Monday, June 11, 2007

The State Line Mob and Buford Pusser



(Corinth, MS) The more I travel in this great country, the more interesting it gets. A co-worker picked me up at the Memphis Airport late this afteroon and as we were driving toward his hometown of Corinth he began telling me some interesting history of his town.

And you know me. I asked him a ton of questions.

For one thing, this was a major theater during the Civil War. I learned that 300,000 soldiers from the north and the south occupied Corinth during a 4 year period during the Civil War. Of course that conversation got my curiosity up so I’m planning on doing some reading and refreshing my knowledge about the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Corinth.

But the story of the “State Line Mob” really got my curiosity going. This town gained a reputation during the 1940’s through the 1960’s of being a hide-away for several Chicago Mob affiliates and home to the infamous “State Line Mob”. Many of you will remember the 1973 movie entitled Walking Tall. Buford Pusser, a 6’6” 300lb former professional wrestler became Sheriff of McNairy County TN. He had one mission. He wanted to rid the county of the criminal activities that took place at the Mississippi-Tennessee State Line and more specifically the Shamrock Hotel. In a time when previous lawmen had been bought out by this State Line Mob, Pusser refused to be bought out. He refused to be corrupted. He was big enough and mean enought to stand up to them too. And he went after them, rarely toting a gun but with a 4 ft hickory stick.


The picture here is where the Shamrock Hotel and Grill stood for many years right outside of Corinth on the state line. It was at this hotel that Pusser shot and killed Louise Hathcock. In fact I was told today this was not only a restaurant and hotel but it was also a whorehouse and gambling house and a place where illegal whiskey could be purchased. And there were also a lot of killings that took place here if you complained about the crooked games or the crooked women. The burials took place in shallow graves behind the hotel. Characters like Jack and Louise Hathcock and Towhead White were part of the State Line Mob and they were a rough group of folks.


When Buford Pusser and his wife, Pauline, were ambushed near New Hope Church (pictured here) at sunrise on August 12, 1967, the State Line Mob was brought to national prominence. Pauline died in that ambush. Buford lived although his face was scarred for life.

I have learned there is a lot to be learned when you travel from place to place if you just take time to ask a few questions. The same is true about people. In fact it is true about anything. You just have to be willing to ask. A hit movie centered around the story of Buford Pusser. If I blinked I would have missed it today.

For you younger folks who haven’t seen the original movie you need to rent it and watch it. Then email me and I will tell you how much of it is true.

One thing is for sure. There really was a State Line Mob and there really was a Sheriff named Buford Pusser who was out to get them.

I saw where it all took place today.

147 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish we had a few Buford Pusser's around today,to clean up the mess that's already here.Then we need strong parents to tell their children NO. That would cut back on future crime.

Anonymous said...

I recently read the book "State Line Mob" which describes all of these activities. Though not particularly well written, it is nevertheless interesting.

Anonymous said...

Bruce,
The Bufurd Pusser story is a very interesting one. I had a cousin that played in the original "Walking Tall" movie. This is a cool blog to read and hear some of the story again. Brought back memories from stories my cousin told me.

Michael

KAT said...

Mr. Goddard:
I read a 1973 magazine article on Buford which said the gun was more often used than his stick.

But the legend is good and healthy for all of us.

Word of advice; the 1973 movie is more realistic than the later movie with "The Rock".

KT

Anonymous said...

As I traveled through McNairy County yesterday, I wished to have the time to visit some of the landmarks. However, living in Memphis I plan to make a day trip soon.
I came across this blog as I have been searching for hints on how to find the exact locations. For example, it looks like the Shamrock Hotel is gone now from the photo. Where exactly on New Hope Road did the ambush take place ?
Any other significant locations worth visiting ? I understand Adamsville has a museum located in his former home.

Bruce Goddard said...

I had a friend from Corinth with me who knew all the spots. If you find New Hope Church and head back towards Corinth, you can find the spot where the ambush took place. I never made it to Adamsville but I have exchanged emails with Buford's daughter. I'll get by there one of these days.

Anonymous said...

where is the church exactly where the ambush took place?

Anonymous said...

Even though Mr. Pusser was not a saint, he was still a good man. He and his family suffered terribly but the people of McNairy County, Tn. had a real winner as their Sheriff. I wish I could have met him to tell him how much I admire him.

Stari said...

I grew up in Corinth, hearing all these stories.
I never got to meet Mr. Pusser; my cousin knew him.My family were aquainted with quite a few of the infamous names.

lawdog691 said...

My lady and I packed up the bike and left our home in Jonesboro GA to Adamsville Tenn (Home of Buford). We were met at the museum (Buford's home since 1971) by Deputy Moffit's daughter who explained in detail what she had experienced being around Buford before his death. The tour was so interesting and very informative. Afterwards, we drove to see New Hope Church and where the Shamrock Motel once stood. The overall trip was worth the 781 miles we traveled.

somerset said...

If you stop at historian Steve Sweat's Auto Body Shop in Adamsville, TN he will probably tell you how to find the ambush site.

Mr. Sweat is a Scholar and Gnetleman of the first order.

Good luck. "Walk softly and tote a BIG stick".

Anonymous said...

wow kind of ironic that in the new movie pusser was portrayed by a wrestler as a returning soldier when in the true story the real pusser was a wrestler

Anonymous said...

Buford Pusser he has quite an extraordinary story. Would like for you to share more about McNairy co. & the State Line it truly was a fascinating time with many characters. Recently read Dawna Pussers Book Walking On. The story told from her prospective although she was very young when most on this stuff occurred with the State Line she relates many stories during the time her father was leaving office till his tragic & suspicious death.

Anonymous said...

buford pusser was on the take about as mush as dewitt dawson and others would give til they couldnt give anymore!

Anonymous said...

I live 15 miles south of Corinth, MS. State Line Mob or Little Chicago is what we called Corinth, MS. There are some evil people in Corinth, Alcorn County, MS. Still to this day, They will kill you and asked question like NEVER! Most of the law in North MS is still very crooked, included Tupelo, MS, Booneville, MS those cops aer bad. Black kid got killed in Booneville, near New Site about 5 years ago and the cops did it. Mississippi has good people black and white, but they have some really bad people black and white also.

Unknown said...

i would like some one to help me clean up crack dealers and corrupt officials of wake county of whom i know many

chris said...

i have been fortunate enough to have met and visit dwana pusser bufords daughter she opened her life to myself and my 2 kids we are from ontario canada and travel to see her as often as we can buford was a great man who stood his ground and it cost him dearly and yet he kept going till the day he died. he is the reason that i am trying to geto n the police force here one person can make a difference. RIP SHERIFF PUSSER

Mikeelam said...

I hate to disillusion so many of you, but the legend is more fiction than fact. For instance, when Buford went back to rob the club, he did so with the help of two friends while only the club owner was in the building.

I have learned also that Buford and Pauline were separated at the time of the ambush leading investigators to question whether there was an ambush at all. Pauline was allegedly leaving Buford that very day.

I have also interviewed several club owners who state that Buford's was on the take.

Louise Hathcock's (Calli) autopsy report shows that she was shot twice in the back before being shot in the head as she lay on the floor.

For photos and documents go type in crimemyths in your search box.

Mikeelam said...

I hate to disillusion so many of you, but the legend is more fiction than fact. For instance, when Buford went back to rob the club, he did so with the help of two friends while only the club owner was in the building.

I have learned also that Buford and Pauline were separated at the time of the ambush leading investigators to question whether there was an ambush at all. Pauline was allegedly leaving Buford that very day.

I have also interviewed several club owners who state that Buford's was on the take.

Louise Hathcock's (Calli) autopsy report shows that she was shot twice in the back before being shot in the head as she lay on the floor.

For photos and documents go type in crimemyths in your search box.

Anonymous said...

I met Sheriff Pusser when I was 19 years old, in the summer of 1973. I worked with State Probation & Parole as parole secretary. We were across the hall from the sheriff's in the old courthouse in Montgomery, Alabama. It was awesome for me! I loved the movie and Sheriff Pusser. He was a true gentleman.

Steven James said...

One has to break the will of the offenders. That I think was Pusser's moto. And that is the way it has to be done. When a Man Or Women Breaks the law you don't just slap his hands. You Whip him or her till they think there going to die And If they still won't follow the rules then Death to them. And then they will (NOT) repeat the thing again.Sheriff Pusser God rest his sole, Probably did not have a chose In the matter He Played the Game there way. He was Probably a very good man, To thoughs around him. He new that he could not do things in a conventional way. So he Got just as brutal as they were, If not more. And as far as his wife leaving him I don't know.Who could blame her though with all that Going on!! I am sure they did have problems. Wow what a perdickerment to be in.But thats the path he chose.I would probably do the same, Or worse.

Mikeelam said...

When you research the story of Buford Pusser as I have, you realize the the legend of Pusser is little more than myth, based around a few real events in the man's life. I have made several trips to McNairy County and have had the opportunity to visit with people from both sides of the story.

I have met and spent time with O'Neil Moffett, Jim Moffetts son who was a criminal investigator for Selmer PD. Jim Moffett was Buford's Chief Deputy. I have interviewed Pauline Pusser's best friend Lavon Plunk, who incidentally believes that Buford murdered Pauline. I have met several of the Club owners, moonshiners and bootleggers and some of the law enforcement officers that lived the real story and most agree that Pusser was part of the problem at the state line, not part of the solution.

I have interviewed the former State Medical Examiner who was involved in both the Hathcock shooting as well as the murder of Pauline Pusser and he has shared some interesting information with me.

It appears that a movie company, in a bid to make money, created a legend that is not true and the movie going public (including me) bought the entire story. I now know a lot the real story. I have learned that Buford accepted payoffs from Club owners, moonshiners and bootleggers and was probably making as much money from the illegal activities as anyone. When he shot and killed Louise Hathcock he shot her in the back twice before shooting her in the head as she lay on the floor and it appears that it was all about money.

After interviewing people like Lavon Plunk, Dr Jerry Francisco, and a source that was first on scene at the ambush sites on August 12th, I now believe that the August twelfth ambush in which Pauline Pusser was allegedly killed may have been staged to cover up her murder that actually occurred prior to the ambush.

I know all of this sounds a little bazaar, but have I photos, files and documentation to back a lot of this. This includes copies of the Hathcock autopsy report and audio files with excepts of interviews of some of the principles of this story.

Amazingly, while the media was so anxious to promote Buford's story, no one seems to have bothered to speak with the other players in the story.

As a former law enforcement officer myself, it took me a while to acknowledge the truth as I generally tend to be supportive of other officers. For me, the truth is so compelling that I can not support the legend of Buford Pusser.

If your interested in viewing some of my files or listening to the interview excerpts simply type crimemyths in your Internet search box to find the site on yahoo groups.

This is a fascinating subject to study.

Mike

Steven James said...

You know It all really don't matter much anymore. the man Is dead the Movie made him a hero, And what ever he did or did not do. Is not going to change the minds of people who cared for him. And them are the cold hard facts. And as fare as I am concerned this hole Country Is crooked from Oboma, down to the law officers In just about every town And city in the U.S. I think we now need to eradicate the Gangs And Illegals In this country Just set up hit squads an shot every known Gang member on site. I would start the war and have every one thinkin It was there falt. I remember when a man and a woman could walk down the street At night with out the fear of being shot.I think we need to get mad as hell. And do something.

Steven James said...

I am a Christen man, and I love the Lord and his word. But I can really get up set at What has happened to this country.

Unknown said...

you in law inforcement mikeelam? you would not write as such plogish wording. me being a DEA agent, (undercover) and former F.B.I. must applaud you in taking time out of your duty to protect our society to down a fellow partner of our world which is hidden from public view in also which surpasses your ungrain social peers you have learned from.......yeah, your in law inforcement on Mars.....possibly the Moon. HANKLOVE

Anonymous said...

I was in Law Enforcement in my younger days, Benton County Sheriff's Office in Arkansas. I also spent several years as Director of Loss Prevention and Security for The Phillips Company, a division of Walton Enterprises. Walton Enterprises is the Sam Walton family holding company that holds controlling interest in Walmart. All that should be easy enough for a person with your credentials to verify..., providing your not with the DEA on Pluto.

BTW..., Buford Pusser was not one of us..., he was actually one of them.

Mike

Tammy said...

We have a very informative Homemade DVD called, "In Search of Buford Pusser". It's available on ebay for $7.99 and on our website insearchofgraves.com

For anyone interested.

Thanks!

Unknown said...

mikeelam doesn't know what he is talking about. his bable comes from enemies of Bufford. I don't think Bufford would have shot his jaw off to cover up.

Mikeelam said...

LOL...Jim at least I mentioned a few of the people I have spoken with in doing some research on the matter. I have also made several trips to the area to research the subject. Had you read all of my posts you would acknowledge that I have interviewed people from both sides of the story, not just the state liners side.

I also know enough to spell the late sheriff's first name with only one F, not two.

Very impressive post.

Mike

Unknown said...

Recently I was in Florence Alabama for Thanksgiving and went to the Shiloh Civil War battlefield on my way back home to IL. Driving through the quiet towns of Adamsville and Selmer its hard to imagine that these places were once a hotbed of illegal activity. I plan to see the Buford Pusser museum and a few other sites on my next visit this spring. What is the address of the lot where the Shamrock Motel is located? Id like to see it as well when i'm in Corinth. Good article

Anonymous said...

I don't know the address but when you arrive at the state line the vacant lot on you right as you head south is where the Shamrock Restaurant and Motel stood. Tje foundation of each is all that remains.

As you cross the state line look to your left, that is were the Plantation Club was.

The old white Iris is still standing but was boarded up last June. It is on the opposite side of the highway from the Shamrock and abot a tenth of a mile to the North (a gray building).

Your not very far from the ambush sites when you are at the state line.

On your interenet search box type in the word crimemyth. Crimemyth is my formum about Pusser and the state line. Lots of photos, documents and audio files.

My email address is mikeelam2010@yahoo.com . Email your phone number and I will give you a call and tell you how to find other points of interests as well.

Mike

Anonymous said...

This country needs more lawmen like Buford Pusser.

KSH said...

Lousie Hathcock was my great aunt. I read the book and how they said the hatcocks was so low. I didnt like it . Bufford Pusser's!!!! was wanting my aunts money!

Kathy said...

I WORKED WITH THE CARNIVAL THAT WAS AT THE FAIR THE YEAR BUFORD WS KILLED.I WAS WORKING AT THE NICKEL ROLL THAT EVENING AND BUFORD AND ANOTHER LAWMAN CAME OVER AND PLAYED THE NICKEL ROLL.I WAS JUST A YOUNG GIRL,TRAVELING WITH MY HUSBAND,MAKING A LIVING,BUT I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MET HIM,IF ONLY FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. TO ME BUFORD PUSSER WAS,IS,AND WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A HERO.gOD BLESS YOU FOREVER BUFORD.I KNOW YOU ARE STILL GREATLY MISSED! Kathy

Anonymous said...

Kathy, Mike Elam claims that Buford was drunk when he wrecked his car. Did you think he was drunk when he and his law enforcement friend spent time at your booth?

Unknown said...

Tis a shame that the almighty Bufford Pusser eventually turned crooked. :o

Anonymous said...

Im a young man but from what I've heard here in north Alabama, a man from my home town had alot to do with pusser. Listen to the song them boys from Alabama by the drive by truckers and it sums up the story I've always heard.

Anonymous said...

I grew up in Corinth and was a teenager when Buford Pusser was sheriff of McNairy County. The state line was a very dangerous place then and the local "Daily Corinthian" newspaper often had stories of shootings, fights, etc. happening at the Shamrock and White Iris.

Until I saw the movie, I never heard of Buford Pusser carrying and using a stick as a weapon. A commonly-told story held that Pusser had on one or more occasions killed someone and would avoid a lot of investigations and red tape by stabbing himself with a knife so as to make the episode look like obvious self-defense. Something I did personally see was that he drove a Pontiac Grand Prix, either black or navy blue, as his police car, which I thought was pretty cool.

Close to the end of Pusser's time in office, I drove up across the state line with a friend to buy some beer. I was 15 or 16 but literally anyone could buy beer up there if they were tall enough to put money on the counter. We walked into this place and Buford Pusser was sitting on a stool at the bar next to the cash register talking to the employee. I bought a bag of peanuts or something like that and made a quick exit.

The state line area is located on old US Highway 45 which is now called MS 145, I believe, just a short distance north from the Tennessee state line sign. The cluster of businesses thee used to include the Shamrock, the White Iris, a gas station or two and the Corinth Drive-In outdoor movie theater.

Anonymous said...

It is my understanding that Mr. Pusser was enacting revenge on the State Line Gang for a beating he received after complaining about loaded dice while he was gambling in an establishment run by the gang. This will probably never be able to be confirmed, but i can guarantee you that the Hollywood version of the story took a few artistic liberties.

Mikeelam said...

All one has to do is take a look at the photos of Buford fron that time frame(1957)to see that he did not have the scars on his face and head that would have been left by wounds that allegedly took 192 stitches to close. It was all a big lie. Think about it..., no medical reports, police reports, witnesses or photos to show it ever happened. Look for the evidence...I did. I even contacted the museum and they had nothing to offer. The entire Pusser legend follows that trend.

Anonymous said...

I read the book "State Line Mob" and it brought back many memories of my childhood.My father grew up in Selmer Tn and we went back every summer to visit my grandparents and his brothers.They all knew Buford and those mentioned by the author.The stories they told came back to life as I read this book.

David Shoptaw said...

I am presently doing some research into this area of history. I seen all three movies when I was a kid, and they always stuck with me. I joined the marines out of school, and in 1978 I went to Bridgeport Ca. for mountain warfare training and there met two guys from McNairy Co. When I made a statement about Buford Pusser, they told me that he was as crooked as the rest! You could get along with Buford if you paid his prices. I recently watch the movies again and it brought back that memory. What I have been able to search out is it all depends on who you are talking to rather the stories are true. If they like Mr. Pusser than you hear good, if they hated Mr. Pusser than they're bull. My next step is to get the books and read them, and see where that takes my oppinion.

Anonymous said...

as a friend of mine once said,your always getting caught between the mob and the man in blue,because there the same people,r.i.p.Edger Ray Varney,seems like it happend to you also,as far as Pusser goes,ive seen tons of crooked cops in my area,every man has a price,im sure he had his.

Anonymous said...

Mike-- don't you have (or don't you feel) some connection to Louise Hathcock, as you addressed her as Aunt Lou in you post on her find-a-grave site? I can understand you wanting to defend your family. No one ever said the movie "walking tall" was 100 percent true events. It says based on. There is a difference . We know events did not really occur as they did in the movie. That is Hollywood. Based on..

Anonymous said...

I only wish we could have a man like him

Anonymous said...

Buford was no saint. But in no way did Dwana, Diane, or Mike deserve to lose their Mom. I am related to the Pussers, not so distantly. Tragedies surround everyone involved, some deserving some not so much.

Anonymous said...

Everyone has skeletons in their closet ... No one is perfect... Buford Pusser was a man and made mistakes just as we all have... He answered to God for his sins as we all will... He did good as well and should be honored for the good he did do... The man is gone ... Let him rest in peace... God bless Mr.Pusser and his family... He served and that in itself deserves respect... He died and should be treated with dignity and respect... The truth lies with him.... He lived his life... We didn't...

Michie Tn. Man said...

Mike I learned of your comeing here to late but I wish I could of been there. I know or knew most of the people in the W.R. Morris books, I even went to shhool with his son. He made a liveing wrighting and being a groopie of Pusser but my McNairy County roots run deeper than his investigations did. I know the real story. Keep on digging man keep on digging. The good old boy mintality of the 60's and 70's are long gone. These people told there wives and friends things. Talk to them. I have some names of people that are still here who could write the other side of the bronze star.

Anonymous said...

I hope you know this to be a fact because we all know you are full of shit. You cannot buy a man like my hero Buford Pusser.

Unknown said...

Mr. there is a whole lot more to the side of pusser and it aint good.My father ran moonshine for him and many other dirty deeds.Im not sure where you got all your info from on pusser but he wasn't any better than the mob he claimed to NOT be a part of.I have family members that grew up with him and ran with him and everything i know wasn't the man in the movie or books.The mob is still very much alive and still going.They are just a lil more quiet about it now.The whorehouse just moved to a different location and murders still take place.Thats the life i knew growing up although i didn't agree with neither did my father.When he would have to do a dirty deed and i saw it he would just say now you know what you saw wasnt right but we gotta do what we have to for our families.

Anonymous said...

Has any attempt ever been made to dig up and identify these "shallowly buried bodies" behind the gambling den? I suspect that this "State Line Gang" has been preposterously exaggerated.

Anonymous said...

Mike Elam....you really have no life do you?

Anonymous said...

I see this Mike Elam garbage all over the web. Best to ignore it, it's not worth the paper you wipe your rear end with. He's either jealous or a whacked-out nut job who believes every conspiracy theory that comes down the path. Don't waste your time.

Scott

Anonymous said...

Anything Mike Elam says should be taken with not a grain, but a bag of salt. I've been reading his blather from when he was battling with Barbara Bivins (whom he pulled a cruel joke on involving a phony visit by him to Cornith) and her Little Chicago Yahoo Group. He has played both sides of the Pusser hero/criminal arguments. IMHO, he just like to hear himself talk and has be the center of attention, which his so-called 'crimemyths' group members are more than happy to give him.

Will Stockdale said...

Hey Ben maybe you'll get to like the Air Force. Zooming all over the sky and shouting ROGER and WILCO and everything. Maybe it won't be so bad.

Anonymous said...

The good old boy mentality of the 60 &70 as U say is still alive and doing well! However U look at it state line mob terrorized sw tn. With their criminal activities! Even today there are underground activities in all of law enforcement ranging from local drug dealing to national organized crime synd. ( even a large part being skinheads) !!!!U as with all things in life have to choose the lesser of two evils! Buford Pusser took out that tn. TERRORIST ORGANIZATION!!!!!!! WITH knowledge you make the call ! As for me and my teachings I pass on Buford Pusser will remain an AMERICAN HERO ( WE HAVE SO FEW THESE DAYS)!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

To brag about being involved as a deputy in any local sherriff dept. Is a joke! Anyone who knows anything k.ows a deputy is nothing more than an unemployed family member or friend of the sherriff! Working in any form for any part of the Walton corp speaks for itself! GET A LIFE MAYBE WITH A REAL JOB LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

All in all it comes to this the farther you can drive orgnzd crime underground the better ! Everyone knows it continues to go on but it should not affect the lives of innocent ppl even those out to have an honest good time ! Who hasn't drove a care over 75 who hasn't tasted a good swig of juice WL or MS ! Those who are so wicked they can not control theirselves and terrorize society have 2B stopped!!!!! The goodbook says the EVIL shall destoy theWICKED so even if any part of the accusations against BP are true he was a necessary force to deal with a wicked out of controlbunch of TERRORISTS !!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

MIKE ELAM IS A MORON AND HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT.

Anonymous said...

MIKE ELAM IS A MORON AND HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT.

TopCopMHop said...

Mike Elam, Make sure you have researched the Whole Complete Facts before spouting Rhetoric like you have on your garbage page.
I have been in Law Enforcement serving in every field within for over 30 years and have served as a Criminal Investigator for more than 15 years.
I personally met Buford Pusser on more than one occasion after he was Sheriff, and met Dwana on several occasions since his death.
My family is distantly related to the Hathcock families by marriage, and I knew of both Mr. Clyde, Mr. Jack & Louise & they were all very violent people who could turn on anyone in a second but they could also be very nice people to those they knew and cared enough to help out.
I remember stopping at the Shamrock Restaurant for breakfast, while traveling with family on trips to Arkansas, Tennessee & Missouri.
I to well remember Carl Towhead White. As my Dad was a part time COP in our home town and had to deal with him one night at the Torch Restaurant, another well known Dixie Mafia Hangout in the 60's, and ran by another well known Madam who was closely connected to Mrs. Louise.
My Dad came very close to killing "Towhead" White in November of 68 after he & several Dixie mafia members committed an assault & jewelry robbery in Meridian. He & several other Officers arrested a Heavily Armed White, Byron Higgins and Loyd Smith at the Torch on the robbery & assault but the charges were later dropped by the victims due to threats from the Dixie Mafia.
My Uncle also owned and ran a store for years across 45 from the Shamrock on the Tennessee side on New Hope road & ran it up until about 1996, when he died. Part of the Old wooden store & Bubble Gas Pumps still existed there or did when I was last through there in 2005.
It's true that what was publicized in the movie was based on the parts of the life of Buford and a fair amount of it was loosely based on facts of his life. This was a requirement made by Bing Crosby productions or the movie & the subsequent sequels would never have been produced. As for the 2nd and final movie it was very loosely based but still utilized fact based information from Buford's life.
Mike Elam, I don't know where you come up with this so called fact based info garbage you spit out on your page but it is totally inept and fictional, but the real facts are as follows:

TopCopMHop said...

1. Louise Hathcock shot at Buford first, She fired two rounds which one was dug from the wall (Jim Moffitt) behind where Buford was standing the second she fired point blank when she stuck the gun to Buford's head and pulled the trigger and it misfired, both the expended and the indented percussion cap & unexpended round are part of the evidence still retained in the Louise Hathcock investigation. (Photos of them are available at the McNairy County Court House).
Jim Moffitt entered the room almost immediately after hearing the first shot in time to both hear the second shot (Pussers Gun) and to see Louise spin and fall to the floor still clutching the 38 she fired at Pusser. (Only two rounds were fired during the entire incident.)
2. Per the OFFICIAL AUTOPSY REPORT Louise Hathcock was only shot once, struck in the Lower Left Temporal area above the eye and exiting through the upper left posterior cranial sector.
3. As for Buford Shooting Pauline, You should have to talk to State Investigators Mitchell Johnson (Deceased) of the TBI & James (Jimmy) Simmons of MBI (Corinth) as they were the two lead investigators in both cases.
Simmons stated in his report they were told of the rumors that Pusser shot his wife and staged the incident but also noted that the information came from friends & family of the Hathcock and McCord families.
After a thorough six week long detailed investigation, Johnson and Simmons without a doubt proved that Pusser was in no way involved in the death of his wife or the shooting of himself.
4. Investigative Facts have proven Pauline & Buford were not separated at the time of the shooting and they were not contemplating divorce and were in fact attempting to conceive another child, in fact they were scheduled to go to a family Reunion the day after the murder/shooting on Pauline's Mothers side of the family.

TopCopMHop said...

5. None of the weapons used in the murder and shooting were ever recovered from the scene, but all the spent hull casings were recovered and were from three different calibers of firearms and were matched to the size holes in the cars exterior and interior, with all rounds penetrating the car from the exterior of the vehicle from a distance of at least 8 feet.
Per Simmons statement, Pussers left jaw was hanging down on his upper chest by a narrow strip of tissue from the right front side of is face, with a part of his jaw bone lying in the floor board of the car.
Per Johnson's statement some of Pussers teeth were lying on his wife's lap and brain tissue had covered them, and they were only noticed when she was lifted and they fell onto the seat.
6. Per Johnson & Simmons Investigation, For Buford to have shot himself in the face with any of the firearms of the calibers recovered from the roadway he would have blown so much of his face off that he would not have been alive or would have been incapable to drive the 1/4 of a mile to My Uncles store to where he was able to radio for help to his father Carl.
7. I know all this to be fact because it is documented evidence in the case files which can be accessed at the McNairy County Circuit Court House.
8. NO Buford wasn't a Saint, he did walk outside the law some of the time, but I believe any man would especially when they face the harshness and evil he faced.
I've been there and I've known both Honest Hard Working, Try to do the Right Thing Cops and I've known those who would sell their sole working on the opposite side of the Law to benefit themselves, but based on known facts I Do Not Believe Buford Pusser was on the Wrong side of the Law or on the take as the True facts have proven he wasn't.
There is absolutely NO PROOF what so ever that Buford Pusser was ever on the take or ever sided up with the Dixie Mafia.
There are facts that Buford did at times take the Law in His Own Hands a fact that he readily admitted in his case files as Sheriff, Constable & Police Chief.
Mike Elam, you and I may be related, you might say were some what closely related according to family records, but you don't know what you are spouting off in your so called facts, for facts they are not.
Although Buford is No Saint, He tried to do his job to the best of his ability and for those of the county he served. May the same thing be said for the rest of us in our final days on this earth.
Submitted By A Dedicated COP who believes that the truth lies some where in the middle of both sides.
Chief Investigator DMH/SECO9/OPSO3

Mikeelam said...

Seems as though I have done some research. The autopsy report shows that Louise Hathcock was shot three times, not once as you suggest. I even interviewed Dr Jerry Fransisco regarding her autopsy and the very nature of her wounds. I have also visited with one of the people who was on the grand jury that looked into Hathcock's death and they mentioned that she had been shot multiple times not the single time you mentioned.

As for the The Pusser's marital bliss or lack there of, I interviewed Lavon Plunk, wife of Deputy Peatie Plunk. Lavon was Pauline's best friend. She shared with me that the Pussers had been separated, something that Warren Jones of the TBI mentioned to Dr Fransisco during the investigation. Lavon added that Pauline was planning to stay in Haysi with her folks rather than return with Buford from "vacation". She wanted to make sure that she got herself and the kids to Haysi and the safety of her parents. Lavon stated that it was Pauline's plan to report Buford's corruption to the TBI and FBI while she was in Virginia and with her family.

As for the ambush, I have posted newspaper stories on Crimemyths where Buford had told Chief Deputy Moffett and Selmer police Chief Hugh Kirkpatrick that he had grabbed the barrel of the rifle during the ambush which of course suggests that they were closer than 8 feet apart, and by the way..., it more than a quarter of a mile from the ambush sites to the state line...you should know that..., shouldn't you?

You really need to investigate all of this further as it seems that you have nothing but a few misguided ideas about what happened. Maybe you should do as I did and contact some people who were really there when all of this happened...people close to the Pussers. That is what I did.


Mike

Mikeelam said...

Seems as though I have done some research. The autopsy report shows that Louise Hathcock was shot three times, not once as you suggest. I even interviewed Dr Jerry Fransisco regarding her autopsy and the very nature of her wounds. I have also visited with one of the people who was on the grand jury that looked into Hathcock's death and they mentioned that she had been shot multiple times not the single time you mentioned.

As for the The Pusser's marital bliss or lack there of, I interviewed Lavon Plunk, wife of Deputy Peatie Plunk. Lavon was Pauline's best friend. She shared with me that the Pussers had been separated, something that Warren Jones of the TBI mentioned to Dr Fransisco during the investigation. Lavon added that Pauline was planning to stay in Haysi with her folks rather than return with Buford from "vacation". She wanted to make sure that she got herself and the kids to Haysi and the safety of her parents. Lavon stated that it was Pauline's plan to report Buford's corruption to the TBI and FBI while she was in Virginia and with her family.

As for the ambush, I have posted newspaper stories on Crimemyths where Buford had told Chief Deputy Moffett and Selmer police Chief Hugh Kirkpatrick that he had grabbed the barrel of the rifle during the ambush which of course suggests that they were closer than 8 feet apart, and by the way..., it more than a quarter of a mile from the ambush sites to the state line...you should know that..., shouldn't you?

You really need to investigate all of this further as it seems that you have nothing but a few misguided ideas about what happened. Maybe you should do as I did and contact some people who were really there when all of this happened...people close to the Pussers. That is what I did.


Mike

Anonymous said...

Sometimes. A myth, a legend, can do more good than the truth.

Unknown said...

I was in High School when I first saw Walking Tall.. I wish we had men to fight on the right side of the law. He is the true American.

Mike Thaxton said...

Sad to see a few haters dribble the hate ! During WW2 the Germans executed sever of our soldiers after they had surrender ! Upon finding their bodies later we returned the injustice ! Buford was and is a hero ! With what he faced if had to take the low road so what ! Hersay from his enemies dont mean a thing ! Just babble from faceless people !

Anonymous said...

This Mike guy must have sort of connection to the garbage, that Sheriff Pusser destroyed. I'm sure the Sheriff could have done some things not so perfect. On the other hand all of these injuries and awards and recognition about Sheriff Pusser can't be pure fabrication. I think the only fabricator is this Mike guy whose bloodline must be connected to the scum, that Buford crushed.

Unknown said...

my great grandfather was sheriff of either mcnairy county of hardeman county. he also fought moonshiners and the such and he also was killed in an automobile wreck on hwy 18 south of bolivar. i remember when i was little my grandmother telling me they suspected he was murdered but never proved it. and i read an newspaper clipping she had that said he had busted 394 moonshine stills. i think his name was james sanders and was killed in the late 40s or early 50s

Anonymous said...

Thats bulshit

Anonymous said...

Mike i would like to all you have on this . Please get up with me and i let you know where to send it. Thank you

Anonymous said...

Well all I have to say is..the man owned a brand new sting ray..how did he get that on cop wages? Think about it people!

Anonymous said...

This Mike Elam guy is laughable. No real law enforcement person would investigate a 50 year old crime as no matter how hard you try there are too many variables! Mike's laughable youtube video about the Church chase scene! Was the weather- time- road conditions-vehicles and the equipment on those vehicles the same? Did he have a 6-6 guy driving the front car! I mean I could go on and on how laughable his reasoning is! This guy just wants attention Mommy didnt give him! I wouldnt even comment but to accuse a dead man of killing his wife and many other things is hurtful and disrespectful to his family ! There are three sides to every story with the truth somewhere in the middle! We are talking about books and movies which were purposely embellished to make money! Give it a rest Mike! Law Enforcement people are taught to respect the dead and their families! Back in 1967 goodHope road could have had trees that stuck in the road causing you to slow or been partially gravel or barely wide enough for one car to get by! Too many variables Mike Elam! Give it a rest and let that man rest in peace! Maybe we should start a website saying things about your dead relatives!

Anonymous said...

Corvette was bought from movie money after he signed the contract!

Anonymous said...

He got the sting ray from 7 percent movie profits he made to selling his life story to film producers

Halra said...

i like to travelling to the great country,
so wonderful , i enjoy with my family,
thank you

Unknown said...

Mike, Mike, Mike. When will you stop lying? Your "proof" is no more truth than Obummer being an American. If I had written proof man has never been on the moon would you believe that? When you can get Dr. Cyril Wecht to say Buford did not act in self defense, I don't care what Louise Hathcocks autopsy report says. You have been decieved into believing someone elses lies. Stop with your vendetta, move on and get a real life cause the one you have is one to make a name for yourself through hate and deciet.

Unknown said...

Amen!

Unknown said...

Made up evidence Mike. You have so much hate trying to make a name for yourself.

Anonymous said...


cb70 said...

All you people quick to dismiss Mike with hateful insults are no better than the bad people we're discussing. Have an open mind and do the research yourself and you'll uncover many inconsistencies. I'm not sure if all of Mike's accusations are solid but there's enough there for a deeper look and from my own research, there's enough there to realize the truth is a difficult thing to swallow.

Anonymous said...

the best thing they could have done was tear that piece of crap down. no more Pusser? then no more Shamrock. thank god for the latter. and god bless Sheriff Pusser.

Anonymous said...

Mike, hense "club owners". mostly known as CROOKS. Now why would such a respectable person such as a CLUB OWNER say such a thing about a Sheriff? What possible motive would they have? well, let's see, I used to be a Deputy Sheriff in a County here in Georgia. where it was ALOT like Mcnary Co..we had the same thing going on here at the same time. it was a little before my time. but I CAN tell you this.There were ALOT of Louise Hathcocks at that time and would shoot you just as soon as look at you. you can't believe what a club owner says. they hate law enforcement. because it cuts into their crookedness...lol

Anonymous said...

amen!

Anonymous said...

My comment is to Anonymous you live in a dream world if you think that all law enforcement is corrupt these days. I live in north Mississippi since 1977 and worked in law enforcement since 1978 there are some good professional law enforcement officers in this part of the state. Most of what you say you don't know what you are talking about if that type of corruption existed today we would be over run with federal officers making arrest stop spreading untruths about thing you know nothing about.

Unknown said...

it depends on whose "truth" you want to believe. Mr. Pusser is no longer alive to answer ANYTHING. But you"ll notice like when the lights go out, roaches come out to scavenge. So do the nuts and freaks when someone with a reputation as Sheriff Pusser. it never fails. it happened to Wyatt Erp as well. tsk,tsk. what jokes.

Anonymous said...

I am friends with a guy that lives in Adamsville, he has no dog in the fight, he is 86, he said the movie is pretty dam close to the way it happened.

Unknown said...

I would like to learn more information about buford where could i find it

Anonymous said...

Mike Elam is nephew of Louise Hathcock. He even left her a touching message on Find a Grave website. That being said you can see where his hate comes from. Do I think Sheriff Pusser was innocent, no. But in the era of crime in which he was Sheriff, sometimes "walking tall" outside the law was the only was to clean up the crime at that time. He did the best he could with what he had. Let it go Mike, let it go.

Anonymous said...

Get a life Mikey . Why are you obsessed with Buford Pusser ? Your "theories" are real yawners. Good to read if you can't sleep though. Thank you for the sleep inducing material you shared. Try contacting the National Enquirer. Something tells me you already have. LMAO

Anonymous said...

I'm glad there is pause on today's players because if the Tennessee Accident Report shown at the end of Walking Tall II is thee original and is legit then I have a question that has not been ask or addressed. From other websites it's said that he left the fair behind his daughter, in McNary county and then passed her in a Corvettee that he had purchased about a year before. IF that's true then something is amiss. '

First of all I thought he died in a Corvette that he had just purchased and was on his way home in it. If that is ture then my point isn't so odd. If not though and the car was one year old then WHY would a Tennessee Lawman be driving a year old Vette that had Cobert County Alabama tags?

From the Poliice Report, shown at the end of the movie, The tag number was 20-10005 state of Alabama. That is a Cobert County Tag so why would his car have an Alabama Tag? Cobert County and Lauderdale Counties are located adjacent to Mississippi and very close to Corinth. I don't know what it means or why he would have an Alabama tag on his car if he had of had it for a year. It would more be like a drive out tag if he had just purchased it but then drive out tags are paper and would have burned up so I don't know what to think about that info. Just seems curious.

Mikeelam said...

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1400392753588941

Anonymous said...

The ambush happened around 1964 or 1965. Sheriff Pusser had all the scars on his face from this. Sheriff Pusser wasn't even Sheriff in 1957, so as far as your so-called evidence, Mike Elam should know when he was Sheriff. He was a state constable and his father was police chief of Adamsville TN. When he retired he recommended that Buford take his place which he did. Then he ran for Sheriff at the age of 23 yes old.Youngest Sheriff in TN history. I have all kind of pictures of the ambush. He wasn't just shot in the cheek, it blower off his whole jawbone on 1 side and shattered the other side. He barley survived the shooting because of loss of blood and skull fragments in his brain. The pictures are all over the internet. There is NO WAS anyone would do that to himself. I don't believe you talked to anyone but if you did it was the crooked side. After Sheriff Pusser died the county went straight back to being a safe haven for crooks. Of course they are going to lie and hated him because he took away all their revenue and killed 2 of them. Not exactly credible witnesses. Sheriff Pusser died because he COULD NOT BE BOUGHT. He was separated from his wife but the reason she was even in the car is because they were getting back together. By the way his wife ask to go with him , he didnt. Not 1 thing i,m saying I got from the movie. I observed where he wrecked his corvette and it was no accident. For over a 100 yards you could see where something in the steering system had broken and digged into the pavement over a half of a inch. I studied the corvette in the museum and anyone who knew anything about cars or police work could tell where the steering system had been sawed almost completely thru. It was from an instrument that had small jagged teeth, most likely a hacksaw. I'm tired of some battery's keep trying to make him out to be a criminal. He was A SHERIFF and A DAMN GOOD ONE. I am a police officer retired from Spartanburg SC and I now own a private detective agency. MY NAME IS JESSIE WOODY AND A YONE WHO WANTS TO VERIFY THAT THEY CAN CALL SPARTANBURG PUBLIC SAFTEY

Anonymous said...

The Heathcock s are my family. Jack is my grandma's brother. I've heard lots of stories about this. Yes one crazy family I'm from. Not bragging but true.

Romanticroses said...

👍🏼

Romanticroses said...

👍🏼

Unknown said...

Actually Mike appears to know a whole lot more on the subject than the rest of you combined! My grand-father was the Chief of Police in a town in an adjoining county, he sent word to Buford that if he set foot in said town, he would be arrested on the spot. Buford Pusser was a crook as much as the Hathcocks and Towhead! Here is a tip, never use a movie as research!

carolina said...

Amen.

Sundance_Rydr said...

HELLO!!! Some people just HAVE to be negative for negativity's sake...

Sundance_Rydr said...

HELLO!!! Some people just HAVE to be negative for negativity's sake...

Sundance_Rydr said...

AW POSH!!!

Sundance_Rydr said...

Jim was sharing his thoughts-as are you. If you wish to critique another's writing(s) please first review your own. This is a site where each person is allowed to respond (sensibly) to the Author and his/her thoughts on a particular subject- not one where attacks on others is acceptable. If you have certain beliefs, don't demean another when he/she shares a different opinion. Many of us were not there during those times of strife, therefore we have to rely on word of mouth or literary articles. Still, that does not mean truth in totality from either. A peaceful and respectful environ is all inclusive. Keep writing and take care.

Anonymous said...

But yet other people have been demeaning and insulting his opinion, whether or not he was even former law enforcement or not, and basically insulting his research that he has done which led him to his opinion. Considering how everyone has treated him, I'm sure he is getting frustrated and naturally he is getting defensive, as most people do when insulted.

Anonymous said...

But yet other people have been demeaning and insulting his opinion, whether or not he was even former law enforcement or not, and basically insulting his research that he has done which led him to his opinion. Considering how everyone has treated him, I'm sure he is getting frustrated and naturally he is getting defensive, as most people do when insulted.

Tony said...

Very interesting comments on both sides. My family is from a small town in southern Indiana, and many of them are as corrupt as they come. It's always been amazing to me to listen to people who are corrupt talk about everyone from their warped point of view.
Having said that, Mike Elam, do you know if you're related to the Elams from the East End of Cincinnati? We've lived on this side of Cincinnati for the past 31 years and I've known of Elams over here for that entire time. Always interested to see if there are connections of families in different cities.

Tony

Anonymous said...

Mike Elam is telling the truth. This man was on the take, my parents were there in the 60's still have a picture of them in front of the Shamrock Motel. He was on the take, living much higher than his salary. He got greedy and they wanted to get rid of him. He went to Louise's room killed and robbed her. NOTE: She had no jewelry in her room after he left the room and she was dead. Look at her pictures she is always wearing jewelry. He did carry a big stick and mom says Pauline was killed that morning by accident, They only wanted Pusser. These are facts. Like it or not.

Unknown said...

What a crock!

Anonymous said...

Mike your a dip wad and probably voted for Emperor Obama Obama

Unknown said...

Haven't read a lot of the above, but enough to skip a lot of it. I'm very proud of sherif Pusser. He was my cousin. My father, also born in Finger, has told me many stories about talking with him and encounters in and around Selmer. I wished I had an opportunity to meet him but I was too young. But I am still proud to say I'm related to him and his family and middle tn wouldn't be the same without such an impact as Bufford left.

Sundance_Rydr said...

AMEN!

Sundance_Rydr said...

Thank you. Thank you.

Unknown said...

I think Buford was a good man....he is only human ...if I went through what he went through ..I would have took from the evil bastards myself....RIP Sheriff Pusser....

Unknown said...

Buford was a good man he did not get where he was because people did not like him....the Stateline bullies stomp on him ..and in return he crushed them..and if he did take from them I don't blame him he's only human but at least he was on the right side...so for all you Crooks that want to stomp on people your time is coming too..evil will never prevail...

Shakeymike359 said...

Mike, there are still some that think Hitler never killed a Jew. Lol. Truth conquers all.

Shakeymike359 said...

Mike, how did you get the coroner to lie on his report by showing Louise was executed ?

Keep up the good work. I think much Pusser loyalty is the result of back woods inbreeding.

Shakeymike359 said...

One has to shake people down to get them to pull out their wallet. And to make room for the massive White operation coming down the pike.

Shakeymike359 said...

Everyone else has watched a movie. Research means nothing

Unknown said...

Buford's wife wasn't going to leave him, although she wouldn't have minded him leaving that post, but also understood it. she wanted to go with him that morning to see how he did his job and handled it. and it was a nice time of the morning for a ride, Sunrise.

Unknown said...

Buford's wife wasn't going to leave him, although she wouldn't have minded him leaving that post. but she also understood. she went with him that morning because it was a nice time of the morning for a ride, Sunrise. and also wanted to see how he did and handled his job. but mainly just to spend some time with him........ M.W.

Mike Leazer said...

Sorry to burst your bubble Anonymous but your parents weren't even at the hotel when the shootings took place. Then again, maybe they were. No matter because there was someone else there who would have had a much better view than your parents would have I'm sure. Two of sheriff Pussers deputies were right there with him. Officer Petie Plunk was one of those officers. He was interviewed by a news reporter and it was recorded. It is easily researched by googling (Buford Pusser & Petie Plunk talk about killings) - Officer Plunk said Hathcock told sheriff Pusser she wanted to talk to him in her room which was located adjacent and behind the lobby which they were in. According to officer Plunk, when they got to Hathcocks room Hathcock turned and told sheriff Pusser she was going to kill him. It was at that time Hathcock pulled some sort of snub nosed pistol out of her sweater pocket and fired a shot at him. At that same time Sheriff Pusser dove across the bed and the bullet just missed him lodging itself in a pole just outside of the window. Officer Plunk said he later retrived the bullet. I would assume for evidence which would have been a part of their job as always.Then according to Plunk Buford returned fire hitting Hathcock first in the neck which spun her around. She still had the gun in a threatning position so Buford shot again hitting Hathcock this time in the right brest which at that time she fell to the ground knocking over a chair in the process. While lying on her back she still had the gun and was in the process of trying to raise it once more to shoot Pusser. This time Buford shot her underneath her jaw and it came out of the back of her head leaving a jaw tooth positioned about 12 inches behind her. As for all this mess about all her jewelry being gone,and knowing that bunch of crooks it was probably one of them who was on the take sense that was their line business.

Mike Leazer said...

Hey anonymous,google Buford Pusser & Petie Plunk talk about killings. There you will hear deputy Plunk when he gives his account of the events that took place on that day when Hathcock tried to kill sheriff Pusser if you want to know the truth. You have to keep in mind Buford was called out to that location that day because a couple had went to the sheriffs dept. to complain about the theft of the woman's pocketbook, which was a common complaint about the Shamrock in those days. It wasn't like Buford just woke up that day and decided to proclaim that day as go kill and rob Louise Hathcock day. Sorry, just doesn't wash.I believe just because your parents lived there I hardly think they were anywhere near the hotel on that day. Just because she always wore jewelry don't prove a thing. And if all her jewelry had been stolen I would have to think that those bunch of crooks she was the boss of would have done it sense that was their line of business anyway. As far as Buford living above his salary I can assure you that only happened only when the proceeds from the movies started coming in.

Mike Leazer said...

Hey anonymous: We all know what it means when you refuse to leave your real name. Just want to let you and everyone else know if you want the truth about what happened on the day Hathcock was killed. All you have to do is google (Buford Pusser & Petie Plunk talks about killings)- you tube. There you will hear an interview with deputy Petie Plunk as he describes step by step what actually took place. I can appreciate the fact that you have a photo of your mom and dad in front of the hotel but I hardly believe they were present at the time of the shootings. Now if your mom and dad could have produced photos of the shootings and of Buford stealing Louise's precious (stolen jewelry), well that would be a horse of a different color. Until that day comes, (and I'm not going to hold my breath) I choose to believe the deputy that was in fact on the scene. Actually there were two deputies on scene that day. However, it was Petie Plunk that was closest to the actual shooting. But seriously, if Hathcock's jewelry was in fact stolen I would have to consider that it was most likely taken by the very ones she hired to do just such things. After all in the line of business they were in you live by the fire and you die by the fire. As far as the Pusser family living above his salary, I would have to believe that happened only when the proceeds started coming in from the movies. And by the way, as far as your comment that Mr. Pusser only went there on the take. To steal her jewelry and kill her. In fact the only reason he was there at all was because of a couple that had went to the sheriff's department to file a complaint about the woman's pocketbook and the mans wallet which had been stolen in a strong armed robbery at the hotel. Which was a common complaint at the Shamrock hotel in those days. Let's face it, it's not like Mr. Pusser woke up that fateful day and declared it kill and rob Louise Hathcock day. Good night and God bless the Pusser family along with all the other law enforcement officers across this great land of ours.

Anonymous said...

even tho it is a tragedy all the way around for any of this to happen, i am from another state and county and not on the east coast. i lived in similar situations with different dealings, but same difference. bottom line is hard to tell who tells the truth. however when one has lived in such places for so long and known people a long time etc, i think theres a pretty good pattern to follow of who just might be telling the truth, becuz there will always be a slip up, its garunteed. r.i.p mr. pusser, we could of used you where i lived, however, we didnt, and to his family. God bless you. remember God always heals and restores.

Anonymous said...

Funny how some people call Elam a nutcase but some things he has said are right on.
Someone at the early part of the investigation named Nix and Bowen and shooters and some woman or long haired young man as the driver of the caddy. Louise did have a young kid helping around back about that time and White hated the kid but Bowen looked after him. He was around the age of Louise's daughter.

Michael Green said...

Very interesting conversation. Hope to God that Mike Elam is wrong. Have studied Buford Pusser and loved the first film. Anyone who puts the badge on is a hero to me!

Unknown said...

Elam resembles Louise in some photo's. as a former deputy Sherriff who can testify to Buford's integrity and honesty, he never did this. he loved that woman and suffered with the memory of her death till the day he died. Buford stood for the law and the people of McNairy county and nothing more. he did his job to the best of his ability for the people of McNairy. I have the utmost respect for Buford and love that man for what he stood for and always will, till the day I die, Mike Elam, is Louise your Aunt or a relative of yours. if so you need to come to grips that that woman chose her path in life and it was the wrong way to go... I don't hate Louise or anyone who does the things she did, but they are wrong and wrong is wrong, period. if you go against the law than things will happen that aren't always very pleasant. Buford didn't like to carry guns till latter on and felt that if you wanted a fight, do it like a man and fight fair... these people didn't do that. if you ask for it that way, than you are going to get just that. M.W.

Mikeelam said...

Mark. that rumor was started by a Pusser advocate years ago. I an in no way related. The purpose of the rumor was to discredit me. It looks like you took the bait. I even offered a reward to anyone who could prove the rumor to be true. Thus hard, no one has attempted collect. You are welcome to try. Buford was once a hero of mine as well. When I researched his story I learned the truth about the man. You should try doing the same.

Mikeelam said...

Mark. that rumor was started by a Pusser advocate years ago. I an in no way related. The purpose of the rumor was to discredit me. It looks like you took the bait. I even offered a reward to anyone who could prove the rumor to be true. Thus hard, no one has attempted collect. You are welcome to try. Buford was once a hero of mine as well. When I researched his story I learned the truth about the man. You should try doing the same.

Laura said...

The Adamsville hotel where he shot ray

Anonymous said...

Yes sir,, I do believe so,just finding people to help back it up.

Anonymous said...

I think before we start the killings we should learn how to spell. You aren't this ignorant, are you? You're joking, right?

Anonymous said...

God bless the sheriff jnd his familz

Mikeelam said...

To view FBI reports, TBI correspondence, Tennessee State Medical Examiner autopsy reports and photos of the alleged August 12th ambush please visit Buford Pusser: The other Story. It may well help you to understand that Buford was a big part of the problem, not the solution, in McNairy County.

Unknown said...

Elam, it is not about hero's. its about a man doing his job, and I don't have to research it, I was there.........

Unknown said...

And, there you have it!...

Anonymous said...

I will never understand why so many people want to say that former Sheriff Buford Pusser was corrupt that is totally false unless you were actually living in McNairy County at the time he was Sheriff you would have a more positive out look and the fact that former Sheriff Buford Pusser did more good than he did harm to the Citizens and the Community of McNairy County he cleaned up that town in more ways than one just ask his Daughter she was there and I know for fact she would not lie about how her dad cleaned up McNairy County, Tenn. However; you are all entitled to your own opinions about former Sheriff Buford Pusser.

Anonymous said...

I have read all the comments about Sheriff Bufford Pusser. Have seen all 3 movies, and have also done some research. I believe he had nothing to do with his wife's death. The man did the best job he could not withstanding the pressures of the job with all the various crimes and corruption going on around him. Was he totally honest, probably not, taking kick backs from illegal business? Maybe because of threats to him or his family? I don't know, but in my mind he did the best he could to keep the people of McNairy county safe. I believe he was a good man, and hope to visit the museum, and would really love to meet his daughter. SC from Wisconsin

Gutz said...

Mike Elam has been spewing his trash on the web and been a SCAB on the Pusser families ass for decades. No class, no respect son of a bitch.. I think Bufford was the kind of man Mike Elam always fantasized and dreamed himself to be, he likely looks at himself in the mirror in a cop uniform and pulls his goon while having these delusions

Anonymous said...

I remember seeing Buford on a TV country show..Eddie bond show. Buford got interviewed . his upper lip looked well like someone cut knotches in them..God bless you.

Hogwash said...

Spelling?

Unknown said...

Mike you must be a sad excuse of a law enforcement officer IF you've ever been one. And yes I'm a 32 yr veteran of law enforcement in SC. I'v studied the Sheriff Pusser story & there's no way your so called version is anything but fiction. As a matter of fact I'm heading to McNairy Cty Sheriff's office to talk to them in a couple of weeks.
I've talked to the local historian of the Buford Pusser Museum several times. Sheriff Pusser fought fire with fire. It was the only thing possible to stop the crime. When I first started law enforcement I did the same thing. I've been shot , stabbed several times, I've broken 67 bones in my career, been anbushed twice & have had 2 contracts out on me. And I sincerely doubt I dealt with as bad as people as Sheriff Pusser did. He did an extremely good job in a very bad time. The movie was embellished some but some of the main aspects are mostly true. I just can't figure out why you have such a hatred of Sheriff Pusser. Don't bother denying it like you have on just about every site on the net. Your definitely biased at the least or just a plain out liar.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I must say after reading all these comments I am amazed at how there are so many conflicting accounts. I was born in Texas but spent my teenage years in Jackson, MS so Buford's name even around there was not uncommon to hear. I grew up and became a Texas Deputy Sheriff of 13 years. I eventually gave up Police work because of the same issues that Buford faced. Even in my recent years of Law Enforcement, the corruption and crooked dealings of my own S/O was too much for me to deal with anymore. However, hearing about Buford was one of many inspiring reasons I wanted to be a Lawman. Moving on, whether or not all the discounts I've read here of Buford being on the take is true or not, I have no way to prove either way. Regardless, what I know of the man/legacy, I respect him and what he stood for. If someone wants to come forward with official & documented evidence that he was doing underhanded things then I will consider re-thinking my opinion of him, until then he will remain a legend & inspiration to me.

To all of you who feel the same way I do about Buford, I would love to learn more about him if you have any literature to share please contact me.

Unknown said...

IF and I say IF very strongly because I have not researched enough to give a valid opinion, but IF Buford DID take anything at all,Being a policeman, it was probably gathered as evidence. These 2 organized crime groups were very well noted for robbing citizens of the town. They were a very nasty mob and gang without remorse for human life. That part is a fact.

Unknown said...

This is March 2019. I cannot tell how old these comments are so I am dating mine.
That said, My husband and I just took a day trip to McNairy County to see some history of my husband's hero, Buford Pusser. I love history. No matter who we spoke with, each person had their own story. We were clueless that there was ever a debate on Bufords deeds. For us, he is innocent until concrete proof against him.

I would like to know though, is Dwana still living? If she has passed away, what was the cause of death? I have discovered controversial information. 1)suicide 2)terminal illness to suicide 3)terminal illness death
4)foul play 5) still living
I also heard rumors that she was messed up in drugs (which I find hard to believe) and rumor that she went incognito for her life from her X husband and the Dixie mafia.

So..... Please elaborate and proof if you have it. Thank you

Anonymous said...

I heard your mother worked the whorehouse.. That explains why you are so bitter. Not to mention a pussy for being anonymous.

Unknown said...

Mike Elam two things u cannot change are the truth and the past. So stop trying to object to both of them just to make your point or get attention.............