Earl Buford Ellington (June 27, 1907 – April 3, 1972) was an American politician who served as the 42nd governor of Tennessee from 1959 to 1963, and again from 1967 to 1971. Along with his political ally, Frank G. Clement, he helped lead a political machine that controlled the governor's office for 18 years, from 1953 to 1971.

Ellington was a supporter of President Lyndon B. Johnson; he was appointed in 1965 as the Director of the Office of Emergency Planning during the Johnson Administration.

Early life and career

Ellington was born in Holmes County, Mississippi, the son of Abner and Cora (Grantham) Ellington. He studied religion at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, but had to drop out due to financial difficulties.

Having joined the Democratic Party, in 1944, Ellington worked in the campaign of successful gubernatorial candidate, Jim Nance McCord. In response, dozens of protesters picketed the state capitol and demanded a meeting with Ellington, but he refused.

At the 1960 Democratic National Convention, a rift had begun to form in the relationship between Clement and Ellington. The former endorsed John F. Kennedy for president, and the latter endorsed Lyndon B. Johnson. In September, Ellington helped organize federal relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Betsy.

Ellington again sought the Democratic Party nomination for governor in 1966. His opponent, John Jay Hooker, was a friend of former Governor Browning, and had been endorsed by the Nashville Tennessean. Ellington was endorsed by President Johnson, Clement, and the Nashville Banner. He defeated Hooker for the nomination, 413,950 votes to 360,105. and President Richard Nixon issued a statement of condolence.

Family and legacy

thumb|215x215px|Elvis Presley and Gov. Buford Ellington at a joint convention of the Tennessee General Assembly.Ellington married Catherine Ann Cheek in 1929. and Ann, who became an artist. Ellington began a friendship with Elvis Presley, who was honored by the Tennessee General Assembly with the title of "Honorary Colonel" on March 8, 1961.thumb|Elvis Presley visiting the Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville, Tennessee. He is pictured with Governor Buford Ellington's daughter, Ann (later Ann Ellington Wagner), and an unidentified young boy.|262x262px

During his meeting with the Governor, Elvis met Ellington's teenage daughter Ann Ellington (now Ann Ellington Wagner). The two developed a friendship and Elvis would frequently visit with Ann while in Nashville to record.

While the exact beginnings of Elvis' friendship with Governor Ellington and his daughter are difficult to determine, Ann has stated that she believes Elvis and her father first connected through Elvis' charitable work. Elvis was recognized by the city of Memphis in February 1961 for his work supporting local charities, and according to Ellington Wagner, he would write a check to Governor Ellington every Christmas for donations to orphanages and to provide gifts to children. Ann has speculated that Elvis and her father's friendship continued to grow due to their shared Mississippi heritage and similar upbringings.

  • A golf course at Henry Horton State Park and buildings on the campuses of Tennessee Technological University, the University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee at Martin were also named in his honor.
  • The Financial Aid and Registrar building on the campus of Austin Peay State University is named in Ellington's honor.

See also

  • List of governors of Tennessee

References

  • Governor Buford Ellington Papers (finding aid) – Tennessee State Library and Archives
  • Buford Ellington Papers – Middle Tennessee State University
  • Finding Aid for the Buford Ellington Papers - University of Tennessee Knoxville Libraries
  • Portrait painting of Governor Ellington – Tennessee Portrait Project
  • Photographic portrait of Governor Ellington – Tennessee State Library and Archives

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