</s>SI 44-561 On May 17, 1963, Mr. WOODROW THOMPSON, Paits Manager, employed 23 years with Rust International, Inc ., International covered years with Trust International, INC ., and Equilibrium Company, 1803 West Washington Street, International covered days (I-H). In the following directions, Bloomington, Illinois, advised that there has never been with a WILLIAM A. MARSHALL and any employee by the name Marshall. We will be interested in any other international harvester dealer in the Bloomington, illinois area. The THOMPON further advised that the Bloomingston, Illinois area, the THOMSON FARMER Dealer in Company of L.C. BARNETT, District Manager, International Harvester Company, 505 Rock Island Road, Peoria, Illinois. Records of credit in Bloomington. Illinois, Illinois Department, Records is credit in Bloomington. Police Department. Bloomingston, negative, a search for city directory and telephone directory failed reveal any listing for WILLIAMS. or similarity. Also on May 17. 1963, Mrs. L. C. L-C. BARNETT. District District on May 7, 1965, Mr ., L-L.C ., Lancaster, Ohio. Road, Peonia, Illinois advised that his office covers the Northern 60 counties for the State of Five Rock Island. Bloomingtons, Illinois and his records reflect that one by the same Bloomington, and his record reflect no one by his name a franside dealer in his district. BARNERT further advised he knows no of no recent employee transfers from his district checks re Marshall should be directed to I-H. that any further home offices, 401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois -194 - 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail interactions between law enforcement agencies and individuals suspected of connections to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Robert Hood Strader, his wife Margnet Carmichael Strauer, and others were contacted regarding potential involvement in or knowledge of MLK's murder. Strader reported receiving a threatening note found in his car, warning that he would be killed if he approached authorities about the assassination. He also described being followed by a tan Chevrolet and an incident at the Gulf Truck Stop in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he was shot at while walking toward the restroom. Strader claimed two men were present during the attack, one of whom was identified as Raymond Stainin. Law enforcement advised Strader to contact them directly if he had further information. The documents also include unrelated administrative records about individuals like Cecil Ray and Jerry Kinzady, including school records and employment details, which do not pertain to MLK or the investigation. A separate document contains fragmented information about members of the RAY family in Fayette County, Vandalia, and their potential connections to an investigation. Sheriff Leonard Kelly expressed doubts about the suspect's involvement and noted that members of the investigation were not intelligent and prone to alcohol abuse. Larry Ray, a Vandalia employee, was jailed for threatening his wife but released on $250 bail. Marion Kirkirktrick, a USPO employee, stated Cecil RAY had not been in Vandalia for at least two years. Gilbert RAY, an uncle of Cecil RAY, mentioned James Earl RAY and Stanley RAY but provided no evidence of their locations. Leonard Bolles, a former associate of Cecil RAY, reported no contact with him for two to three years. Preston Prior, another associate, also had no recent information on Cecil RAY's whereabouts. Sheriff Kelly and Chief Dale Slater described the RAY family as "a little on the stupid side." The document includes notes about releases under Executive Order 14176 and classification markings.  

Key People:  
- Robert Hood Strader (suspected connection to MLK assassination)  
- Margnet Carmichael Strauer (wife of Strader)  
- Raymond Stainin (alleged associate involved in the attack on Strader)  
- Cecil Ray (individual with unrelated records, not directly linked to MLK)  
- Jerry Kinzady (Eldorado High School principal, unrelated to MLK case)  
- Leonard Kelly (Sheriff)  
- Larry Ray  
- Marion Kirkirktrick  
- Gilbert RAY  
- James Earl RAY  
- Stanley RAY  
- Leonard Bolles  
- Preston Prior  

Key Locations:  
- Bloomington, Illinois (Strader's residence and initial contact point)  
- Lebanon, Tennessee (Gulf Truck Stop where Strader was shot at)  
- Lexington, Kentucky (mentioned in context of Strader's movements)  
- Vandalia, Illinois (Cecil Ray's residence and employment details)  
- Fayette County, Illinois  
- Peoria, Illinois  
- Altor, Edwardville, Granco, Phoenix, Shifte (Phoenix) station  

Key Events:  
- Threatening note found in Strader's car warning him about approaching authorities regarding MLK's murder  
- Strader's reported encounter with a tan Chevrolet followed him from Lexington to Detroit  
- Incident at the Gulf Truck Stop in Lebanon, Tennessee, where Strader was shot at by two men  
- Law enforcement advising Strader to contact them directly for further investigation  
- Larry Ray's arrest and release on $250 bail  
- Statements about Cecil RAY's absence from Vandalia  
- Gilbert RAY's claims about family members without evidence  
- Leonard Bolles and Preston Prior's lack of information on Cecil RAY  
- Sheriff Kelly and Chief Slater's remarks on the RAY family  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles (mentioned in context of license information)  
- International Harvester Company (mentioned in administrative records)  
- United States Postal Service (USPO)  
- City of Vandalia (likely a typo for Vandalia, Illinois)

MLK Declassified Files

44-cg-1114_738662_06-02-part_5_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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