.
END
MXS
FBI WASH DC
CONTINUE
RE JACKSON TEL SEPTEMBER TWENTYSIX, LAST.
SILVER DOLLAR GROUP (SDG):
F U R N IS
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON SEPTEMBER TWENTYSIX, LAST:
THERE WAS A MEETING OF SDG MEMBERS AT THE
LAKE HOME OF KENNETH NORMAN HEAD NEAR FERRIDAY, LA., ON
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER TWENTYFOUR, LAST.
THE MEETING BEGAN
ABOUT EIGHT P.M. AND LASTED APPROXIMATELY FORTYFIVE MINUTES.
SIX PERSONS WERE PRESENT, INCLUDING HEAD.
MORACE ARRIVED ALONE.
E.D.
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER, JAMES LEE,
JACK SEALE, AND L.C. MURRAY ARRIVED IN GLOVER'S GREEN
PLYMOUTH AUTOMOBILE.
IT WAS MENTION T H A T I T WAS A G O O D
IDEA TO KEEP THE ORGANIZATION SMALL TO START WITH BUT SOME
PERSONS WHO HAD BEEN INVITED DID NOT ATTEND.
END PAGE ONE
MORACE
PAGE TWO
SAID HE ASKED PAUL TOLBERT BUT SOMEONE IN TOLBERT’S FAMILY
WAS SICK.
MORACE SAID HE ALSO ASKED JAMES SCAROBOROUGH,
BUT HE WAS BUSY.
THERE WAS A DISCUSSION OF TOMMIE LEE JONES.
JACK SEALE SAID JONES CAME TO HIM TWO DAYS AFTER SEALE
HAD OBSERVED JONES WITH AN FBI AGENT AT THE EOLA HOTEL
LOUNGE IN NATCHEZ, MISS.
JONES SAID THE FBI AGENT
APPROACHED HIM IN THE BAR AND PRESSURED HIM INTO TALKING
TO HIM.
GLOVER SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE THIS STORY, AS
IT WAS LIKE JONES BEING SEEN IN A CAR WITH AN FBI AGENT,
AND HE DOUBTED THAT JONES WAS FORCED INTO THE CAR.
GLOVER REMINDED JAMES LEE THAT JONES HAD
MADE A TRIP TO LAUREL, MISS., WITH THEM AT WHICH TIME
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY JOEL FREEMAN AND THOR LEE
TORGERSEN.
LATER, FBI AGENTS QUESTIONED THEM ABOUT A
BOMBING OR BURNING IN LAUREL, AND GLOVER WONDERED IF
END PAGE TWO
PAGE THREE
JONES WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE.
LEE REMEMBERED THE INCIDENT
BUT INDICATED HE HAD NOT MADE THE TRIP.
GLOVER WAS ASKED BY SOMEONE THE PURPOSE OF THE
TRIP TO LAUREL, MISS., AND WOULD NOT SAY.
E.D. MORACE
INQUIRED IF SDG MEMBERS HAD SECRETS FROM EACH OTHER.
JACK SEALE SAID THERE WERE NO SECRETS BUT ONLY THOSE INVOLVED
IN AN INCIDENT NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT IT.
THERE WAS A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE QUESTIONS
THOSE PRESENT AT THE MEETING HAD BEEN ASKED BY FBI AGENTS.
JAMES LEE SAID HE HAD BEEN QUESTIONED ABOUT THE BURNING
OF FRANK MORRIS AND ANOTHER BURNING.
E.D. MORACE SAID HE
WAS QUESTIONED TWO WEEKS AGO ABOUT THE BURNING OF REEF
FREEMAN'S NIGHT CLUB AND ABOUT TWO NEGROES BEING WHIPPED.
WHEN MORACE MENTIONED THE TWO NEGROES BEING WHIPPED
GLOVER LAUGHED LOUDLY BUT MADE NO COMMENT.
END PAGE THREE
PAGE FOUR
JAMES LEE STATED THAT SOME TIME AGO, HE SAW
O.C. POISSOT PARKED IN FRONT OF HIS HOUSE WITH SOMEONE
WHO LOOKED LIKE A FBI AGENT.
LEE STATED TWO DAYS LATER
FBI AGENTS CAME TO HIS HOUSE AND QUESTIONED HIM ABOUT
A LEVEE JOB HE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN.
IT WAS ANNOUNCED BY RED GLOVER THAT ANOTHER
MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER ONE, NEXT, AT
TWO P.M. AT THE HUNTING CLUB OF E.D. MORACE AND PAUL
TOLBERT.
GLOVER SAID MORE PEOPLE WILL BE INVITED TO THIS
MEETING.
SOURCE STATED GLOVER MAY BE CALLING MEETINGS
TO GET SUPPORT TO HELP HIM RAISE THE ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR
ATTORNEY FEE HE NEEDS IN THE BUSHHOG TRIAL.
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER VISITED E.D. MORACE
ON SEPTEMBER TWENTYTWO, LAST.
GLOVER EXHIBITED A NEWSPAPER
ARTICLE ABOUT A REWARD OFFERED IN THE BOMBING OF THE
END PAGE FOUR
PAGE FIVE
SYNAGOGUE AT JACKSON, MISS,
GLOVER COMMENTED THIS REWARD,
ALONG WITH REWARDS OFFERED IN THE TWO BOMBINGS AT NATCHEZ,
MISS., TOTALED SEVENTYFIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.
GLOVER SAID
THIS MIGHT MAKE SOMEONE TALK BUT DID NOT INDICATE THE
IDENTITY OF ANYONE WHO MIGHT TALK.
GLOVER SAID HE MOVED A WEEK AGO FROM VIDALIA,
LA., INTO A GARAGE APARTMENT AT WASHINGTON, MISS.
ADVISED
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER, JACK SEALE, E.D. MORACE, NORMAN
HEAD, AND L.C. MURRAY ATTENDED A MEETING OF THE SDG AT
THE NEW HOME OF NORMAN HEAD ON LAKE CONCORDIA IN LA., ON
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER TWENTYFOUR, LAST.
INFORMANT ADVISED
SEALE, MURRAY, LEE, AND GLOVER RODE TO LA. IN GLOVER’S
AUTO WITH LEE DRIVING.
EN ROUTE, GLOVER PRODUCED COMPLETELY
DISASSEMBLED SAWED OFF SIXTEEN GAUGE, DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN
AND ASSEMBLED IT.
SOURCE ADVISED THAT THE BARREL WAS
DEFINITELY MORE THAN EIGHTEEN INCHES IN LENGTH.
END PAGE FIVE
JAMES LEE,
PAGE SIX
UPON ARRIVAL, MORACE ANNOUNCED THAT THE MEETING
WAS CALLED TO GET PART OF THE SDG TOGETHER, THAT THEY SHOULD
MEET MORE OFTEN TO SHOW THE "FEDS" THEY CAN CONTINUE TO OPERATE
AND TRUST EACH OTHER.
DISCUSSION WAS DEVOTED PRIMARILY TO TOMMIE JONES,
HIS MEETING WITH FBI AGENTS, AND QUESTIONS OF FBI AGENTS.
MORACE ADVISED FBI TOLD HIM ABOUT BURNING OF A NIGHT CLUB
ON HORSESHOE LAKE AND THAT JONES WAS IN ON IT AND KNEW ALL
ABOUT IT, ACCORDING TO MORACE.
LEE STATED "YOU HAVEN'T
HEARD A WORD ABOUT THAT ONE FURTHER ON DOWN THE RIVER,
THOUGH.
JONES WAS NOT THERE."
SOURCE ADVISED THAT IN ANSWER TO A DIRECT QUESTION,
GLOVER STATED THAT HE DID NOT GIVE R.P. CARTER A SILVER
DOLLAR AT ANY TIME.
A MEETING OF SDG MEMBERS TO BE HELD TWO P.M.,
OCTOBER ONE, NEXT, AT HUNTING LODGE ON LEVEE NEAR FERRIDAY, LA.
END PAGE SIX
PAGE SEVEN
ALL PERSONS PRESENT WERE INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT ALL PEOPLE
THEY KNOW WHO WERE GIVEN A "DOLLAR".
IN ADDITION TO
THE DATA FURNISHED BY OTHER SOURCES, ADVISED IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS MEETING THAT UPON ARRIVAL, MORACE HAD A FORTYFIVE
CALIBER MAGNUM IN HIS BELT AND NORMAN HEAD GOT A P DASH.
THIRTYEIGHT FROM HIS AUTO.
ONLY ABOVE SIX PERSONS PRESENT.
MEETING CALLED BY MORACE WHO STATED GROUP SHOULD HAVE
MEETINGS TO KEEP IN TOUCH AND FIND OUT WHAT GOES ON IN THE
GROUP.
DISCUSSION PRIMARILY DEVOTED TO TOMMIE LEE JONES
AND HIS CONVERSATIONS WITH FBI AGENTS.
MORACE ADVISED EACH
TIME HE IS INTERVIEWED BY FBI AGENTS, THEY ASK ABOUT THE
NEGRO "THAT BURNED UP."
MORACE ALSO STATED, "WHOEVER BURNED
METCALF AND JACKSON DID IT ON THEIR OWN.
IT WILL NEVER
COME OUT BECAUSE HE WILL NOT TELL ON HIMSELF."
END PAGE SEVEN
\
PAGE EIGHT
INVESTIGATION PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER TWENTYEIGHT, NEXT
CONTINUE INVESTIGATION OF SDG.
MAINTAIN CONTACT
WITH INFORMANTS, POLICE AGENCIES, AND NEGRO SOURCES.
INTERVIEWS OF KLANSMEN.
END
BGM
FBI WASH DC
TUP
CONTINUE
Re Bureau a irte l 9/25/67 discussing our security
in connection with the interview of JAMES FORD S E A L E on
9/20/67.
In a review of our communication, you will note
that this interview was set up with the cooperation of
T h e o n l y p e rson who was insecure in this
operation was JAMES FORD SEALE who distrusts the FBI.
It was a matter of great emotional strain for
him to agree to talk to an FBI Agent. His mistrust with
law enforcement in general is so intense that by preference,
he would never talk to anybody in the law enforcement
business.
Security is a matter of paramount interest in
all of our operations. Our personnel who deal on a daily
basis with the Klan are thoroughly briefed in Klan activities
and are well aware of the treacherous nature of Klansmen in
general.
We always watch security very closely to avoid
any experiences that might create difficulty in our
operations. We shall continue to do so.
Re Bureau airtel dated 3/6/67.
Costs in this matter through the close of
business 8/31/67 are as follows:
Total Number Man Hours:
Regular
Overtime
34,859
23,842
11,017
Special Agents:
Regular
Overtime
19,357
9,623
Clerical Employees:
Regular
Overtime
4,485
1,394
Total Miles Traveled:
164,512
Unusual Costs:
Per Diem
GTRs
Other Travel
Communication
$54,995.00
234.45
88.75
836.92
JN 44-2044
Photo Expense
Informants
Rental Space
$
940.42
11,280.00
1,507.00
Peak Number of Agents Assigned:
17
ReBulet dated 7/18/67.
The results of your Investigation in two
related Civil Rights cases and the Federal Firearm
case all set forth in Jackson letter to Bureau under
date of 7/3/67, have been again brought to the attention
of the Civil Eights Division of the Department. The
Department has advised that due to heavy commitments in
other matters the three related cases sill not be
presented to the Federal Grand Jury in October of 1867.
Ten will he kept advised of any further opinions of
NOTE:
Investigation concerning the two Civil Rights cases
"Noah Cross, et al." and "Bud Spinks, Chief of Police, et al."
and the FFA case "Warren Swingley Cross, Jr., et al." have
been completed and furnished to the Department. JN in previous
communications requested that these matters be discussed with
the Department concerning presentment to the Grand Jury,
Western District of Louisiana. These cases were investigated
in connection with the Wharbom investigation. On 7/11/67
Mr. Gene Livingston advised the Department would take these
cases under consideration and advise the Bureau. On 9/25/67,
Mr. Livingston advised that due to heavy commitments in other
matters the cases will not be presented to the Federal Grand
Jury in October of 1967. He stated he would keep the Bureau
advised of future developments.
Reurtel dated 9/14/67.
Information contained in retel regarding the
beating of Richard James and Robert Watkins appears to
constitute a substantive violation involving summary
punishment and/or conspiracy.
If facts so Justify, a
separate case should be opened concerning that incident
and appropriate investigation conducted in accordance
with Section 27 of the Manual of Instructions and results
submitted under appropriate caption.
Information received concerning b e a t i n g of two
Negroes by members of the Silver Dollar Group; local c onstable
was reportedly involved as a participant.
While you have previously advised that appropriate authorities
and Tommie Lee Jones have been alerted to the possible threat to Jones'
personal safety, you should bear in mind the necessity of further advising
such authorities and Jones if information is received amounting to additional
threats to Jones. Where necessary, the identity of sources furnishing
such information should be appropriately protected.
Regarding the information concerning persons responsible
for the burning of Reef Freeman's Club, Jonesville, Louisiana, if no
Federal violation is involved the information should be immediately
furnished to appropriate local authorities, if not already handled. If
the matter involves a violation within the Bureau's investigative
Jurisdiction, a separate case should be opened, approprlate investigation
conducted, and the Bureau advised.
Tommie Lee Jones is suspected by fellow members of the Silver
Dollar Group of being an FBI informant.
Informant identified Klansmen as being responsible for the burning
of a night club in Louisianain late 1964 or early 1965; club owner was
previously advised by the Klan to "clean up or get out. "
THIS IS A SPECIAL SUMMARY REQUESTED BY THE BUREAU ON
MARCH TWENTY FOUR LAST.
NATURE AND SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION:
OUR INVESTIGATION DURING THE PAST WEEK HAS INCLUDED
COVERAGE OF (ONE) SILVER DOLLAR GROUP (SDG), (TWO) RALEIGH
JACKSON GLOVER, (THREE) KLAN MATTERS, (FOUR) RELATED CASES,
(FIVE) NEGRO COVERAGE.
JOE LEE HARDY OIL THEFT:
NOT EXECUTED THE W A R R AN T
WHICH HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST HARDY. WE HAVE NOT DISCUSSED
THIS MATTER WITH HIM. IT WOULD BE NORMAL FOR THIS SHERIFF TO
TIP HARDY OFF BEFORE acting BUT OUR SOURCES H A V E REPORTED
NO SUCH ACTION ON THE SHERIFF’S PART YET.
FRANK MORRIS MURDER CASE:
NO SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS.
THE S H ER IF F OF ADAMS COU N T Y H AS
END PAGE
PAGE TWO JN 44-2044
JOSEPH EDWARDS MURDER CASE;
IONA SEWARD HAS TOLD A MORE COMPLETE STORY OF JAMES GOSS
ACTIVITIES, AND IDENTIFIED CAPTAIN J. G. WISNER OF THE NATCHEZ
POLICE DEPARTMENT AS VIDALIA CHIEF OF POLICE BUDD SPINKS’
COMPANION IN THE POLICE INVESTIGATION OF EDWARDS IN NATCHEZ.
JAMES WHITE SHOOTING INCIDENT:
NO SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS.
BUSHOG CASES:
THE JEFFERSON COUNTY CASE WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR FURTHER
HEARING IN THE FEBRUARY TERM OF GRAND JURY.
THE TANGIPAHOA
PARISH CASE HAS NOT YET REACHED THE COURT CALENDAR.
SDG:
WE HAVE HAD OUR FIRST SUCCESSFUL CONTACT WITH SDG MEMBER
JAMES FORD SEALE AS A RESULT OF ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY
WE HAVE CONTINUED OUR REGULAR CONTACTS WITH TOMMIE LEE
JONES.
HE CONTINUES TO BE CONSIDERABLY UPSET OVER HIS TROUBLES
WITH OTHER SDG MEMBERS.
END PAGE TWO
PAGE THREE JN 44-2044
HAS
FIREARMS SUPPLIER IN NEW BRUNSWICK,
IDENTIFIED
A MA I L
ORDER
NEW JERSEY AS A KLAN
SOURCE OF AUTOMATIC WEAPONS PARTS SINCE NINETEEN HUNDRED SIXTY
TWO.
IN VIEW OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT THIS SOURCE WAS USED BY SDG
MEMBERS IN SECURING THEIR AUTOMATIC WEAPONS, WE ARE SETTING OUT
LEADS TO STUDY THIS MATTER FURTHER IN THE FEDERAL FIREARMS CASE
ENTITLED,"WARREN SWINGLEY CROSS,
JR., ET AL."
SOURCE ADVISED THAT SDG MEMBERS VOTED ON KILLING JONES AND
DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE HIS ACTIVITIES FURTHER BEFORE MAKING A
DECISION.
INVESTIGATION CONCERNING RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER:
GLOVER HAS FINALLY FOUND HOUSING APART FROM HIS STEP­
SON, JAMES WATTS.
HE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A PRINCIPAL IN THE WATKIS JAMES BEATING IN THE HORSESHOE LAKE AREA.
INVESTIGATION REMAINS IN THAT CASE.
RELATED CASES:
NO SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS.
END PAGE THREE
CONSIDERABLE
PAGE FOUR JN 4 4 - 2 0 4 4
KLAN A C T I V I T I E S :
SDG MEMBERS ARE WORKING TO REORGANIZE A KLAVERN IN THE
VI DALI A - FERRIDAY AREA.
THEY PLAN TO INCLUDE IN D IVID U ALS
OTHER THAN SDG MEMBERS.
NEGRO SITUATION:
NO S IG N IFIC A N T DEVELOPMENTS.
INFORMANT COVERAGE:
PERFORMANCE OF ALL INFORMANTS HAS BEEN OF EXCELLENT
QUALITY.
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED:
SEVEN NEW ORLEANS AGENTS,
JACKSON STENOGRAPHERS,
SEVEN JACKSON AGENTS,
ONE JACKSON CLERK WERE ASSIGNED TO
THIS PROJECT DURING TH IS PAST WEEK.
AGENT COMPLEMENT I S
LRK
FBI
P
WASH DC
TWO
THE REDUCTION IN THE
A TEMPORARY SIT U A T IO N .
END
District Attorney LENNOX FORMAN on 9/18/67, advised
that it was his opinion that under the laws of
the State of
Mississippi, he would have a difficult, if not impossible,
task of convicting R. J. GLOVER for the theft of the bushhog
in Jefferson County due primarily to two missing facts:
1.
There are no witnesses who can put GLOVER in
Jefferson County at any time close to the
theft, and
2.
The elapse of some five months from the time
of the theft until the discovery of the machine
on the property of GLOVER in Louisiana on
Mr. FORMAN advised that he told the Grand Jury
that it is his belief that law enforcement officers would,
by the February, 1968 term of court, obtain additional
information that would solve one or both of the above conditions.
The Bureau has ruled basically in our contacts
with these sources that we are authorized to offer them
something based upon value received if they furnish the
answers to any of our racial cases in the Natchez Vidalia area or elsewhere. We have been refused authority
to operate these men as paid sources owing to a Bureau rule against operating informants who are facing prosecu­
tion involving criminal matters.
You will find attached a resume of the cases
presently pending prosecution against these sources. It
reflects that there is only one local case awaiting prosecut ion and that against
Klan and Silver Dollar Group (SDG) Background:
These men have been the subjects of Bureau cases
for four or five years. They have been moving forces in
Klan and SDG activities in theN
z
e
h
c
t
a
- Vidalia area since
these groups initiated their activities. We did, for a
short period, operate each of them in the past but neither
for a sufficiently long period of time to establish any
substantial relationship with them.
Present Personal Status of Sources:
The effect of our persistent investigation
and their own activities has been to spotlight their
positions as violent types among the area racial
a ctivists. Their social status in the community at
large has deteriorated to the point that they are
regarded as undesirables. They, frankly, have an
exceedingly d ifficu lt time in getting and keeping
employment. Both of them are in financial d ifficu lty.
has drastic problems. He is down and very
nearly out.
Prior Requests to Activate the Sources as
Informants:
We have maintained excellent rapport with
these men through the skill and tact of the Special
Agents who Have handled them. We have, however,
never really convinced them that there is a quid pro
quo potential in dealing with the FBI. They have done
some work for us but they keep expecting trouble for
their efforts or, at best, to be paid off in chitchat,
which, however pleasant, is hardly edible.
Finally, as we anticipated owing to their
financial problems, they did sit down with us and
tested us by outlining the history of the SDG and
describing some of its activities. Copies of the
informant reports reflecting these interviews are
attached. We note that they reflect the corroboration
between these two sources in contemplating cooperating
with us. These reports contain admissions of the
sources' involvement in the SDG and give us some frankly
valuable data. This data defines and identifies our
racial targets in this area and permits more efficient
disposition of our investigative energies.
Sources' Offer:
At this point, the sources have taken a position
that is really quite sensible economically from their
standpoint. They say they have leveled with us and
demonstrated in good faith their potential for assisting in attacking our major cases in this area. Now they
want us to show something to prove to them that we will
back up our talk with money.
Our Targets:
We have at least seven murders in this area,
a series of bombings, innumerable miscellaneous beatings,
shootings, burnings and the like, all the direct products
of Klan, SDG oriented activities.
It would be naive to anticipate that these men
will involve themselves in the things they tell us.
They will, we feel sure, tell us of other important things
they know. If their disclosures lead ultimately to their
own exposure, as may well happen, they are willing to face
these problems when they arise.
Our Request:
Unusual situations call for different treatment
than the flow of our regular business is afforded. Our
crimes here are wanton and senseless products of a vicious
apparatus that is motivated by hatred and bigotry; This
is a major apparatus in stature and will require special
handling to overcome.
No prosecutive matters are pending against
and
only one charge involving p
damage is outstanding ag a i n s t
There is no
question if the case against
is brought to
c
trial in Natchez it will be dismissed. The case is
largely circumstantial and we doubt that a conviction
would be attained even if the prosecutor had a con­
fession to work with.
On the basis of the foregoing observations,
we feel that the Bureau should treat our problem here
as a special situation. We believe that the Bureau
will be serving its own best interest by permitting
us to operate these men as informants. The resolution
of our Natchez - Vidalia area problems will be accel­
erated and an outstanding economy in Agent manpower use
will be attained by adopting this proposal. Finally,
and most significantly, we will have taken an important
forward stride in our program to suppress the criminal
violence of the racists in this troubled area.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Jackson Division
be authorized to negotiate further with
a
n
d
and permitted, if a suitable
meeting of the minds is achieved, to pay these sources
for the next three months up to $100 per week each for
services and up to $50 each for expenses on a COD basis.
- 4* -
J N 4 4 -2 0 4 4
Source advised he is still unemployed and destitute.
the past week, source's telephone was temporarily
disconnected due to the non-payment of his telephone bill.
The Mississippi Power and Light Company is, at the present
time, threatening to cut off his electricity.
Durin g
Source pointed out he is willing to assist the
Bureau in any manner that he can in order to solve some of
the acts of violence which have occurred in the Natchez,
Mississippi, area in the past few years. However, he
pointed out that the Bureau must pay him for his information
and for expenses incurred in seeking information because he
is financially unable to incur any additional expense.
"S ecret
u n i t ."
SILVER
dollar group
During 1964, the White Knights of the Ku Klux
Klan (WKKKK) had grown in Adams County to considerably more
than a thousand; no selectivity was being used any more by
that time and Just about anybody could got in. There were
too many nan to control in one unit so Adams County was split
up into five groups, the Sligo Klavern having more than 300
nan in it. After the split into five Klaverns, the leader­
ship lost control also. The Sligo Unit particularly got out
of control. We had a real nice building out on Morgantown
Road on Mr. HANEY's place in his pasture in which there was
a $4,000 air conditioning unit.
Apparently because of the above, loss of control
and desiring batter security, it was decided that a "Secret
Unit" should be formed. ERNEST FINLEY of Natchez talked to
JACK SEALE about joining the unit. In view of JACK'S interest,
FINLEY took him to see RALEIGH JACKSON "RED" GLOVER at 113
Leo Street in Vidalia, Louisiana. FINLEY told GLOVER that
ha had another man for their unit and shortly, GLOVER want
into his bedroom, got what appeared to be a leather pouch
of silver dollars and returned. He told FINLEY and SEALE
that ha did not have any more with the date of 1886 on
then so ha would give then silver dollars with the data of
1899. There were no special marks on these dollars to
source's observation. FINLEY, who apparently was already
a n approved member received his silver dollar with SEALE.
No ceremony or swearing-in was performed by GLOVER then or
at any subsequent time. Actually, it was a Klan within a
Klan.
GLOVER said that he would continue to obtain the
man in Louisiana and that FINLEY and SEAL E should obtain
the men they wanted in Mississippi.
Source reported that shortly thereafter, L. C.
MURRAY, ERNEST BUCHANAN BARKER, JAMES SEALE of the Bunkley
Community near Rootle, Mississippi, and then CHARLES FALVEY,
RALPH DAY , and the fellow HART who worked with a seismograph
company,all from Brookhaven, Mississippi, were taken in.
Eventually JOE DANIEL HAWKINS and BENNIE WALDRUP of Jackson,
Mississippi, were solicited and approved for membership.
HAWKINS and WALDRUP were to get a third man from Jackson
but actually the third man was never obtained, nor were
HAWKINS and WALDRUP ever given their silver dollars as the
source just never did get the dollars to them. In fact,
HAWKINS and WALDRUP were not approved until about the time
the Silver Dollar Group fizzled out around ths time of the
fishfry in June of 1965.
WALTER GENE HALL of Roxie, as well as FALVEY,
HAST, and DAT, were taken into the group approximately two
months after the visit of FINLEY and SEALE with RED GLOVER
in Vidalia, Louisiana.
Source reported that the first meeting of this group
that he attended was held on the sandbar on the Homochltto
River near the bridge beyond Maedville, Mississippi, on the
McComb highway. This was probably about a month after the
visit above with RED GLOVER. Present were:
L. C. MURRAY
JACK SEALE
JAMES FORD SEALE
ERNEST FINLEY
R. J. "RED” GLOVER
JAMES FREDERICK "RED” LEE
Jimmy "THE INDIAN” SCAROBOROUGH
WALTER GENE HALL
And possibly ERNEST B. BARKER
Source pointed out that ha did not know at this
time that THOR L. TORGERSEN and TOMMIE LEE JONES, both of
Natchez, were In the group, discovering this at the second
meeting.
The first meeting centered around how they were
to operate, the secrecy of the organization, and how a
member had to be vouched for. Source reported that no
"jobs" or projects ware mentioned. The group did tinker with
a hearing device that had been brought by GLOVER which he
purchased from a catalog. It looked like an electric heater
even to the element sticking out from the center of the
hearing ear. It did not work very well. Source believed
that at this meeting, the group discussed the obtaining of
guns and ammunition as there was a lot of talk that the
Federal Government was going to legislate against obtaining
these Items. Source believed that each one of the group
gave GLOVER ten dollars to obtain these supplies and commented
that GLOVER never delivered any of the supplies, nor did he
return their ten dollars.
It was generally believed that if one of the
group had a job he wanted to pull, he would just select
the help he felt he needed and go do it.
JACK SEALE more or less took charge of the
Mississippi men and would notify them of meetings and RED
GLOVER handled the Louisiana men.
Source reported that the second meeting he attended,
upon arrival, he observed that TOMMIE JONES and T. L.
TORGERSEN were already there end he learned they were members.
Present were:
TOMMIE LEE JONES
T. L. TORGERSEN
L. C. MURRAY
JACK SEALE
JAMES SEALE
WALTER GENE HALL
ERNEST FINLEY
Source could not be sure whether or not ERNEST B.
PARKER was present. Also from Mississippi were CHARLES
FALVEY, RALPH DAY , and LUTHER HART, the latter from Brook­
haven, Mississippi.
From Louisiana there were RED GLOVER, JAMES F.
"RED” LEE, JIMMY SCAROBOROUGH, NORMAN HEAD. He was not
sure whether or not E . D. MORACE was present at this second
meeting. He felt confident that men he later identified as
SONNY TAYLOR, BUCK HORTON, and another man were not present.
Source reported that when FALVEY drove up In his
car from Brookhaven, HART and DAY were with him. FALVEY
Showed the group his car trunk which was loaded with possibly
twenty to thirty baloney-type sticks of dynamite. In other
words, the sticks we r e as large or larger around than a stick
of baloney and longer than ordinary sticks of dynamite.
Source did not see any blasting caps, wire, etc., but
observed JONES and TORGERSEN who had been drinking beer,
tart tossing a stick of the dynamite around like it was
a ball. Source could not recall what quantity or who took
a few sticks of the dynamite as it was someone in the
Louisiana group and he was not well acquainted with them
nor paid particular attention.
Source continued that the group cooked some
barbecue, had beer with it, and sat around and talked
informally.
Some of the Mississippi men decided that it was
not very smart for JONES and TORGERSEN to toss the dynamite
around, that it might be dangerous and, too, someone might
see them, so the meeting broke up.
Source reported that the third meeting he attended,
as best he now recalls, was at Clear Springs lake between
Roxie and Meadville, Mississippi, which was a month or two
after the last meeting. The group juat sat around and held
a short bull session. He believed they had only stayed for
about an hour. Present were;
JACK SEALE
L. C. MURRAY
ERNEST BARKER
ERNEST FINLEY
RED GLOVER
On June 26, 1965, a fishfry was held at "RED"
LEE's home next to the Form a n Store near W ildsville,
Louisiana. Some big bass had been caught up at Palmyra Island
an the Mississippi River at ERNEST PARKER's place. In
ERNEST PARKER'S red Ford automobile mere PARKER, JACK SEALE,
JAMES SEALE, L. C. MURRAY, and ERNEST FINLEY with the fish
and a coffee grinder. This group did not take their wives
and arrived probably around 9:00 o r 10:00 a.m.
RED LEE'S wife, JIMMY SCARBOROUGH's wife, and
one or two more wives and children were present.
THOR L. TORGERSEN, RED LEE, RED GLOVER, NORMAN
HEAD, SONNY TAYLOR, E. D. MORACE, BUCK HORTON, and another
boy the source did not know made up the group at the fishfry.
During the afternoon, FINLEY, PARKER end MURRAY
went next door to the Forman Grocery and bought some things.
They left on the counter cards which stated "You have been
patronised by the United Klans of America."
The coffee grinder was used to grind saltpeter,
charcoal, and some other ingredient not now recalled to make
gunpowder. The powder was removed from a shotgun shell and
the mixture substituted but the shell would not explode.
They also tried to get it to explode in a bottle, and finally
someone said some fuse was needed. Source believed that it
was RED LEE and someone else who left and returned with some
fuse. Source said they then tried to get the ingredients they
mixed to explode with the fuse but were unsuccessful.
Source pointed out that T OMMIE JONES did not show
up far the fishfry. TORGERSEN left LEE's residence before
the PARKER car but the exact time Is unknown. When PARKER's
car left the fishfry, it had gotten about half way between
the railroad track and LEE's house when they met TORGERSEN
and TOMMIE JONES' wife headed in the direction of l e e 's house
and waved them down. This was Just about dark. The occupants
of PARKER'S car warn notified that TOMMIE JONES was drunk
and in Jail at Ferrlday, Louisiana. The group drove to the
nearby Pick and Pay store where they had some cokes and
talked. They waited for E. D. MORACE and JIMMY SCAROBOROUGH
to arrive as they were much better acquainted in Ferriday,
Louisiana. The group departed far Ferriday where the Mayor
was contacted. ERNEST BARKER put up $150 of the $250 bond
but someone went and obtained the remainder. JONES was
instructed to stay away from Ferriday but he returned later
and something happened to his bond.
Source reported this was the last meeting he
attended and said that nothing was mentioned about GEORGE
METCALFE nor any other project at any of the above meetings
or get-togethers.
Source reported further that ha has learned nothing
concerning the identity of the ones responsible for the
bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON in Natchez, Mississippi.
FUNS TO WHIP JAMES WHITE, QUAIL RAISER, HORSESHOE LAKE ROAD,
LOUISIANA
Source reported that the Louisiana boys had told
him about TOMMIE JONES, T. L. TORGERSEN, JIMMY SCAROBOROUGH
and RED GLOVER going out the Horseshoe Like Road (before you
get to the road to RED LEE’s former address) to see the Negro
man who raises birds. This Negro wore a goatee and allegedly
was head of the Black Muslims. They were going to "take care
of him." TOMMIE LEE JONES was carrying a shotgun which he
failed to load before he got out of the car. These men
induced this Negro to go to his pens to look at his birds
but the Negro had been "had” before so he left his wife at
the back door with a shotgun. JONES apparently showed his
gun end the wife shot him, necessitating getting the doctor
in Brookhaven, Mississippi, to remove the shot from JONES'
body. Source could not think of the doctor's name at this
time.
B U R N IN G
OF LA RG E
N IG H T
CLUB.
H O R S E S H O E L A K E RO A D .
L O U IS IA N A
TOMMIE JONES once told the source that in addition
to the plans that JONES, TORGERSEN, SCAROBOROUGH, and GLOVER
had to at least whip JAME S WHITE, the bird raiser, that they
had burned a large night club further on down Horseshoe Lake
Road before one gets to the creek bridge. There is a small
joint there now. TOMMIE JONES said that they had warned the
guy to quit selling to teenagers but he did not. They tried
to burn It one night and it did not burn so they went back,
he believed the next night, and burned it to the ground.
This was a couple of years ago as beat source could recall.
IRVING OBERLIN. JEWELER. NATCHEZ. MISSISSIPPI
Source was questioned as to the motives that anyone
would have for the explosion at Oberlln jewelers, November 19,
1966. He stated it is common knowledge to the general public
that OBERLIN formerly lived with his sister as man and wife,
identifying the sister as the one who had run Rogers Jewelers.
He continued that OBERLIN sleeps with Negro women; Mrs.
OBERLIN has been caught sleeping with Negro man; and that his
daughter likewise fraternises with Negro boys— in other words,
the whole family is immoral with Negroes.
The white community has been hostile against OBERLIN
since World War II when he allegedly came to Natchez as the
prim e suspect in a $100,000 jewel theft. He was suspected of
having a lot of short-wave radio equipment under the Ritz
Theater and of consorting with the Communists.
Source reported that one of the Klan sources, a
telephone company man, had participated in running a number
of wires under the theater. It had come to their attention
that OBERLIN had had a room dug out under the theater building
but they had been unable to determine whet be had stored down
there.
Source continued that Detective FRANK RICKARD of
the Natchez Police Department and O
B E R L I N ware involved in
a car theft ring four or five years ago. RICKARD got
OBERLIN to pay off some $50,000 and the matter was kept
quiet.
Source continued that FRANK RICKARD has absolutely
no morals, that he uses various methods of blackmailing
girls and women into having Illicit affairs with him. Source
was of the opinion that RICKARD would do just about anything
for money.
JOSEPH EDWARDS - SHAMROCK MOTEL EMPLOYEE
Source reported that he feels confident that some
one of the Louisiana Klansmen had told him about this case.
As best he could recall, "they" took the boy to the levee
possibly to whip him, and overdid it. It seems they rolled
him down the levee thinking he was dead or had buried him
on the levee.
Source never heard anything about burying anyone
in a refrigerator. He felt this occurred before the Silver
Dollar Group was actually formed.
BLACKWELL REALTY COMPANY EXPLOSION, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI,
March, 1967
Source reported that he feels positive in his own
mind after talking to JOE DANIEL HAWKINS, JOE DENVER HAWKINS,
and BENNIE WALDRUP that JOE DANIEL and BENNIE, possibly with
others, are responsible for this fire-bombing. JOE DANIEL
made it as plain as one could without saying "I did it."
BEATING OF ARCHIE CURTIS - FEBRUARY 16, 1964
Source heard in Klan circles that JAMES LOUIS
"BIG MC" M C KINNEY, one-time Exalted Cyclops of the Sligo
unit of the WKKKKOM; CLAUDE FULLER (defendant In the BEN
CHESTER WHITE murder), and JOHN BARBER, and possibly other
members of the Slice Unit took ARCHIE CURTIS to a remote
spot, forced him to strip, and beat him.
BEATING OF JAMES C. WINSTON - FEBRUARY 15. 1964
Source was confident in his own mind that the
above man from the Sligo group were responsible for taking
WINSTON to the swamp where several of the men beat him with
bull whips.
Source explained that the above group would just
load up in a car and drive around until someone could think
of some Negro that "needed it," find him and let him have it.
BEATING Of ROT BEESON - FEBRUARY 1, 1964
Source reported that he had heard through Klan
circles that a Mississippi Highway Safety Patrolman assigned
at Natchez had several days prior to February 1, 1964, stopped
ROY BEESON and his Negro girlfriend driving drunk and naked
on a local highway. The Sligo group of the WKKKK found out
about it. This group was responsible for taking BEESON to a
remote spot, stripping him to the waist, and beating him.
JAKE FRISHMAN - RESIDENCE BURNED
Source understood that JAKE FRISHMAN, a white man
and a Negro man had words over a Negro woman they were both
associating with. The Negro men, as best his Klan group
could find out, set fire to FRISHMAN's house. Source indi­
cated that the Klan had gotten their information from the
police at Natchez.
FIRE-BOMBING OF FRANK MORRIS SHOE SHOP, FERRIDAY, LOUISIANA;
FRANK DE LAUGHTER, ET AL; BEATING OF WILLIAM CLIFF DAVIS:
Source learned what he knew of the MORRIS death only
from the newspaper accounts and was not aware of the DAVIS
incident.
9*
Natchez, Mississippi
August 15, 1967
SILVER DOLLAR GROUP.
Source advised that the Silver Dollar Group
(SDG) was formed because some of the Klansmen were
dissatisfied with the way the Klan was being operated. Some
of the Klansmen wanted to form a Klan within the Klan. The
members of the new secret unit had to be trusted and members
to vouch for each other. Members were not required to have
committed acts of violence in the past in order to become
members of the SDG.
Source advised he heard MYRON WAYNE "JACK" SEALE
and ERNEST FINLEY (deceased), both of Natchez, Mississippi,
approached L. C. MURRAY, of Natchez, about becoming a member
of the secret unit. This first contact with MURRAY was made
from a few months to a year prior to the fishfry at the
residence of JAMES FREDERICK LEE, which was in the Summer of
1965.
Source advised that the same day that MURRAY was
approached to join this new group, SEALE and FINLEY took him
to a night meeting. MURRAY was told this was a select group,
and the group did not meet with the Klan.
Source advised this meeting took place in an oil
field off Liberty Road in Natchez. The following individuals
were in attendance at the meeting, in addition to SEALE,
FINLEY, and MURRAY:
TOMMIE L. JONES
T. L. TORGERSEN
PETE TYRE (employed at Bluff City Motors in Natchez)
ERNEST PARKER (attended meeting in his orange
station wagon)
Source advised that these individuals just talked
about starting a super secret group. Source stated MURRAY
was told at this meeting he would be advised later regarding
his membership.
Source advised he believed that some of the
individuals present at this meeting already had their
silver dollars.
Shortly after the first meeting, a second meeting
of this group was held near the site of the first meeting.
At this meeting source learned that individuals in Concordia
Parish, Louisiana, and Franklin County, Mississippi, also
belonged to this group. Source learned that FINLEY and
JACK SEALE apparently were the leaders of the members of
this group in Mississippi.
At this meeting MURRAY was given a silver dollar
by FINLEY, who took the coin from a paper bag. Most of the
early members of this group were given coins dated 1886.
After they gave out all of the coins with this date on it,
they gave out silver dollars with other dates. Source believed
MURRAY'S silver dollar was dated 1898. Source advised he
observed the coin which was given to MURRAY and he saw no
unusual markings on it.
Source identified the following individuals at
this meeting:
JACK SEALE
ERNEST FINLEY
ERNEST PARKER
PETE TYRE
TOMMIE JONES
T. L. TORGERSEN
L. C. MURRAY
2
The discussion at this meeting was about new
members. It was brought out that members had to be approved
unanimously.
Source believes that at the time of this meeting
MURRAY was still a member of the WKKKKOM. Source pointed
out that MURRAY and some of the othermembers of the WKKKKOM
did not leave that organization until August,
1964, when
they formed the UKA.
Source advised that a third meeting of this group
was held a short period of time after the secondmeeting.
This meeting was held on the Homochitto River, off Highway 98,
about three or four miles from Meadville, Mississippi. Those
in attendance were as follows:
CHARLES FALVEY (Brookhaven, Mississippi, employed
in butane business)
RALPH DAY (Brookhaven, Mississippi, employed as
used car salesman)
LUTHER HART (Brookhaven, Mississippi, employed in
Seismograph business)
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER (first time source met GLOVER |
GLOVER referred to as "Buzzard")
WALTER GENE HALL
JACK SEALE
ERNEST FINLEY
ERNEST PARKER
L, C. MURRAY
Source advised that these individuals merely
talked at this meeting, and had something to eat. Source
recalled that GLOVER had a sawed-off shotgun with him, and
he shot it a few times.
A short time later this group held another
meeting at this same location. Those present were as follows:
L. C. MURRAY
JAMES SEALE
WALTER GENE HALL
JACK SEALE
ERNEST PARKER
3
Source advised he did not believe TOMMIE JONES
and T. L. TORGERSEN showed up for this meeting. The members
from Brookhaven did not show up, nor did any of the members
from Louisiana; consequently those present went home.
Some time later there was another meeting which was
held at Clear Springs Lake, which is located a few miles
west of Meadville, Mississippi. Those present were as
follows;
JACK SEALE
ERNEST PARKER
WALTER GENE HALL
T. L. TORGERSEN
TOMMIE JONES
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER
Possibly KENNETH NORMAN HEAD (Vidalia, Louisiana)
Source advised that at this meeting the group talked
about segregation, had something to eat, and then went home.
Source advised to his knowledge no act of violence was
ever mentioned at these meetings.
Source advised that he believed someone at one of
the meetings on the Homochitto River had some large sticks
of dynamite in the trunk of their car. This dynamite resembled
large sticks of baloney.
Source did not see anyone take the
dynamite out of the automobile, and he does not recall whose
automobile contained the dynamite.
Source advised that the next meeting of this
group was the fishfry at the Wildsviile, Louisiana, residence
of JAMES FREDERICK LEE on June 26, 1965. Source believed
this meeting occurred on a Saturday afternoon. MURRAY,
ERNEST PARKER, JAMES SEALE, JACK SEALE, and ERNEST FINLEY went
to the meeting in the red Ford of PARKER's.
Present at LEE's residence were three or four
individuals whom source did not know. Others present were
as follows;
4
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER
KENNETH NORMAN HEAD
JAMES SCAROBOROUGH, aka "The Indian"
(first time source had seen him)
JAMES FREDERICK LEE
LEE's wife was present as were two or three other
women.
Source could not recall if T, L, TORGERSEN was present.
PETE TYRE was not present.
Source pointed out that TYRE's
wife and the wife of L. C, MURRAY are first cousins.
During the afternoon someone got out charcoal,
saltpeter, and some other ingredient and ground them up in
a coffee grinder in an effort to make an explosive powder.
There had been general talk that the government was going to
restrict the sale of guns, ammunition, and powder.
Some of
this mixture was put in some container and JACK SEALE threw
it toward the trees, in the back side of the yard, but it
did not explode.
During the afternoon, several of the men went to
Forman's Grocery, which is next door to LEE's residence, and
when they left, they placed UKA cards on the counter.
Wives of some of the men were there as were some
of their children.
They were inside LEE's residence part
of the time. The group talked about integration and related
subjects, but GEORGE METCALFE was not mentioned.
Source
stated he did not believe he even knew who METCALFE was at
that time.
ERNEST PARKER was there in his red Ford.
When
PARKER's car left late in the afternoon, MURRAY and FINLEY
were in the back seat, and PARKER, JAMES SEALE, and JACK
SEALE were riding in the front seat.
This group met TORGERSEN and the wife of TOMMIE
LEE JONES in JONES' white Chevrolet before they reached
Highway 84. They explained about TOMMIE JONES having been
5
arrested and he was in jail at Ferriday, Louisiana, for
hitting a Negro with his gun. There was some comment made
about how close she was sitting to TORGERSEN when the group
met them.
The group drove to the Ferriday jail. MORACE and
GLOVER came along, and went to see the man who owned the
King Hotel in Ferriday, and got some money from him for
J ONES' bond.
JONES made his bond and this group of Klansmen,
as well as the law in Ferriday, told JONES to get his car
and get back over in Mississippi and stay away from Ferriday.
Source knew of no one that was ever kicked out of
the group, particularly L. C. MURRAY.
Source recalled sometime after the fishfry, GLOVER
talked to JACK SEALE and MURRAY about taking REGINALD P.
CARTER into the group and SEALE told GLOVER he did not care
who GLOVER took into the group because he was through with it.
Source did not know if JOE LEE HARDY had ever been
considered for membership into this group.
Source stated
HARDY told him one time about shooting plate glass windows
out of the Royal Furniture Store in Natchez.
He used glass
marbles and a sling shot.
TOMMIE JONES WHIPS NEGRO WHO INSULTED MRS . JACK MOORE.
Source advised that four or five years ago
JACK MOORE, who is employed at Armstrong Tire and Rubber
Company, had a small grocery in Natchez which was operated
by his wife.
One day a Negro painter supposedly went into
the store and insulted Mrs. MOORE.
Source said that JONES
went to the Negro and on the pretext of having him look at
a house which JONES wanted him to paint, the group took him
out Liberty Road beyond JIMMY CARTER'S place. There JONES,
TORGERSEN, and someone from across the river (across the
Mississippi River) blind-folded and beat the Negro badly
and left him.
6
Source stated that DOUGLAS BYRD, JACK SEALE,
L. C, MURRAY, and possibly E. L. MC DANIEL went to JONES'
house and interrogated him about the beating. They
threatened to whip JONES and he told them he lured the
Negro out of town, but he would die before he identified
the individuals who were with him.
TOMMIE. JONES SHOT BY WIFE OF NEGRO WHO LIVES NEAR FERRIDAY. LA.
Source stated that two or three years ago he heard
that TOMMIE JONES, T. L. TORGERSEN, "RED" GLOVER, and
possibly E, D, MORACE and "RED" LEE had a project to whip a
Negro who lived a short distance down Horseshoe Lake Road,
off Highway 84, a few miles west of Ferriday, Louisiana.
This
Negro raised quail, pheasants, and the like.
Source
understood that these men had been after the Negro on several
prior occasions. On this occasion the Negro's wife shot
TOMMIE JONES with a shotgun when they tried to get the drop
on the Negro at his bird pens.
It was necessary to get a
doctor to remove the shots from JONES' body, according to
the source.
Source stated he saw this Negro a few days ago
driving a white station wagon in the Natchez area.
BURNING OF HOME OF JAKE FRISHMAN.
Source did not know who was responsible for
captioned burning, but it had been rumored that Natchez
Chief of Police, J. T. ROBINSON, knew who did it.
BURNING OF SHOE SHOP OF FRANK MORRIS. FERRIDAY. LOUISIANA,
12/10/647
Source advised that he knows L. C. MURRAY knows
nothing about captioned burning because MURRAY was in the
State of California from October of 1964 until January,
1965. Source stated MURRAY and his wife had moved to California
for that short period of time.
7
BOMBING OF WHARLEST JACKSON. NATCHEZ. MISSISSIPPI,
2/27/67.
Source stated he has learned no information as to
who is responsible for the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON.
Source stated he had learned recently that the
wives of SAMMY WOOD, Supervisor of Armstrong Tire Company,
and JAMES WATTS, step-son of RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER, are
close friends.
Source also stated he had learned that SAMMY WOOD
and BILLY WOOD,
also an employee at the Armstrong firm,
are close friends.
EXPLOSION ON LAWN OF RESIDENCE OF JOHN NOSSER. NATCHEZ,
MISSISSIPPI, 9/25/64.
Source reported that he is sure that L, C, MURRAY
had nothing to do with captioned explosion or the explosion
in the driveway of the residence of WILLIE WASHINGTON in
Natchez which occurred on the same date.
Source did not know
who was responsible for these explosions.
However, it had
come to his attention at that time that TOMMIE LEE JONES and
T, L, TORGERSEN were making telephone calls to TROY GUICE,
at his Chevrolet company, and raising hell with him to fire
his Negro help.
JONES and TORGERSEN were upset with
Mayor NOSSER for hiring Negroes in his business operations.
They called NOSSER a Negro lover and the like.
Source continued that at the time of these explosions
there were internal problems in the Natchez City Government.
J, T, ROBINSON and Mayor NOSSER were at each others throats
over operation of the Civil Service Commission.
JAMES FREDERICK LEE - L. C. MURRAY.
Source
FREDERICK LEE, a
off from work at
the residence of
advised he had learned that after JAMES
shop steward at the Armstrong firm, got
8:00 a.m. on 8/15/67, he went directly to
L, C. MURRAY. LEE wanted MURRAY to ride into
8
Natchez with him.
LEE said he wanted to see Attorney
BILLY RILEY, so after stopping at Tops Cafeteria, they
went to RILEY's office.
LEE inquired of RILEY as to how
RED GLOVER's case (bush hog) was going, and then LEE said,
"What involves him, involves
me, we are friends".
RILEY's
answer was not heard by the source.
9*
CHARGES OUTSTANDING AGAINST
The only outstanding charge against this source
is in connection with the case captioned "MYRON WAYNE SEALE
AKA JACK SEALE; EXPLOSION AT OBERLIN JEWELERS, MORNING OF
NOVEMBER 19, 1966; EXPLOSION AT RESIDENCE OF FRED L. CALLON
NOVEMBER 19, 1966, NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI; RACIAL MATTERS BOMBING MATTERS," Bureau File 157-6534.
EDWIN E. BENOIST, JR., Adams County Attorney,
Natchez, Mississippi, advised SA CLARENCE G. PROSPERE on
December 5, 1966, that on that date, the Adams County Grand
Jury, sitting at Natchez, Mississippi, returned an indict­
ment charging source did willfully, unlawfully, and feloni­
ously place a bomb in or near the store building of one
IRVING OBERLIN wherein goods, wares, and merchandise of
value were kept for use and sale; with the felonious intent
of him, the source, to harm or destroy said building and
the contents thereof. Mr. BENOIST advised that this charge
against the source was under the Mississippi state law
prohibiting the unlawful use of explosives.
Mrs. EVELYN KEISER, Deputy Clerk, Circuit Court
Clerk's Office, Natchez, Mississippi, advised SA CLARENCE G.
PROSPERE on April 18, 1967, that on April 10, 1967, Judge
JAMES A. TORREY, Sixth Circuit Judge, continued until the
November, 1967, term of court the case against the source
at the request of the State of Mississippi through LENOX
FORMAN, District Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit of
Mississippi.
This source has been a suspect in other racial
matter cases but most of these cases have been in a closed
status for considerable periods of time so it is axiomatic
no prosecution is contemplated.
c
CHARGES OUTSTANDING AGAINST
This source has been a suspect in some racial
matter cases investigated by the Jackson Office but there
are no outstanding charges against him.
-
2*
-
RE JACKSON TELETYPE SEPTEMBER NINETEEN, LAST.
JOSEPH EDWARDS:
IONA SEWARD WAS RE-I NTERVIEWED.
SHE FURNISHED A SIGNED
STATEMENT DESCRIBING HOW JOSEPH EDWARDS, NEGRO PORTER AT THE
SHAMROCK MOTEL, GRABBED AND KISSED HER.
SHE REPORTED THE
7
ASSAULT TO JAMES GOSS, LA. PROBATION OFFICER AND REGULAR GUEST
AT MOTEL, WHOM SHE DATED.
KILL HIM.
GOSS IMMEDIATELY STATED, " I ’ LL
HE’ S MESSING WITH SOMETHING THAT BELONGS TO ME."
SHE REQUESTED HIM NOT TO DO ANYTHING.
A DAY OR TWO AFTER THIS, SHE WAS CONTACTED BY A
NATCHEZ POLICE OFFICER BELIEVED TO BE CAPTAIN J. G. WISNER,
AND A VIDALIA POLICE OFFICER WEARING A HEARING AID, BELIEVED
TO BE CHIEF BUD SPINKS.
THEY ADVISED HER THEY WERE TOLD OF THE
ASSAULT BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
OBTAINED DETAILS FROM HER.
END PAGE ONE
THEY QUESTIONED HER AND
ON SUBSEQUENT DATES, GOSS DENIED INFORMING
POLICE AND TOLD HER HE HAD GIVEN EDWARDS A DOLLAR FOR
SHINING HIS SHOES, MAKING EDWARDS THINK THAT GOSS WAS
HIS BEST FRIEND.
GOSS STATED THAT WHEN HE GOT EDWARDS WERE
HE WANTED, HE WOULD KILL HIM.
SEWARD STATED EDWARDS WAS STILL WORKING AT THE MOTEL
A SHORT TIME AFTER THE ASSAULT WHEN HER JOB WAS TERMINATED.
LATER GOSS TOLD HER THAT HE WAS SURE THAT SHE WOULD
NOT SEE EDWARDS AROUND ANYMORE.
AFTER VALENTINES DAY, SIXTY-
FIVE, GOSS TOLD HER THAT THE FBI QUESTIONED HIM ABOUT EDWARDS.
WHEN THEY INTERVIEWED HER HE TOLD HER SHE WAS TO TELL THEM ONLY
THAT SHE KNEW EDWARDS AS A PORTER AT THE MOTEL, NOTHING MORE.
HE ADDED IT WAS BEST THAT THEY DID NOT SEE EACH OTHER ANYMORE.
ALTHOUGH HE HAD GIVEN HER AN ENGAGEMENT RING, SHE
LATER FOUND OUT THAT HE WAS MARRIED WHEN SHE CALLED HIM
UNEXPECTEDLY AND TALKED TO HIS WIFE.
HE LAST CONTACTED HER
DURING JUNE, SIXTY-SEVEN, AT WHICH TIME HE INQUIRED AS TO
END PAGE TWO
FOR
HER.
IN
O P IN IO N
ACT .
HER S I G NED ST A T E M E N T ,
THAT BOSS K I L L E D
SH E S A ID
IT
WAS HER
EDW ARDS OR P A R T I C IP A T E D
SH E E X P R E S S E S CO NCERN
IN
THAT H E WOULD A L S O K I L L
TH E
HER.
TOMMIE LEE JONES:
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER ADVISED E.D. MORACE ON
SEPTEMBER SIXTEEN, LAST THAT JACK SEALE REPORTED TO HIM HE
SAW TOMMIE JONES WITH AN FBI AGENT.
GLOVER TOLD MORACE
THAT HE AND SEALE WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES WHO HAD SEEN
JONES WITH FBI AGENTS.
KENNETH NORMAN HEAD ADVISED BUCK HORTON ON SEPTEMBER
FIFTEEN, LAST THAT TOMMIE LEE JONES HAD BEEN TELLING THAT
THERE WOULD BE A FEDERAL GRAND JURY IN SHREVEPORT, LA.,
IN OCTOBER, SIXTY-SEVEN.
JONES SAID SEVERAL PEOPLE FROM THE
FERRIDAY - VIDALIA, LA., AREA WOULD BE SUBPOENAED FOR THE GRAND
JURY.
HEAD AND HORTON THOUGHT THIS GRAND JURY MIGHT BE
END PAGE THREE
P
A
R E S P O N S IB L E
G
E
FOR J O N E S
M E E T IN G
F
THE F B I
O
U
A G EN T AT
R
T H E EO LA
HOTEL.
RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE KLAN:
furnished the f
INFORMATION ON SEPTEMBER NINETEEN, LAST:
JACK SEALE TOLD
E.D. MORACE THE KLAN IN NATCHEZ, MISS. WOULD RE-ORGANIZE
IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
SEALE STATED HE WOULD LET MORACE KNOW
SO HE COULD ATTEMPT TO GET OTHER MEN TO ATTEND.
KENNETH NORMAN HEAD ADVISED BUCK HORTON ON SEPTEMBER
FIFTEEN, LAST OF A PLANNED MEETING AT HEAD'S HOUSE ON CONCORDIA
LAKE NEAR FERRIDAY, LA. AT SEVEN P.M., SEPTEMBER TWENTY-FDUR,
NEXT.
EX-KLAN MEMBERS IN THE AREA WILL BE INVITED AND WILL
DISCUSS WHAT THE FBI HAS BEEN QUESTIONING THEM ABOUT.
THE
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE MEETING IS TO DISCUSS RE-ORGANIZING
THE KLAN.
HEAD STATED THAT AFTER THE KLAN RE-ORGANIZED,
A PERMANENT MEETING PLACE WAS NEEDED.
HE SAID HE WOULD
ASK E.D. MORACE AND PAUL TOLBERT ABOUT USING THEIR DEER
CAMP AS A MEETING PLACE.
END PAGE FOUR
FURNI SHED
FOLLOWING IN F O R M A T IO N ON SE P T E M B E R
JACKSON GLOVER APPROACHED E .D .
N IN E T E E N ,
LA S T :
R A L E IG H
MORACE ON SE P T E M B E R S IX T E E N ,
LAST
AND HAD MORACE TO H E L P H IM R E V IE W A T R A N S C R IP T OF G LO V ER ' S
J U S T IC E OF PEACE H EA R IN G AT F A Y ET T E,
H IS
HOPE THAT NOTHING WOULD COME
GLOVER S A I D BUCK HORTON WAS
W IT N ESS A G A IN S T G LO V ER.
M IS S .
OF H IS
G LO V ER V O IC E D
T R IA L .
SU B P O EN A E D AS A S T A T E
G LO V ER S T A T E D H E HAD TA LK ED
HORTON AND HORTON S A I D HE WOULD NOT S A Y A N Y T H IN G
JURY.
GLOVER WAS G O IN G
SIX T E E N ,
HAPPENED,
LAST,
TO KENTWOOD,
L A .,
TO THE GRAND
THE N IG H T OF S E P T E M B E R
AND RE Q U EST ED MORACE GO W IT H H IM SO I F
HE WOULD H A V E A W IT N E S S
BUCK HORTON A D V IS E D E . D .
TO
SO M E T H IN G
THAT HE WAS NOT IN V O L V E D .
MORACE ON SE P T E M B E R
F IF T E E N ,
LAST HE HAD BEEN SU BPOENAED AS A W IT N ESS A G A IN S T G LO V ER IN
ST A TE COURT.
HORTON S A I D HE HAD
THE F B I AND WONDERED I F
HE COULD
B E E N S U S P E C T E D OF WORKING FOR
CARRY A T A P E RECORDER TORECORD
THE Q U E ST IO N S A SKED H IM BY THE GRAND JURY AND H IS
END PAGE F IV E
ANSW ERS.
PAGE six
HORTON S A I D
HE WOULD TAK E PAPER ALONG AND W R IT E DOWN THE
Q U E ST IO N S AND ANSW ERS.
IN V E S T IG A T IO N PLANNED FOR S E P T E M B E R
TW ENTY-ONE,
C O N T IN U E IN V E S T IG A T IO N OF S I L V E R
M A IN T A IN CONTACT W ITH IN F O R M A N T S,
SO U RC ES.
C O N T IN U E IN T E R V IE W S
END.
DEL
FBI
WASH DC
NEXT:
DOLLAR G RO U P.
P O L IC E A G E N C IE S ,
OF K L A N S M E N .
AND
NEGRO
R E JA CKSO N T E L E T Y P E D A T E D S E P T E M B E R S I X T E E N ,
LAST.
FRANK M O R R IS :
RO BERTA C A R L O S W ALKER,
E L E V E N OAK L A N E ,
N A T C H EZ,
A D V IS E D A F T E R V IE W IN G
A PHOTOGRAPH OF R A L E IG H
THAT S H E HAD S E E N H IM
IN
J A C K SO N G LO V ER,
T H E COMPANY OF KENNETH
AT THE SHAMROCK MOTEL D U R IN G E A R L Y
N IN E T E E N
NORMAN HEAD
S IX T Y F O U R .
WALKER S T A T E D THAT ABOUT TWO MONTHS A F T E R A NEGRO SH O EM AKER
WAS BURNED TO DEATH I N
THE CR O SSR O A D S S T O R E ,
"I
A SH O P
N A T C H EZ,
IN
H ATED TO BURN TH E SO N OF A B —
A LSO T H E R E I N
F E R R ID A Y ,
L A .,
S H E E N T ER E D
AND OV ERH EARD G LOVER S T A T E
-
UP,
BUT I
HAD TO DO I T . "
TH E COMPANY OF G LOVER WERE SAM B IA N C O ,
P R O P R IE T O R OF TH E ST O R E ?
A F IF T Y S E V E N OR F IF T Y E IG H T
EM PLOYED AT AN E L E C T R IC
THEN
A S A N D Y -H A IR E D W H IT E M A L E WHO D R IV E S
G REEN A N D I VORY F O R D ,
SHO P N E X T TO THE A
A
N
WHO I
D
W H IT E MALE WHO D R IV E S A CREAM AND G REEN O L D S M O B IL E .
P
S
;
A
N
D
A
ROBERTA
CARLOS
W ALKER,
ELEVEN
OAK
LA N E ,
NATCH EZ,
ADVISED THAT SHE WAS EMPLOYED AS A REGISTRATION CLERK AT THE
SHAMROCK MOTEL, DURING FEBRUARY AND MARCH, SIXTYFOUR.
A
PART-TIME REGISTRATION CLERK, MAMIE THAMES, WAS DATED BY
FORMER DEPUTY SHERIFF MARIO HERNANDEZ, ADAMS COUNTY, MISS.,
AND BY OTHER MEN WHOM HERNANDEZ BROUGHT THERE.
HERNANDEZ
DROVE AN UNMARKED WHITE OLDSMOBILE PATROL CAR WITH THE USUAL
POLICE TYPE ANTENNA BUT WITHOUT A RED LIGHT ON THE TOP OF THE CAR.
HE WOULD FOLLOW WALKER AFTER WORK IN AN APPARENT EFFORT TO MAKE HER
QUIT SO THAMES WOULD GET FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT.
WALKER IDENTIFIED A PHOTOGRAPH OF RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER
AND KENNETH NORMAN HEAD AS INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMPANY OF
AN UNKNOWN TOOTHLESS TRUCK DRIVER WHO VISITED THAMES AT THE
MOTEL OFFICE AND LOUNGE.
WHILE EMPLOYED AT THE MOTEL, WALKER
OBSERVED PROSTITUTION OPERATIONS BEING CONDUCTED BY EDDIE (LNU),
A NEGRO PORTER, AND NELLIE JACKSON, A NATCHEZ NEGRO MADAM.
END PAGE TWO
P
A
G
E
T
H
OBSERVED
WALKER
R
A
E
E
NEW P O R T E R
AFTER QUITTING EMPLOYMENT,
SA FET Y
PATRO LM AN
EM PLO YEE
OF
THE
REX
W IT H
A R M IS T E D
SH A M RO CK
SOME
U PPER
TE E TH M IS S IN G .
SHE WAS CONTACTED BY MISS. HIGHWAY
MOTEL
WHO A D V I S E D
HAD
BEEN
THAT
K IL L E D
A NEGRO
AND
TH R O W N
IN THE RIVER.
JAMES WHITE, SR. SHOOTING INCIDENT:
ADVISED HE H
TOMMIE LEE JONES IN THE RECENT PAST AND DURING THE CONVERSATION,
JONES COMMENTED HE HAD BEEN WONDERING HOW THE FBI HAD LEARNED
ABOUT THE INCIDENT INVOLVING THE NEGRO IN LA. WHO RAISED
PHEASANTS.
SOURCE ASKED JONES HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS HAD BEEN
INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT AND JONES COMMENTED THREE.
JONES THEREAFTER COMMENTED THAT HE KNEW THOR LEE
TORGERSEN HAD NOT BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS INCIDENT AND THE THIRD
PERSON INVOLVED WAS (FNU) JENKINS (PHONETIC) OR JUSTIN (PHONETIC).
JONES ALSO SAID THAT BILLY BUCKLES AND ERNEST GILBERT MIGHT
BE INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT BECAUSE THEY TOOK HIM TO A DOCTOR
IN BROOKHAVEN, MISS.
END PAGE THREE
PAGE FOUR
JONES
GILBERT
HAD
STATED
HE
TALKED
DI D
NOT
ABOUT
THE
KNOW
I F
B
IN C ID E N T .
U
C
HE
K
L E
S
STATED
O
R
HE
HAD
TOLD B U C K L E S ONE STORY ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND GILBERT
ANOTHER S T O R Y .
SOURCE ADVISED JONES TOLD HIM THAT HE AND THE
OTHERS STOPPED THEIR AUTOMOBILE IN FRONT OF THE N E GRO’S
RESIDENCE AND THOR LEE TORGERSEN WENT TO THE FRONT DOOR
OF THE NEGRO’S HOME.
TORGERSEN AND THE NEGRO WALKED TO THE BIRD
PENS AND JONES REMAINED IN THE BACKGROUND.
JONES TOLD THE
SOURCE HE PULLED BOTH TRIGGERS ON HIS SHOTGUN BUT BOTH SNAPPED.
JONES HAD FORGOTTEN TO LOAD HIS GUN BEFORE HE GOT OUT OF THE
AUTOMOBILE.
JONES STATED THAT WHEN HIS GUN SNAPPED, HE
STARTED TO RUN AND ABOUT THAT TIME, SOMEONE STARTED SHOOTING
FROM WITHIN THE NEGRO’S HOUSE.
JONES WAS HIT IN THE CHEEK
OF HIS FACE WITH SOME PELLETS AND POSSIBLY IN ONE OF HIS ARMS.
SOURCE ADVISED THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS HAD PLANNED
TO KILL THE NEGRO BECAUSE HE REPORTEDLY HAD BEEN THE HEAD OF
END PAGE FOUR
T HE BLACK
M U S L IM S
IN D IV ID U A L S
IN
HA D B E E N
TH A T
AREA.
TO T H E
JONES AND S O M E OTHER
N E G R O 'S
H O U S E P R IO R
TO T H E
DATE OF THIS INCIDENT AND HAD SHOT THE NEGRO'S OUTSIDE LIGHTS.
SOURCE ADVISED JONES WAS EXTREMELY UPSET BECAUSE
THE FBI IS AWARE THAT HE PARTICIPATED IN THIS INCIDENT.
SILVER DOLLAR GROUPS
ADVISED
JONES TOLD HIM IN THE RECENT PAST THE FBI IS AFTER HIM
AND "THEY" (THE FBI) ARE GOING TO GET HIM INTO TROUBLE BY
TALKING TO HIS FRIENDS AND TURNING HIS FRIENDS AGAINST HIM.
JONES COMMENTED THAT IF SOMEONE IS TALKING, IT IS NOT TOO
LATE TO STOP.
SOURCE ADVISED THAT HE MET RALPH DAY AND
LUTHER HART A FEW YEARS AGO THROUGH CHARLES FALVEY, ALL OF
BROOKHAVEN, MISS., AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE SDG.
JAMES FORD SEALE RETURNED TO WORK AT THE MORAN
TANK CO. IN NATCHEZ AFTER HE LOST HIS BID TO BECOME SHERIFF
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
END PAGE FIVE
THAT TOMMIE LEE
JAM ES
SEALE
HAD
SU RG ERY
I N
THE
NA T C H E Z
G EN ERAL.
HOSPITAL DURING THE PAST WEEK TO CORRECT A SHOULDER SEPARATION.
SO URCE I S
OF TH E O P IN IO N
J A M E S S E A L E W IL L
NOT RE TU R N TO
WORK FOR T H R E E OR FOUR M O N T H S.
SOURCE ADVISED THAT EIGHT TO TEN YEARS AGO, JAMES
SEALE WAS WORKING IN AN OIL FIELD AND HE BECAME OVERHEATED
IN THE EXTREMELY HOT WEATHER AND INJURED "HEAT GLANDS*
IN HIS BRAIN.
SINCE THAT TIME, HE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO WORK
IN ANY ROOM OR BUILDING WHERE THE TEMPERATURE MIGHT BE
EXTREMELY HIGH.
INVESTIGATION PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER NINETEEN, NEXT:
CONTINUE INVESTIGATION OF SILVER DOLLAR GROUP.
MAINTAIN C ONTACT WITH INFORMANTS, POLICE AGENCIES, AND NEGRO
SOURCES. CONTINUE INTERVIEW OF KLANSMEN.
END.
del
FBI
WASH DC
RE JACKSON TEL SEPTEMBER NINE LAST.
JOSEPH EDWARDS:
IONA SEWARD, FOUR ONE SEVEN WALNUT STREET, NATCHEZ, MISS.,
WHO HAS WORN BRACES AND USED CRUTCHES SINCE SHE WAS ELEVEN YEARS
OLD, ADVISED THAT SHE HAD BEEN EMPLOYED AS TELEPHONE OPERATOR
AND DESK CLERK AT THE SHAMROCK MOTEL, VIDALIA, LA., FOR APPROX­
IMATELY TWO MONTHS, ENDING DURING THE SECOND WEEK OF JULY,
SIXTYFOUR.
ABOUT TWO WEEKS BEFORE HER EMPLOYMENT WAS TERMINATED,
WHILE GOING FROM THE SWITCHBOARD TO ANOTHER PART OF THE MOTEL
OFFICE BUILDING, JOSEPH EDWARDS, A NEGRO PORTER, GOT FRESH.
HE GRABBED HER AND TRIED TO KISS HER.
AFTER SHE REBUFFED
EDWARDS, HE PLEADED FOR HER NOT TO TELL ANYONE.
SEWARD
STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WITNESSES TO THE INCIDENT. SHE
end page one
PAGE TWO
SAID SHE DID NOT REPORT THE MATTER TO ANYONE EXCEPT HER ROOM­
MATE, JUDY FORD, AND JAMES GOSS, A LA, PROBATION OFFICER
SHE WAS DATING, WHO WAS THEN ASSIGNED TO TALLULAH.
SHE MAY
HAVE ALSO TOLD HER LANDLADY, MRS. HAYWARD SIMONTON.
ALTHOUGH SHE DID NOT REPORT THE INCIDENT TO THE MOTEL
MANAGER NOR THE POLICE, A DAY OR TWO LATER, SHE WAS CONTACTED
BY A UNIFORMED OFFICER OF THE NATCHEZ, MISS., PD, ANOTHER
IN PLAIN CLOTHES BELIEVED TO BE CHIEF BUD SPINKS OF THE
VIDALIA PD, AND PERHAPS ANOTHER MAN.
THE POLICE OFFICERS
TOLD HER THAT EDWARDS WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF.
TO HER KNOW­
LEDGE, NO CHARGES WERE PLACED AGAINST EDWARDS AND SHE WAS NOT
CALLED TO TESTIFY.
AFTER HER CONTACT BY THE POLICE, SEWARD CRITICIZED GOSS
FOR REPORTING THE INCIDENT TO THE POLICE.
INFORMING THE POLICE.
GOSS DENIED
HE COMMENTED THAT AS A RESULT OF HER
FAILURE TO REPORT THE INCIDENT, EDWARDS HAD PROBABLY BRAGGED
ABOUT IT AND THE WORD GOT TO THE POLICE AS A RESULT OF EDVARDS
END PAGE TWO
PAGE THREE
BOASTING.
SHE TOLD GOSS NOT TO MAKE ANY TROUBLE OVER THE
INCIDENT,
HE STATED THERE WOULD BE SO MANY IN LINE TO TAKE
CARE OF EDWARDS HE WOULD NOT GET A SHOT.
SEWARD CONTINUED TO DATE GOSS.
AT NO TIME DID HE INDI­
CATE THAT HE NOR ANYONE ELSE HAD DONE ANYTHING TO EDWARDS.
SHE FURTHER STATED THAT NEITHER THE POLICE NOR GOSS SUGGESTED
TO HER THAT SHE COMPROMISE EDWARDS SO THAT HE MIGHT BE TAKEN
CARE OF AND SHE HAS NO INFORMATION INDICATING THAT ANYONE
ELSE DID SO.
SEWARD STATED THAT SHE STOPPED GOING WITH GOSS WHEN SHE
FOUND OUT THAT HE WAS NOT SINGLE AS HE CLAIMED.
INVESTIGATION HAS DETERMINED THAT JAMES GOSS IS NOW
A LA. STATE PROBATION OFFICER, CURRENTLY ASSIGNED TO SHREVE­
PORT, LA.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION IS BEING CONDUCTED.
GOSS
WILL BE INTERVIEWED.
BEATING OF WHITE MAN AND NEGRO MAN, HORSESHOE LAKE:
ON SEPTEMBER NINE, LAST, A. B. BRANCH, OWNER - MANAGER,
END PAGE THREE
B R A N C H 'S
L A .,
C A F E
A D VISED
A N D
THAT
F IS H IN G
HE
CAMP,
RECALLED
AN
WORKMAN'S
IN C ID E N T
BAYOU.
IN
MONTERREY,
W H IC H
A
W H IT E
M AN
AND A COLORED MAN WERE BEATEN APPROXIMATELY THREE OR FOUR
SUMMERS AGO .
THE WHITE
MAW,
NAM ED ( F N U )
WHITE,
HAD B E E N
COMING TO
BRANCH’S TO FISH FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR FROM MONROE, LA., AND
HAD BEEN AT BRANCH’S FOR TWO DAYS WHEN THREE WHITE MEN
APPROACHED BRANCH AND ASKED HIM IF A CERTAIN LICENSED HUDSON
AUTOMOBILE WAS AT BRANCH’S.
BRANCH ANSWERED THAT THERE WAS.
HE DID NOT PLACE ANY IMPORTANCE ON THIS QUESTION AND DID
NOT REMEMBER A DESCRIPTION OF THESE MEN.
THEM SINCE THIS CONTACT NOR BEFORE IT.
HE HAS NOT SEEN
HUDSON AUTOMOBILE
WAS OWNED BY WHITE.
THREE DAYS LATER, BRANCH HEARD THROUGH THE "GRAPEVINE"
THAT ON THE DAY PRIOR TO THE THREE WHITE MEN’S VISIT, WHITE
HAD PICKED UP AN OLD NEGRO ALONG THE ROAD AND HAD GONE TO
THE HORSESHOE LAKE COURTS WITH THIS NEGRO, EXPECTING
END PAGE FOUR
PA G E
FIVE
TO B E SERVED.
THE NEGRO WAS TURNED DOWN AND WHITE HAD TO BRING
THE NEGRO’S FOOD OUTSIDE TO HIM.
LATER THAT NIGHT, WHITE
ALLEGEDLY BECAME INTOXICATED AND SPENT THE NIGHT WITH A
COLORED WOMAN.
BRANCH HEARD THAT HE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PICKED UP AND
BEATEN.
BRANCH STATED THAT HE HAD NOT HEARD FROM WHITE
SINCE THAT TIME, AND DOES NOT KNOW ANY DETAILS CONCERNING
THE BEATING.
BRANCH ALSO HEARD THAT THE NEGRO WAS BEATEN
SHORTLY THEREAFTER.
REEF FREEMAN ADVISED SEPTEMBER NINE, LAST, THAT HE HAD
SPOKEN TO (FNU) WHITE WHOM HE KNEW PERSONALLY, APPROXIMATELY
ONE MONTH AFTER THE BEATING.
WHITE STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN
PICKED UP ALONG THE JONESVILLE HIGHWAY BETWEEN FREEMAN’S
AND JONESVILLE BY FOUR WHITE MEN AND TAKEN INTO THE WOODS.
HE STATED THAT THREE MEN SAT IN THE BACK SEAT, ONE OF THEM
ELD A GUN ON HIM AND A FOURTH MAN DROVE, WHOM HE STATED
H
HE COULD RECOGNIZE.
HE STATED THAT HE POSSIBLY ALSO COULD
RECOGNIZE THE OTHER THREE MEN, BUT WAS NOT SURE.
END PAGE FIVE
PAGE SIX
WHITE STATED THAT HE WAS FORCED TO STRIP AND WAS SEATED
WITH A STRAP AND LEFT IN THE WOODS. WHITE SUBSEQUENTLY MADE
HIS WAY TO JONESVILLE, AND LATER TO MONROE.
FREEMAN STATED THAT WHITE HAD EXPRESSED ANGER AT THESE
FOUR WHITE MEN AND HAD EXPRESSED A DESIRE, ACCORDING TO
FREEMAN, TO IDENTIFY THEM, IF HE HAD THE CHANCE.
WHITE STATED THAT HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TYPE OF CAR THEY
WERE DRIVING, NOR DID HE KNOW ANY REASON FOR THE BEATING.
FREEMAN STATED THAT WHITE DID NOT RELATE TO HIM ANY OF THE
CONVERSATION THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THE BEATING.
WHITE IS SUPPOSED TO BE SECRETARY OF A MASONIC LODGE
MONROE, LA.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUING.
INVESTIGATION PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER TWELVE NEXT:
CONTINUE INVESTIGATION OF SILVER DOLLAR GROUP. MAINTAIN
CONTACT WITH INFORMANTS, POLICE AGENCIES, AND NEGRO
SOURCES. CONTINUE INTERVIEWING
KLANSMEN.
END.
THIS
ON
IS A SPECIAL SUMMARY REQ UESTED BY THE
MARCH TWENTY FOUR.
BUREAU
NINETEEN SIXTY SEVEN.
NATURE AND SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION:
DURING PAST WEEK, OUR INVESTIGATION HAS INCLUDED
COVERAGE OF (ONE) SILVER DOLLAR GROUP (SDG), (TWO) RALEIGH
JACKSON GLOVER: (THREE) KLAN MATTERS: (FOUR) RELATED CASES:
(FIVE) NEGRO COVERAGE.
JOE LEE HARDY OIL THEFT:
THE ADAMS COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS FILED AN AFFIDAVIT
AND SECURED A WARRANT TO SUPPORT THE ARREST OF JOE LEE HARDY
FOR POSSESSION OF THE STOLEN DRUMS OF OIL.
HE HAS TURNED
THESE. DOCUMENTS OVER TO T H E SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR EXECUTION
AND THE SHERIFF HAS STATED T H AT OWING TO THE IMPORTANCE OF
THE CASE, HE IS WAITING FOR THE APPEARANCE OF A HIGHWAY
PATROL INVESTIGATOR TO ASSIST HIM BEFORE HE MAKES A MOVE.
PA G E
T WO
THERE H A V E B E E N NO S I G N I F I C A N T
FRANK MORRIS MURDER CASE.
THE J O S E P H
DEVELOPMENTS
IN
THE
EDWARDS M U R D E R CASE IS D E V E L O P I N G A L ONG
THE LINE INFORMANTS INDICATED.
THE V I C T I M OF EDWARDS'
AND HER BOY FRIEND I M P L I C A T E VIDALIA,
LOUISIANA,
APPROACHES
C H I E F OF
POLICE BUD SPINKS.
JAMES WHITE SHOOTING
INCIDENT:
NO SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS.
BUSHHOG CASE:
THIS MATTER WILL GO TO THE GRAND JULY IN JEFF E R S O N
COUNTY,
MISSISSIPPI,
ON SEPTEMBER EIGHTEEN
NEXT.
HOMER HORTON
HAS BEEN SUBPEONAED AS A WITNESS FOR THE STATE.
SILVER DOLLAR GROUP:
TOMMIE LEE JONES C O N T I N U E S TO BE C O N S I D E R A B L Y UPSET
AND WORRIED OVER HIS PERSONNEL SITUA T I O N .
HE IS Q U I T E CONCERNED
ABOUT REPORTS HE HAS HEARD THE JAMES LEE IS I N D I G N A N T WITH
HIM.
HE HAS INDICATED HE FEELS THE P I N C E R - L I K E PRESSURE OF
LEE ON THE ONE SIDE AND THE FBI ON THE OTHER.
HE HAS INFERRED
THAT HE MIGHT LIKE THE COMFORT IN SEEKING THE HELP OF THE FBI
BUT HE FEARS HE HAS AS MUCH TO LOOSE WITH THE FBI AS HE DOES
END PAGE TWO
WITH l e e .
JONES IS THE PRIMARY
GROUP MEMBERS
GRAND J U R Y
THIS
FEEL
THEY W I L L
BECAUSE
CONCLUSION
FROM C E R T A I N
OF THE
IS
BASED
OF OUR
INVESTIGATION
SUBJECT
OF
SDG
DISCUSSION
HAVE TO F A C E AN OCTOBER F E D E R A L
D I S C L O S U R E S MADE BY J O N E S .
UPON I N F E R E N C E S
THEY HAVE DRAWN
INTERVIEWS.
CO NC E R NI N G
RALEIGH
J A C K S ON
GLOVER:
GLOVER HAS TALKED ABOUT KILLING TOMMIE LEE JONES.
IT ALSO APPEARS THAT HE MAY B E MAKING SOME P L A N S FOR
MOVING FROM THE RESIDENCE OF HIS STEPSON.
RELATED CASES:
DEPARTMENTAL
FOR
THE
ORLEANS
PARISH
WESTERN
A T T O R N E Y OWEN
DISTRICT
NEFF
OF L O U I S I A N A
O F F I C E T H E Y P L A N TO P R E S E N T
CRIMINAL
IN O C T O B E R .
ATTORNEYS
A N D T H E USA
HAVE
A D V I S E D THE NEW
THE CONCORDIA
M A T T E R P E N D I N G TO THE G R A N D
THEY
STATED THEY
FROM THE CIVIL
HAVE
RIGHTS
JURY AT SHREVEPORT
NOT B E E N CO N T A C T E D BY
DIVISION
ABOUT THEIR PLANS
FOR S I M U L T A N E O U S L Y P R E S E N T I N G THE D A V I S AND SPINKS CIVIL
RIGHTS
CASES.
CASES
TO R O U N D OUT T HE C O N C O R D I A PARISH PACKAGE OF
IT W O U L D BE T I M E L Y FOR THE B U R E A U TO TAKE THIS MATTER
UP
WITH
THE
end
page t h r e e
CIVIL
RIGHTS
DIVISOIN
AT
THIS
TIME.
PAGE FOUR
KLAN ACTIVITY:
NO S I G N I F I C A N T D E V E L O P M E N T S
NEGRO SITUATION:
NO S I G N I F I C A N T
DEVELOPMENTS.
INFORMANT COVERAGE:
THE FLEXIBILITY OF OUR
INFOR M A N T
COMPLEMENT
IS CONSIDERABLY ENHANCED WITH THE NEWLY G R A N T E D A U T H O R I T Y
TO OPERATE
AND
COVERAGE LIKE W I S E S H OULD BE ENHANCED.
PERSONNEL ASSIGNED:
SEVEN NEW ORLEANS AGENTS,
JACKSON STENOGRAPHERS,
NINE JACKSON AGENTS,
AND ONE JACKSON CLERK WERE ASSIGNED
TO THIS PROJECT DURING THE PAST WEEK.
SUBSTANTIAL INVESTIGATION IS IN PROGRESS.
END
BGM
FBI WASH DC
TUP
TWO
Silver Dollar Group
COVER PAGE
E
furnished the following
information to SA CLARENCE G. PROSPERS on 8/21/67:
Source' advised that sometime during the latter
part of 1964 or the early part of 1965, to the best of his
recollection. JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH came to him at work
and said, "We are forming a secret, secret organization in
the Klan." SCAROBOROUGH asked if the source would be
interested in joining such an organization and the source
advised SCAROBOROUGH that he would consider joining when
he had been furnished further information. SCAROBOROUGH
stated that the individuals who were being taken into this
organization would be "hand picked".
Source stated that approximately a week after he
had been contacted by SCAROBOROUGH, T. L. TORGERSEN came to
him and asked if SCAROBOROUGH had asked the source about a
secret, secret organization within the Klan. When source
advised TORGERSEN that he had been contacted by SCAROBOROUGH
in connection with this organization, no further details
were then furnished by TORGERSEN,
A short time later, TOMMIE LEE JONES came to the
source and asked if SCAROBOROUGH had contacted him
regarding a secret, secret organization within the Klan.
Source stated that again he advised JONES as he had
TORGERSEN and no further details, were furnished by JONES.
Source stated he knows for a fact that he has
never been contacted by RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER and that
it was possible that when he had previously furnished
information regarding the individuals he believed to be
members of the Silver Dollar Group (SDG), that he had mentioned
the name of RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER because at that time he
may have recalled that SCAROBOROUGH had mentioned the name
of GLOVER to him when he originally furnished the information
regarding this group.
JN 44-2044
B F G / b lw
1
advised SA THOMPSON BERRY WEBB
and SA BENJAMIN F. GRAVES on August 20, 1967, that he had
talked with TOMMIE L. JONES during the previous week.
Source stated that JONES commented to him that "we are in
real trouble." JONES then said something to the effect
that they had been in the organization a long time and the
FBI would get them on a conspiracy.
Source stated he knew that E. L. MC DANIEL had
never been a member of the Silver Dollar Group so he
assumed JONES was referring to one of the other Klan
groups in which they both had been members.
Source
stated that JONES never explained these comments; however,
source will re-contact JONES in the near future in an
effort to determine what he was talking about.
On September 5, 1967 f u r n i s h e d
the following information to SA FRED B. LAFFERTY, III
at Natchez, Mississippi:
Source advised that he traveled to Ferriday,
Louisiana, to attend the National Rifle Association (NRA)
meeting. He called JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH, a known
Silver Dollar Group (SDG) member, and was advised by his
son that he was working at the private school in Ferriday,
Louisiana.
Source then went to the school where he met
SCAROBOROUGH. They returned to SCAROBOROUGH's house where
source asked him why he was spending so much time at the
private school. SCAROBOROUGH told him that the FBI had been
calling him constantly and that he no longer wanted to talk
with them. SCAROBOROUGH believed that they would not attempt
to contact him at the private school as there are always other
individuals present there.
Source then told SCAROBOROUGH about going out with
TOMMIE LEE JONES on August 31, 1967, whereupon SCAROBOROUGH
asked him, "Do you trust him?" Source answered that he did
not know JONES well enough to make that evaluation, at which
time SCAROBOROUGH handed him a pack of approximately 150
Minutemen warning cards and instructed him to place the first
one in JONES' automobile.
They then proceeded to VIRGIL WRIGHT's office in
Ferriday City Hall where a meeting of the new chapter of the
NRA was to be held. Source advised that the only people
present at this meeting were SCAROBOROUGH, VIRGIL WRIGHT, and
himself. SCAROBOROUGH appeared to be very upset at the lack of
attendance, at which time WRIGHT suggested that it was no
longer wise to hold these meetings in his office.
WRIGHT advised that he knew a man who had a trailer
for sale and they should purchase it as a meeting place.
He stated they could put the trailer behind his home which is
situated on a lake in Louisiana. Then when they had particularly
secret items to discuss, they could go to the middle of the
lake in his boat for maximum security.
WRIGHT continued that the NRA Chapter, officially
known as the Concordia Pistol and Rifle Club, had approximately
20 members and had collected $150 in membership fees to date.
Source advised that it is becoming increasingly apparent that
VIRGIL WRIGHT is the leader of the NRA Chapter as well as the
Minutemen organization. WRIGHT seems to be in complete
command over SCAROBOROUGH.
COVER PAGE
furnished the following infor­
mation to SA JOSEPH G. PEGGS and SA JAMES A. WOOTEN on
September 5, 1967:
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER and E. D. MORACE met on
the late evening of September 5, 1967, and discussed
TOMMIE LEE JONES. GLOVER said JONES had been to JAMES
LEE's house and made inquiries about him. GLOVER stated
he w as suspicious of JONES and gave JONES bait the other
night. GLOVER said he and JONES took something to the
house of JAMES LEE SCAROBOROUGH and if this fact gets
out, they will know JONES is talking. GLOVER said JONES
had seen GLOVER, drop something, meaning to commit a crime,
so JONES could not afford to talk about him.
MORACE told GLOVER about seeing JONES on Sep­
tember 1, 1967, in a 1955 Chevrolet at Natchez, Mississippi,
and the driver of the car looked like an FBI Agent who had
questioned MORACE. GLOVER said he did not trust JONES and
had tried to get a vote to kill JONES over two years ago
but the others said that he was over anxious. GLOVER said
he was immediately going to the home of JAMES LEE and both
of them might go to Ferriday, Louisiana, and talk to
SCAROBOROUGH about getting a vote on JONES. GLOVER seemed
to feel that JONES must be eliminated and stated, "We will
take care of that son of a bitch."
JN 44-2044
JAW/blw
1
furnished the following infor­
mation to SA JAMES A. WOOTEN on September 12, 1967:
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER advised E. D. MORACE on
September 12, 1967, that TOMMIE LEE JONES saw GLOVER that
day in the store in Natchez, Mississippi, where GLOVER's
wife is employed. JONES asked GLOVER what was the
as JONES had heard that GLOVER and JAMES FREDERICK
were going to kill him.
GLOVER stated he did not say anything to make
JONES suspicious of him.
GLOVER said he could drive up
to J O N E S ' house and shoot him but that would be the end
of him, GLOVER,
GLOVER stated there was plenty of time
to kill JONES as he was not going anywhere.
GLOVER said,
"We'll get that son of a bitch yet." GLOVER stated JONES
was not in a position to talk as he knows enough on JONES
to hang him.
COVER PAGE
WILLIE FLOYD HARRIS, JR.
Bushhog Incident
COVER PAGE
N
furnished the following
information to SA CLARENCE G. PROSPERE on 8/21/67:
Source advised that within the past two or three
days he had visited J . B . MANGUM at his home on Hard Times
Road, near Fayette, Mississippi, and during this visit
MANGUM mentioned the fact that JEWEL LEE BURT wanted to see
the source.
During the visit, JEWEL LEE BURT came to the
home of MANGUM and asked the source if he was acquainted
with the father of HARRIS who had reported his bushhog
stolen.
Source stated he advised BURT that he knew that
the father of HARRIS was a justice of the peace in Lincoln
County, and that he had known this justice of the peace
many years ago, but that he did not know his present location.
BURT stated he had wanted source to go to the father of
HARRIS and ask him to encourage his son to drop the charges
against RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER.
Source stated that he has known "JUNIOR" HARRIS
since they were in elementary and high school together.
He
stated that he told BURT that he would make an effort to
contact HARRIS to see if he could get HARRIS to drop the
charges.
(Source stated he has no intentions of becoming
involved in the bushhog case, and therefore, will not
contact HARRIS,)
Source advised that he has heard of no Klan
activity in Franklin County and he pointed out that the
Klan strength and i m a g e in Franklin County is apparently
very low and JAMES S EALE was not able to get sufficient
votes to put him. into the second primary.
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
BFG/blw
1
w
as contacted on August 29,
1967, by SA THOMPSON BERRY WEBB and SA BENJAMIN F. GRAVES
and he furnished the following information:
On August 25, 1967, about 4:00 p.m., when the
shifts changed at the Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company in
Natchez, Mississippi, the source had an opportunity to
talk with RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER. Source questioned GLOVER
as to how his case was going in Jefferson County, Missis­
sippi, and GLOVER commented that he was going to be tried
on September 7, 1967.
GLOVER commented that he was not going to be
tried for stealing a bushhog, that this is just a ruse
to get him to Fayette, Mississippi. GLOVER said actually
he is going to be tried for the bombing and source assumed
GLOVER was referring to the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON.
COVER PAGE
P
JN 44-2044
BFG/blw
1
furnished the following infor­
mation to SA BENJAMIN O . KEUTZER on August 28, 1967:
While in Natchez, Mississippi, on August 26,
1967, spoke to a white male, whose name he did not recall
but who operates a Billups service station on Highway 61,
also identified as the Woodville Road. This person
advised the source that the FBI had been pressuring "RED"
GLOVER and had framed him on a theft of a "rusty old bush­
hog." Source continued that this person advised him that
GLOVER recently had mentioned that although they framed
him on this charge, they never did get the guy who blew
up the "nigger" and he hoped they would not get him.
Source advised this individual told him that he strongly
feels RED GLOVER is the person responsible for the
WHARLEST JACKSON killing.
COVER PAGE
Q
JN 44-2044
JAW/blw
1
f u r n i s hed the following infor­
mation to SA JAMES A. WOOTEN on September 12, 1967:
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER advised E. D. MORACE on
September 12, 1967, it appears his case at Kentwood,
Louisiana, is coming up for trial.
I
o
td him the attorney
GLOVER said FRED L . SCHIELE
in Baton Route, Louisiana, whom SCHIELE secured for GLOVER,
could get the charge on GLOVER dropped for $2,000. SCHIELE
said he would put up $1,000 of this if GLOVER could raise
the rest. GLOVER said that if "we must raise $1,000 we
cannot, do it legally."
GLOVER, stated the boys in Kentwood had the
Assistant District Attorney under their thumb and can tell
him what to do. The Assistant District Attorney can get
this case put off, GLOVER said he was going to Kentwood
on September 13, 1967, and talk to his friends there to
try to decide whether or not to keep prolonging the case
or to use the Baton Rouge attorney and have the whole thing
handled immediately.
COVER PAGE
R
JOSEPH EDWARDS, Negro Male, Missing
Shamrock Motel Employee, Vidalia, Louisiana
COVER PAGE
S
JN 44-2044
JWT/jls
1
On August 31, 1967,
RI (PROB)
furnished the following information to SAs ROBERT E. BASHAM
and JOHN WILLIARD THOMAS:
Source advised that he did not know about any
Negro that had disappeared from the Shamrock Motel. He then
said, "What did they do with him, dump him in the river?"
He said that is what they generally do to all the people they
want to get rid of.
COVER PAGE
JAMES WHITE, SR., Negro Male - VICTIM
(Pheasant Breeder)
COVER PAGE
U
JN 4 4 -2 0 4 4
JWT/jls
1
On August 31, 1967,
R I
( P R O B )
furnished the following information to SAs ROBERT E. BASHAM
and JOHN WILLIARD THOMAS:
Source advised that he did not know JAMES WHITE, Sr.
but he did hear about the pheasant breeder who lived in
Stacy, Louisiana. He said he understood WHITE was a relative
of PRANK MORRIS, possibly a cousin. He said rumors around
Ferriday were that WHITE used to meet a white woman each
Tuesday night at a bar in Ferriday and they would exchange
notes with one another. He said this was probably what
prompted the attempted beating.
COVER PAGE
JN 44-2044
JAW/blw
1
furnished the following infor­
mation to SA JOSEPH G. PEGGS and SA JAMES A. WOOTEN on
September 5, 1967:
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER told E. D. MORACE on
September 5, 1967, that TOMMIE LEE JONES almost got BUCK
HORTON'S head shot off at the house of the Negro who
raises pheasants near Ferriday,
GLOVER said
JONES went to the house with an unloaded gun and when
the Negro woman started shooting from the doorway,
HORTON had to pull his long .45 caliber pistol and shoot
to keep from being killed.
COVER PAGE
W
Burning of Large Night Club,
Horseshoe Lake, Louisiana
(REEF FREEMAN'S Night Club)
COVER PAGE
X
JN 44-2044
JAW/blw
1
furnished the following infor
mation to SA JAMES A. WOOTEN on September 12, 1967:
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER advised E. D. MORACE on
September 12, 1967, the persons who burned REEF FREEMAN'S
night club were JAMES LEE, TOMMIE LEE JONES, THOR LEE
TORGERSEN, NORMAN HEAD, and GLOVER. GLOVER said HEAD
drove the car while GLOVER, and LEE rode shotgun.
JONES pitched the stuff on the night club and
TORGERSEN lit it. GLOVER stated this is just one thing
he has on TOMMIE LEE JONES.
\
COVER PAGE
FRANK MORRIS - VICTIM
Ferriday, Louisiana
COVER PAGE
Z
JN 44-2044
JWT/jls
1
On August 31, 1967, R
I
(p r o b )
furnished the following Information to SAs ROBERT E. BASHAM
and JOHN WILLIARD THOMAS:
Source advised that he was personally acquainted
with MORRIS whom he referred to as FRANK. He said MORRIS
was a good Negro who never hurt anyone, and he could not
understand why anyone would do such a thing to MORRIS. He
said that he had no proof, but suspected FRANK DE LAUGHTER
was Involved since he heard that before MORRIS died, MORRIS
kept mumbling, "I thought we were friends. Why did you do it?"
Source said he then understood that MORRIS kept saying "the
law" or words to that effect. He said MORRIS always had
cooperated with the law enforcement officers In Concordia
Parish and did work for them for practically nothing.
COVER PAGE
BEATING OF RICHARD JAMES AND ROBERT WATKINS
COVER PAGE
BB
jN 44-2044
JAW/blw
1
I A (b ) 7
u FOr
n i s h e d
the following infor­
mation to SA JAMES A. WOOTEN on September 12, 1967:
f
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER advised source about two
years ago how the beating of ROBERT WATKINS and RICHARD
JAMES came about. WESLEY W A R R E N , the acting Exalted C yclops
of the Black River - Monterey, Louisiana, Unit contacted
the "Wrecking Crew" of the Ferriday - Clayton, Louisiana,
Unit of the Klan and requested that JAMES and WATKINS be
beaten.
The reason for the requested beating was unknown.
GLOVER parked his car as if having car trouble
and when JAMES and WATKINS stopped to help, the other
Klansmen jumped from the bushes and seized them.
Those involved besides GLOVER were TOMMIE LEE
JONES, JAMES LEE, JAMES SCAROBOROUGH. and JAMES FOUNT
(probably JAMES FOUNT, MC NEELY).
t
GLOVER stated he was for killing the Negroes and
he was not going, to just beat any more Negroes and have it
reported.
COVER PAGE
CC
Theft of Oil Drums;
Information Concerning Window
Jordan Auto and JOE LEE HARDY
COVER PAGE
JN 44-2044
EEB/blw
1
furnished the following infor­
mation to SA JOHN DENNIS MILLER and SA EARL E. BOYD on
August 16, 1967:
The source advised that an individual by the
last name of ROBERTS, first name unknown, who was
originally from Jackson, Mississippi, and who is with
the Borden Company, was transferred to Natchez, Mississippi,
to take the place of LUTHER WALLACE as franchise holder
six to seven months ago. ROBERTS, in the source's opinion,
was a close associate of JOE HARDY during his stay in
Natchez. ROBERTS was transferred to Houston, Texas,
around the last of April, 1967. The HARDYS kept the
ROBERTS' daughter until school was out.
JN 44-2044
BFG/blw
1
w
a
s
contacted on August 29,
1967, by SA THOMPSON BERRY WEBB and SA BENJAMIN F. GRAVES
and he furnished the following information:
Source advised that he was unable to attend the
party of JOE LEE HARDY on the night of August 26, 1967.
Source stated h e last saw HARDY at Morgan's Restaurant
and Lounge in Natchez, Mississippi, during the early
morning hours of August 26 , 1967. At that time, he was
accompanied by a woman who was much older than HARDY and
two young girls.
Source advised he did not know if HARDY is
responsible for the holes which were shot into the glass
windows at the Jordan Auto Company and Allen Furniture
Company, both of Natchez, Mississippi, during the weekend
of August 26, 1967. Source did not know the location of
the Allen Furniture Company but he recalled that in the
past, HARDY had pointed out a furniture company to him
which was located near the end of St. Catherine Street.
(It is to be noted that the Allen Furniture Company is
located at 149 St. Catherine Street.)
COVER PAGE
JN 44-2044
EEB/blw
1
f
u
r
n
i
s
hed the following infor mation to SA JOHN DENNIS MILLER and SA EARL E. BOYD on
August 16, 1967:
The source advised that JEAN HARDY has expressed
concern over the fact that FBI Agents have talked to JANNELL
FURR, LINDA HARDY, and KEN MAHANEY.
JOE HARDY is concerned that the FBI is attempting
to connect him with the slaying of WHARLEST JACKSON in
February, 1967. The source advised that he recalls specifi­
cally that HARDY worked the 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. shift at
International Paper Company on the evening that JACKSON
was killed.
JEAN HARDY advised the source that JOE HARDY has
a key to the old Fisk Library which is located on South
Pearl Street, Natchez, Mississippi, next to the Baker Grand
Theater. JEAN HARDY did not know why her husband had this
key.
JEAN HARDY advised the source that JIMMY HOUSTON
W H I T E i s now trying to date SHIRLEY STOWERS instead of
S UE RILEY.
Source advised that JOE HARDY is angry with JOHN
MC CLERKIN of Ferriday, Louisiana, because he suspects
MC CLERKIN of talking to FBI Agents and telling the Agents
of the altercation between HARDY and his wife, JEAN, at
Lake St. John, Louisiana, on July 4, 1967.
GERALD CORNWELL, Washington, Mississippi, told
the source in strictest confidence on August 15, 1967,
that his, CORNWELL's, employer, whom source believes is
BILL JAMES, belongs to the Klan or has Klan sympathies.
GG
Source advised that CORNWELL is employed at the Amoco
Service Station next to the Lehman Butler Building on
Sergeant S. Prentiss Drive in Natchez, Mississippi.
This service station is frequented by Klansmen.
CORNWELL overheard a discussion at the station
on August 15, 1967, and it centered around VERNON STRAHAN
who resides on Morgantown Road, Natchez, and STRAHAN's
living with a Negro woman. All participants in the dis­
cussion agreed "that something should be done about it."
Source advised that to his knowledge, STRAHAN was married
to the Negro woman in California before moving to Natchez
MISCELLANEOUS -
KLAN
COVER PAGE
II
JN 4 4 -20 4 4
JDM/blw
1
On September 13, 1967, advised
SA JOHN DENNIS MILLER that he has talked with several of
his friends and has discovered the following information
about a Negro who was beaten.
This Negro is named JAMES (last name unknown)
who formerly resided on "B" Street. He worked at the
cafeteria at International Paper Company in Natchez,
Mississippi, and now works at a cafeteria for the Inter­
national Paper Company somewhere in Alabama. At one time,
he was studying to be a priest.
One morning about three years ago, "POT" WOODS
saw this Negro named JAMES standing in the yard of his
residence located on the top of Hudson Landing Hill near
Beverly on Highway 61 South, also near Sibley, Mississippi.
JAMES had obviously been beaten and was wearing no clothes.
A Negro barber named BENARD who was raised by
POT WOODS brought JAMES to Natchez. BENARD operates a
barber shop on Pine Street near the taxi cab company.
d i d
n o t know how to contact BENARD as
the shop was closed on Wednesday. He suggested that
another barber in the shop named PATTERSON, who lives on
Pine Street be contacted in this regard.
COVER PAGE
"BERNARD"
BURT, JEWEL LEE
Concordia Pistol and Rifle Club
CORNWELL, GERALD
DE LAUGHTER, F R A N K
FOUNT, JAMES
FREEMAN, REEF
FURR, JANNELL
GLOVER, RALEIGH JACKSON
HARDY, JEAN
HARDY, JOE
HARDY, JOE LEE
HARDY, L I N D A
HARRIS, JUNIOR
HEAD, NORMAN
HORTON, BUCK
JAMES, BILL
JAMES, RICHARD
JONES, TOMMIE LEE
LEE, JAMES
LEWIS, TINY
MA HANEY, K E N
MANGUM, J. B .
MC CLERKIN, JOHN
MC DANIEL, E. L .
MC NEELY, JAMES FOUNT
MORACE, E. D
MORRIS, FRANK
National Rifle Association
"PATTERSON"
PENNINGTON, EDNA
ROBERTS,
SCAROBOROUGH, JAMES LEE
SCHIELE, FRED L.
SEALE, JAMES
STOWERS, SHIRLEY
STRAHAN, VERNON
SWAYZE, MILTON
TORGERSEN, T. L.
WATKINS, ROBERT
WALLACE, LUTHER
WARREN, WESLEY
WHITE, JAMES, SR.
WHITE, JIMMY HOUSTON
WOODS, "POT"
WRIGHT, VIRGIL
A.
Silver Dollar Group
SAMUEL N. WOOD, Concord Trailer Park, Natchez,
Mississippi, advised that he and his wife had been to the
home of BARBARA and JAMES WATTS in Vidalia, Louisiana, on
August 11, 1967, and that during the course of this visit,
they determined from the WATTS that RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER
and his wife had returned to Vidalia, Louisiana, and are
living with BARBARA and JAMES WATTS.
WOOD stated WATTS advised
disposed of his Buick to a relative
he acquired a Plymouth automobile.
know the make and model or color of
which was acquired by GLOVER.
him that GLOVER had
and that in the deal,
WOOD stated he did not
the Plymouth automobile
WOOD stated that from his conversation with the
WATTS, they apparently had no information concerning the
plans of the GLOVERS to obtain permanent residence outside
the WATTS home. WOOD stated that this is causing great
concern on the part of the WATTS.
WOOD stated that WATTS advised him that GLOVER
had, in an effort to obtain evidence in connection with
his trial concerning the theft of a bush hog, along with
BUCK HORTON, gone up in an airplane to take photographs
of the GLOVER property in Kentwood, Louisiana. WOOD
stated that it appeared to him that GLOVER was of the
opinion the FBI had determined the bushhog was on the
property by viewing the property from the air. WOOD
stated WATTS advised him that after the photographs were
taken, GLOVER stated it was impossible for the FBI to see
the bushhog from the air.
WOOD stated the WATTS advised him that Mrs.
GLOVER was en route to work one day recently and was
JN 44-2044
crossing the bridge from Vidalia, Louisiana, to Natchez,
Mississippi, when she observed her husband going in the
opposite direction. Mrs. GLOVER turned the car around
and followed her husband to the home of EDNA PENNINGTON
and as a result, the GLOVERS have had a family feud and
the GLOVERS do not speak to each other. WOOD stated
that this causes BARBARA WATTS great concern to have the
GLOVERS residing in her home under these conditions.
ERNEST AVANTS was interviewed at his residence,
114 Hammett Street, Natchez, Mississippi, by SAs BENJAMIN F.
GRAVES and JOHN DENNIS MILLER who identified themselves as
Special Agents of the FBI. AVANTS advised he was aware of
his constitutional rights, but would be more than willing to
talk with the Agents.
He was interviewed for approximately three hours
during which time various topics of conversation were
discussed. Throughout the interview, AVANTS continually shifted
from one topic to another in such a manner that it was often
difficult or impossible to comprehend the subject matter of
his remarks.
Several times he indicated a willingness to trade
information in his possession. He was unwilling and unable,
however, to specify what he wanted in return or about what
subjects he would be willing to furnish information.
In this regard, he advised that he could furnish
no information about the bombing of WHARLEST JACKSON. He
did state that he could be of assistance to the FBI in the
investigation of the GEORGE METCALFE bombing because "we"
(evidently
referring to the White Knights) have had some
fairly strong opinions concerning that bombing.
Three times AVANTS was asked about a trip to
Brookhaven, Mississippi, with TOMMIE LEE JONES to secure
medical assistance for JONES following a shooting on the
property of a Negro pheasant breeder in Louisiana. SA GRAVES
explained to AVANTS that he was not suspected of participating
in the trip to Louisiana as Silver Dollar Group members were
involved and he was not a Silver Dollar Group member. AVANTS
volunteered that some of those involved were subsequently in
the Silver Dollar Group, but that the Silver Dollar Group
was not
in existence at the time
of this incident. AVANTS
did not comment on his trip with
JONES to
Brookhaven.
AVANTS displayed acute interest in the murder of
EARL HODGES in Eddiceton, Mississippi, on August 14— 15, 1965.
He advised that the White Knights would eventually ascertain
the identities of the parties responsible as they were
conducting an investigation themselves in that matter. He
stated that investigation has disclosed that a woman is
involved. SA GRAVES inquired if that woman was ETHEL RAY
SMITH. AVANTS smiled and said, "You said that, I didn't".
he would not elaborate further on the HODGES case except
to express,later in the conversation, interest in it.
Reference was also made to the, beating of
MARVIN WESLEY WILLIS and ELAINE FREEMAN EMFINGER in the
Fall of 1964 near Bude, Mississippi. AVANTS stated that,
"We gave them a good tanning" (evidently
referring to
the White Knights); that "the big man in overalls" had done
a good job; and that ELAINE would not have been beaten if she
had kept her mouth shut.
As the conversation, concerning beatings continued,
AVANTS mentioned the beating of WILLIE JOE BUTLER who worked
on the DRAIN property. He also mentioned an assault on a
Negro who was beaten and given castor oil. In the same series
of remarks, AVANTS mentioned that "he", while speaking of
the Negro, was forced to run in a dark field and ran into a
tree. According to AVANTS, the Negro deserved the beating
because he looked up women's skirts when they ascended stairs.
The victim appeared on television and stated he was not
involved in civil rights activity, which statement AVANTS
advised was absolutely correct. It was unclear if all of
these remarks were intended to refer to BUTLER or whether
they referred to two or more separate parties. He would not
furnish any additional information about these matters nor
would he clarify which beating or beatings to which he was
referring. AVANTS continued that he was not aware of the
beating of a Negro from Natchez who had insulted the wife
of JACK MOORE.
He advised that there were several "jobs" done in
Adams County by "outlaw groups" which did not involve the
White Nights.
AVANTS displayed a .44 magnum pistol with a 7 1/2 inch
barrel which his wife keeps around the house for protection.
AVANTS advised that he was firmly convinced that
the White Knights comprised the most desirable group of
southern men in Mississippi. He would never consider joining
the United Klans of America, Inc., the old Originals, the
Knights of the Green Forest, the Universal Klans of America,
the White Camellians, the Silver Dollar Group, or any other
group. He did state that the Silver Dollar Group supposedly
consisted of the elite or chosen men of the area. He expressed
a profound admiration for SAM BOWERS whom he described as the
leader of the White Knights. He explained that BOWERS was a
highly intelligent man who was self taught. Furthermore,
while there is a Jesus in heaven, there is a Jesus here on
earth and that man is SAM BOWERS.
10
RALPH HALL DAY, contacted at his used car lot,
Highway 550, Brookhaven, Mississippi, was advised by the
interviewing Agent that he did not have to furnish any
information and that any information he did furnish could
be used in a court of law.
DAY denied being a member of the Silver Dollar
Group or any other secret Klan-type organization and also
denied ever having violated the law.
DAY would not deny attending a gathering on the
Homochitto River near Highway 98 in the vicinity of Bude,
Mississippi, during the Summer or Fall of 1964.
At this point during the interview, B. R.
UNDERWOOD, Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol Investigator,
confidant, and brother-in-law of RA LPH DAY, arrived at
DAY’s used car lot and the interview was terminated.
THOR LEE TORGERSEN, 1 405 Westwood Street,
immediately acknowledged the identity of the inter­
viewing Agent and advised that he had no objections
whatsoever to talking to the Agent.
TORGERSEN advised that he no longer has any
association whatsoever with any individual who might
possibly be a member of "The Silver Dollar Group" with
the exception of TOMMIE LEE JONES.
TORGERSEN stated that JONES is a long-time
friend and associate of his but at the present time, he
is not closely associated with JONES. He stated that he
intends to disassociate himself completely with JONES
sometime in the near future. He explained the reason
for this as being that he felt JONES continues to be
interested in conducting acts of violence and that he,
TORGERSEN, has decided to have no such activity whatsoever,
TORGERSEN stated that he has seen JONES during
the past several days and reported that JONES is very
upset over being questioned by the FBI concerning some­
thing he had participated in during the past couple of
years. TORGERSEN advised he felt JONES, in view of the
fact that he was so upset, might possibly be involved in
some serious crime. TORGERSEN, however, denied having
any knowledge whatsoever concerning any serious act of
violence committed by JONES.
He did state, however, that
they were close friends and had, in the past, been together
for parties, beer drinkings, and the like, but that he
had never conducted any "serious" acts of violence with
JONES. TORGERSEN would not comment concerning other acts
of violence which he might consider non-serious.
TORGERSEN stated he intends to travel to
Jackson, Mississippi, with JONES during the day of
September 8, 1967, and would, at that time, make
attempts to determine why JONES is so upset at which
time he would advise JONES to either contact the Agent
or retain an attorney.
MARION TERRELL, 320 Iowa Street, was advised of
the identities of the interviewing Agents and the nature
of the inquiry. TERRELL advised that his sister, MARTHA,
is married to WAYNE REED who formerly resided at 330 Iowa
Street before moving to Love Street in Ferriday, Louisiana.
TERRELL acknowledged that he also knew JAMES
SCAROBOROUGH who resides at the end of Iowa Street but
that he is not familiar with the activities of either
REED or SCAROBOROUGH. TERRELL stated that he is not
close with REED as they have had disagreements in the
past. TERRELL stated that he intends to stay clear of
REED because he feels REED is a trouble maker although
he would not elaborate on why he thought this was so.
TERRELL concluded by saying that the interviewing
Agents would be free to return at any time to discuss the
situation on Iowa Street and in Ferriday, Louisiana, with
him.
He stated that he is presently employed with
the Ashland Pipe and Line Company, Ferriday, Louisiana.
MARTHA REED advised that her husband, WAYNE,
would be home from his seven day shift on the off-shore
drilling rig at approximately 7:00 p.m., September 8, 1967.
He will remain home for seven days before returning.
Mrs. REED advised that WALT BEEBE is her brother-inlaw and lives in Ridgecrest, Louisiana. He occasionally
visits the REEDs.
Mrs. REED stated that she was very happy at her
new residence. (The situation on Iowa Street had become
unbearable with the considerable attention being given
JAMES SCAROBOROUGH by law enforcement officers.) SCAROBOROUGH's
wife, DOROTHY, had continually pestered her to attend
Americans for the Preservation of the White Race meetings
and when she, Mrs. REED, had repeatedly refused, Mrs.
SCAROBOROUGH had stated something to the effect that it
would be Mrs. REED's children who would have to go to school
with the Negroes and that she would then regret having
done nothing about integration. Mrs. REED told her she
would worry about the situation when her children entered
school. Mrs. REED stated that she was relieved that there
had been no incidents with the opening of the Ferriday
Schools.
Mrs. REED stated that JIMMY SCAROBOROUGH had
always been friendly to her and frequently paid her visits
when she resided on Iowa Street. She doubted that SCAROBOROUGH
had any influence with the Klan type in the Concordia Parish
area; but that if he did, she was of the opinion that these
people would be of the lowest caliber both in intelligence
and virtue.
Mrs. REED advised that an individual by the
name of (First Name Unknown) STRATON was now renting
their old residence at 330 Iowa Street.
Mrs. REED concluded that she did not want it known
by her husband that an FBI Agent had talked to her because
this would upset WAYNE considerably.
16
WALTER WAYNE REED, 421 Love Street, advised that
he was more than satisfied with his new job of roughnecking
for the Off-Shore Drilling Company. He intends to continue
at this job during the foreseeable future.
REED stated that the up-coming Concordia Parish
Sheriff's election should be very interesting. NOAH CROSS
appears to be the favorite, in REED's opinion, largely due
to the length of time he has been a Sheriff.
REED also stated he was supporting MARION BARNETTE
whom he has known for years and whom he considers a good
friend. BARNETTE is a former Louisiana State Policeman.
REED was of the opinion that BARNETTE, if elected, might
employ GEORGE SEWELL, who is a good friend of both BARNETTE
and himself, as Deputy Sheriff. SEWELL would accept this
position provided he did not take a position with the
Louisiana State Police. SEWELL has already passed the
final examination for the latter position.
REED stated that he did not feel BUD SCHIELE,
who is presently a State Representative but who is also
running for Sheriff, had much of a chance in the race.
It is rumored that SCHIELE has stated that his only purpose
in running is to obtain the title of Sheriff and that if
elected, he would have HARDWELL LOVE run the office for him.
LOVE ran for Sheriff in Concordia Parish four years ago and
lost to CROSS by a very narrow margin.
REED stated that he has heard of no incidents
concerning the integration of the schools in Concordia Parish.
He stated that he could not understand the purpose behind
integration and feels that the movement is Communist inspired.
REED stated that he considers Negroes in the same light that
he does white men--there are both good and bad ones. He
emphasized, however, that he would not let any of them
trespass upon his rights. REED illustrated this principal
by saying that this was how he had gotten his jaw broken-that is, standing up for his rights.
During the course of the interview, WALTER BEEBE,
who resides in Ridgecrest, Louisiana, and who is his wife's
(MARTHA is) brother-in-law, entered the house and had a brief
discussion with REED. At the end of the interview, JERRY
WYLIE, who is a patrolman for the Ferriday Police Department,
also entered and conversed with REED.
At approximately 10:45 p.m. on September 12,
1967, as Special Agents FRANK B. WATTS and JOHN DENNIS
MILLER approached the residence of ERNEST AVANTS, 114 Hammett
Street, a late model green Dodge was observed parked at
the residence. This automobile bore 1967 Mississippi
license 31-1983.
The Agents departed in an effort to locate
AVANTS and returned to the AVANTS' residence at approximately
11:15 p.m. at which time AVANTS' 1957 Oldsmobile was
observed at the residence alongside the Dodge.
At approximately 11:30 pm. this Dodge automobile
was observed leaving on the Morgantown Road in the direction
of U. S. Highway 61, being driven by a white male who was
recognized by SA WATTS as TRAVIS BUCKLEY. ERNEST AVANTS was
observed to be a passenger in this automobile.
BUCKLEY and AVANTS were observed traveling back
and forth on Highway 61 North, talking in the car.
ERNEST AVANTS, 114 Hammett Street, Natchez,
Mississippi, was interviewed by SA JOHN DENNIS MILLER
whose identity is known to AVANTS.
AVANTS advised that his wife had told him that
she had told the interviewing Agents she had contacted
her lawyer, TRAVIS BUCKLEY, and that BUCKLEY had advised
AVANTS not to talk to the FBI--not even to tell them his
name.
He continued that he did not wish to assume that
attitude but did feel that under the present circumstances,
he did not desire to talk concerning any subject to the
interviewing Agent.
He stated that TRAVIS BUCKLEY is not his attorney
but he is the attorney of his wife. His attorney is BILL
R I L E Y , with whom AVANTS worked on the preceding Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday nights. He declined to disclose the
nature of the work he and RILEY performed.
RILEY also instructed AVANTS not to talk to the
FBI about anything.
AVANTS continued that he appreciated the fact
that the interviewing Agent was willing to perform an
analysis of a white liquid substance but that he had already
given this substance to his attorney. He did not know what
the substance was.
SA MILLER advised AVANTS that he could in no way
force him to be interviewed when he did not desire to be
interviewed but that should there be a change in circum­
stances, it might be readily advantageous to AVANTS to be
able to converse with SA MILLER. AVANTS advised that he
was aware of this and this was one reason he did not want
to assume the attitude which his attorneys had suggested;
i.e., not even tell the FBI his name.
SA MILLER advised AVANTS that he was willing to
meet with him at any time and discuss anything which
AVANTS might desire to discuss.
AVANTS advised that he appreciated this attitude
and would like to be able to talk with SA MILLER but
reiterated that at the present time, he did not feel he
could do so.
21
Date
Septembe r 1 6 , 1 9 67
Mrs. ERNEST AVANTS, 114 Hammett, Natchez,
Mississippi, advised SA JOHN DENNIS MILLER, whose identity
is known to Mrs. AVANTS, that her husband was asleep at
that time and was unavailable for interview. In this
regard, she mentioned that she did not wish to be rude, but
that she had talked with her attorney, TRAVIS BUCKLEY, who
had advised her that she and her husband should decline
to talk with the FBI about anything.
Upon inquiry, she revealed that she had contacted
her attorney because of the recent interest which the
interviewing Agent had displayed in her husband.
later
SA MILLER advised he would contact her husband
in the day to discuss this matter.
JOEL FREEMAN,103 Louisiana Avenue, advised
that he has entered the campaign for Justice of the
Peace, District One, Concordia Parish, Louisiana. The
first primary in this race will be held November 4, 1967.
FREEMAN stated that he will carry out the duties of this
office while remaining with International Paper Company
of Natchez, Mississippi.
FREEMAN stated that he could not understand why
FBI Agents continue to remain in the Natchez, Mississippi,
area. As far as FREEMAN is concerned, WHARLEST JACKSON's
death in February, 1967, was caused by Negroes attempting
to gain publicity for their cause. In FREEMAN's opinion,
neither the Ku Klux Klan nor Klan sympathizers had anything
to do with JACKSON's death.
FREEMAN emphasized that he has heard nothing
concerning the Klan in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, this
being probably due to the great amount of time which his
campaign is demanding.
JDM/blw
1
Mrs. BILLIE HUTTON contacted the Natchez-Resident
Agency of the FBI on September 11, 1967, and advised that
RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER had been observed several times
during the past weekend at the PIPER residence, 125 Lee
Avenue, Vidalia, Louisiana. A yellow Chevrolet not
previously observed in the neighborhood was parked at the
PIPER residence during the morning of September 11, 1967.
SA JOHN DENNIS MILLER, on September 11, 1967,
observed a 1962 yellow four-door Chevrolet bearing 1967
Mississippi License 1-1517 parked at 125 Lee Avenue,
Vidalia, Louisiana. The pickup truck and Plymouth automobile
registered to RALEIGH JACKSON GLOVER were observed to be at
the WATTS residence during the same time that the above
mentioned Chevrolet was observed.
J. T. ROBINSON, Chief of Police, Natchez, Missis­
sippi, advised that 1967 Mississippi License 1-1517 is
registered to Mrs. BLANCH M. WEIDHAMER, 107 Bluebird Drive,
Natchez, Mississippi.
The current Natchez City Directory lists Mrs.
BLANCH M. WEIDHAMER, 107-Bluebird Drive, Natchez, Missis­
sippi, telephone No. 442-6054. The Directory reflects that
she is retired and is a widow, The Directory also lists at
this address JOSEPH C. WEIDHAMER, and gives his employment
as being a typesetter for "The Natchez Democrat" (newspaper).
JOSEPH C. BARRE, 107 Bluebird, Natchez, Mississippi,
was advised of the nature of this investigation and of the
identities of the interviewing Agents.
information:
He gave the following
BARRE stated that he recently returned from Marine
Boot Camp on a furlough prior to going to his next assignment.
He stated that while on leave he lives with his grandmother,
Mrs. BLANCH M, NEIDHAMER.
BARRE stated that up until eleven
owner of a 1962 yellow four-door Chevrolet,
Mississippi License 1-1517. He stated this
registered in the name of his grandmother.
eleven days ago he sold this car to McPhail
Natchez, Mississippi.
days ago he was the
bearing 1967
automobile was
He stated that
Oldsmobile in
BARRE stated that he does not know R. L. PIPER
in Vidalia, Louisiana, or RALEIGH JACKSON ''RED" GLOVER.
He stated he is not how nor never has been a member of the
Ku Klux Klan.
CHARLES JORDAN, Salesman, McPhail Oldsmobile,
was advised of the nature of this investigation and of the
identities of the interviewing Agents.
following information:
He gave the
JORDAN stated that recently the McPhail Oldsmobile
Company purchased a 1962 Chevrolet from JOSEPH BARRE. He
stated that on September 12, 1967, this automobile was
sold to R. L . PIPER, 125 Lee Street, Vidalia, Louisiana.
C.
JOSEPH EDWARDS, Negro Male,
Missing Shamrock Motel Employee,
Vidalia, Louisiana
31
JAMES BUFORD GOSS was contacted at his office
located at 1403 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana.
At the outset of the interview he was advised of the personal
and official identities of the Special Agents. He was furnished
a copy of a statement of his constitutional rights and this
statement was read aloud to him bySA DIVEN. He signed the
waiver of rights section of this form.
He stated that he knew that the contacting Agents
were Special Agents of the FBI as soon as he saw them, and
indicated that he observed SA DIVEN in that capacity in some
prior unrecalled occasion. He stated that he was not
particularly expecting a contact by Special Agents of the FBI,
but in his line of work as a probation officer for the
State of Louisiana, contact by the FBI is an always present
possibility these days.
He voluntarily
he stated was his entire
related incidents.
furnished
information concerningwhat
knowledge of JOSEPH EDWARDS and
At the conclusion of this interview, he agreed
to sign a written statement incorporating this information.
Before the statement was completed for his reading and
signature, he appeared with JACK KAPLAN, an attorney affiliated
with Abramson, Maroun, and Kaplan, 311 Sklar Building,
Shreveport, Louisiana, with telephone number 422-3248. GOSS
stated that he had engaged KAPLAN to represent him in view of
the serious nature of the investigation.
The complete statement was read aloud by SA DIVEN
as KAPLAN followed the written statement. GOSS indicated
desired changes which were immediately made. He initialed
NO 44-2293
the corrections, added a paragraph in his own handwriting
stating that he had read the statement, and signed the
statement with the approval of his attorney.
This statement reads as follows:
"Shreveport, La.
"September 12, 1967
"I, James Buford Goss, make the following
free and voluntary statement to Patrick R. Cooney
and Merriman D. Diven, who have identified themselves
to me as Special Agents of the FBI. SA Diven
furnished a copy of a statement of my constitutional
rights and read this form aloud. I have executed
a waiver of these rights.
"I was born on June 24, 1920, in Vienna,
Louisiana. I reside with my wife, Kathryn Wolfe
Goss at 3236 Sarah Street, Bossier City, Louisiana.
I am employed as a Probation Officer # 1 at
Shreveport, Louisiana, by the Louisiana Department
of Public Welfare.
"While I was working in the same capacity
beginning in March, 1964, in Tallulah, Louisiana,
I worked every Monday and Wednesday in the office.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, I was out of
the office. I was required to spend every Thursday
over-night in either Catahoula Parish or Concordia
Parish. I usually preferred to stay in one of
the parishes at the following motels beginning with
the most preferred:
NO 44-2293
"1.
Shamrock Motel, Vidalia, La.
"2.
Patricia Motor Hotel, Ferriday, La.
"3.
Catahoula Courts, Jonesville, La.
"I spent every Thursday in one of the above
motels. I believe that the first time I stayed at
the Shamrock, I met a Negro porter, Joseph Edwards.
on the
and I believe that it was his first night
job too. This would have been around March, 1964.
Edwards provided good service and was very friendly.
I attempted to get information from him as to the
location of persons I wanted to contact. He
exhibited a cooperative attitude, but never actually
gave me any information. I usually checked in
anywhere from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
"I never heard that Joseph Edwards every
arranged any dates for prostitutes. He never
solicited any dates for me.
"While I was assigned to Tallulah, my wife
continued to live in Bossier City except for the
months of June, July, and August, 1964, when she
lived with me and our son, Steve, (age 16 yrs. at
present) in an apartment at 409 N. Mulberry Street,
Tallulah. My daughter, Virginia Kay Tarbutton and
her husband reside at 1353 Mark Street, Bossier
City. Virginia is 26 years of age.
"However, while spending Thursdays at the
Shamrock Motel, I met a young girl, Iona Perry,
the registration clerk and telephone operator at
the motel. She was just about my daughter's age,
3U
but had to wear braces on each leg and use
crutches to get around.
I was at first attracted
by her courage and her determination to work and
earn her own way.
Later, this interest changed
to love and during my association with her from
the Spring of 1964 and thru May, 1965, I once
considered divorcing my wife and marrying Iona.
I gave her an engagement ring that she apparently
still has. Since May, 1965, I saw her a few time
before the last time, June 24, 1967, which
according to my records pertaining to probationer
Johnnie Goocher, I stopped by the Jefferson Davis
Hospital where Iona is employed and visited her.
I was transporting Goocher and went out of my way
to see how she was. Her mother and father were
also visiting her at the time.
"With regard to my association with Iona
during July 1964, I recall that upon checking in at
the motel, she started to cry.
She refused to
explain the reason for this.
I picked her up after
she got off from work, sometime between 9:00 p.m.
and 9:30 p.m.
I was driving my 1962 'bluish'
Chevy II. After crossing the Mississippi River
Bridge, she told me that she had left her
switchboard and was passing through a back storage
room when Joe Edwards grabbed her arms and kissed
her on her lips. She said she screamed and he
ran out of the motel office.
I do not remember
for sure, but I believe that the incident happened
earlier that night or the night before.
"I believe that we stopped at the A & W for
some refreshments.
I took her to her apartment
on Jefferson Street, Natchez, Mississippi, and
left about 10:00 to 10:30 p.m. en route to the
35
Shamrock Motel.
I inquired o f the re g is t r a t io n
c le r k , e ith e r a man or young boy, about Joe Edwards'
whereabouts.
I was told that Joe had already left
the motel. I was very mad at Edwards for his
in su lt to Iona and I f I would have found him that
night I would have beat him with my hands. I do
not believe as a law enforcement o f f i c e r that I
would have k ille d him.
" I believe that I got a cup o f coffee at
Ja ck 's Restaurant at the Mobile Service Station.
I do not r e c a ll who, i f anyone was there; but I
suppose Jack was there, working. I did not
mention Edwards' in su lt to Iona, because Iona
was too embarrassed about the incident and did not
want i t discussed.
"I returned to the motel room,
most likely
the room straight down from the motel office or
room # 3 3 .
I awoke at 7:30 a.m. and probably had
breakfast at the Shamrock.
I was usually served
by a waitress whose husband had had some difficulties
with the law and who had resided in the jail
house in back of the Shell Service Station in
Ferriday.
"I w e n t to the c o u r t h o u s e because of some
W h i l e at the Concordia Parish
Courthouse, I met C h i e f Bud Spinks, Vidalia
Police Department.
I reported the incident
concer n in g Edwards and Iona to him.
Spinks was
in his u n iform at the time.
Spinks said he
would look into it.
T w o Vidalia police officers
in civilian clothing, because they were in a
different jurisdiction, went to I o n a ’s apartment
that day or the next day.
I do not know if
Chief Spinks was one of these two officers or not.
cases c o m i n g up.
NO 4 4 - 2 2 9 3
"I learned about the inquiry made by the
officers from Iona on our next Thursday date, the
following week.
"After reporting the incident to Chief
Spinks, I proceeded with my business in the
courthouse. I saw Frank De Laughter, Ike Corvan,
Bill Ogden, Mr. Clark, and other Concordia Parish
deputies, including Sheriff Noah Cross. I did
not mention the Edwards' insult to them.
"At about 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. that afternoon,
I drove to Ruston where I stayed with my parents,
I. O . and Allie B. Goss, Farmerville Road, 5 miles
out of Ruston, La.
"I am not sure whether I returned to Vidalia
the following Tuesday. I did return there the next
Thursday. I made inquiries concerning Joe Edwards,
but was told that Edwards had not come back to the
motel. Iona told me that the police had contacted
her and inquired about Edwards' attempt to kiss
her. She stated that I must have reported the
matter to the police. I may have denied that I
did report it, but later admitted that I had.
"I never discussed Edwards' insult with anyone
nor any other law enforcement agencies.
"I had observed a car believed to be Edwards '
1957 or 1958 or 1959 Buick which was blue and white
parked at the Shamrock Motel. I did not observe
this car parked along the Vidalia--Ferriday Highway
at any time after Edwards’ insult to Iona.
"A couple of months after the incident, I
was in Blackie Drain's Night Club when someone
unknown to me stated that Edwards' car had been
found. I do not recall who was in the bar at
that time.
"Once, a short time later when in the Kings
Hotel, someone at the next table; identity unknown,
stated that Edwards probably went to New Orleans
via the river. A probationer, first name unknown,
Van Housen (phonetic), who resides in Winnsboro
and was working on a work over rig in the Ferriday—
Natchez area was present at the time of the
statement.
"During 1964, I owned the following automobiles:
"1959 blue Ford custom 300
"1962 bluish Chevy II, 1964 - 1965 La.
tag 13G669
"1956 Pontiac, white over green
(Pontiac not driven during July, 1964)
"1964 green Ford purchased 11/64
"1959 Mercedes Benz 190D, purchased fall, 1964
"Will Stothart, a fellow employee, who
drives VW, green in color, was also believed to
be in the Shamrock on the Thursday night I heard
of Edwards' insult. None of my Tallulah co-workers
had a white Oldsmobile.
"With regard to conversations that I had
with Iona about this incident, I have no recollection
of stating that I would have to stand in line to
get a shot at Edwards. I deny that I suggested
or arranged for Iona to make a date with Edwards
so that we could catch him and take care of him.
38
NO 44-2293
"I further deny that I suggested or arranged
for any other girl to make a date with Edwards
with the same purpose or any other purpose.
"Neither did I suggest to any person or persons,
private citizens, or law enforcement officers to
do any illegal act to Edwards.
"I do recall telling Iona sometime after
she told me of the incident that because so
many FBI Agents were already in that area, she
probably would be interviewed by them, and all
she had to do would be to tell the truth.
"I do not have a flashing red light and
none of my co-workers are known to have one. I
have no radio equipment in my cars requiring two
long antennae.
Juvenile Officer Matthews is known
to have a white Ford that had a divider on the
back of the front seat, for the transportation of
prisoners.
"I have never been a member nor am I
now a member of any organization of a klan-type
or violent nature.
"I do not know Kenneth Norman Head,
Horton, nor R. J . 'Red' Glover.
'Buck'
"I have read the above statement consisting
of eleven (11) pages and it is true and correct
to the best of my knowledge.
"/s/ James B. Goss
"Witness:
"Merriman D. Diven, Special Agent, FBI, New Orleans,
La., 9/12/67.
"Patrick R. Cooney, Special Agent, FBI, Shreveport, La.,
9/12/67."
39
NO 4 4 - 2 2 9 3
The following description and background
information was obtained through observation and interview:
Name
DOB
POB
Sex
Race
Height
Weight
Eyes
Complexion
Build
Hair
Scars
Marital Status
Wife
Daughter
Son
Residence
Father
Mother
Military Service
Arrests
JAMES BUFORD GOSS
6/24/20
Vienna, Louisiana
Male
White
6 ' 6"
265
Blue
Fair
Heavy
Blond - grey
one-half inch black
diagonal scar over
outside edge of left eyebrow.
Married
KATHRYN WOLFE GOSS
VIRGINIA KAY TARBUTTON (Married)
1353 Mark Street
Bossier City, Louisiana, age
26 years
STEVE GOSS, age 16
3236 Sarah Street
Bossier City, Louisiana
I. O. GOSS
Farmerville Road, five miles
from Ruston, Louisiana
ALLIE B. GOSS, residence as above
From May, 1943 to November, 1945
U. S. Navy Construction Battalion
Service Number 846 55 79,
honorable discharge as BM 1/C
None
40
NO 44-2293
Employment
Vehicles Owned
Probation Officer Number One,
Louisiana Department of
Public Welfare, Shreveport,
Louisiana, 1403 Fairfield Avenue,
Shreveport, Louisiana
1964 green Ford, Sedan, bearing
1966 - 1967 Louisiana license
79G 403;
1967 blue Chevrolet Belaire;
1948 yellow Jeepster;
1961 Triumph Herald;
School bus purchased for use
with boy scouts had been sold.
Weapons
.45 caliber automatic,
.38 Webco revolver, and
.22 caliber Marlin rifle.