Rufus Hussey

American marksman (1919–1994)

Rufus Taft Hussey (March 12, 1919 – February 24, 1994) was an American marksman. He grew up in Randolph County, North Carolina. He was known as an expert marksman with a slingshot (also referred to as a beanshooter).[1] In 1952, Hussey began selling and giving away beanshooters to preserve the dying art of the beanshooter. His beanshooters were sequentially numbered by a serial number.[1]

Hussey was well known in his home county and saw his big break on the national scene when he was invited to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Hussey appeared on the episode that aired on January 23, 1986.[2] Hussey was on the air for almost 10 minutes with Carson, where he talked about beanshooters, displayed his considerable skill, and shot an object out of Carson's hand.

Hussey was also featured in the CBS Saturday Morning news segment "In the News" that aired in the Fall of 1986.[3] This short segment showcased Hussey, his brother, and their homemade "beanshooters."

Hussey has been called a "Slingshot Expert" [4] and "the World's Most Accurate Slingshot Assassin."[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Rufus Hussey... The Beanshooter Man". Asheboro.com. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  2. ^ Rufus Hussey on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, retrieved 2022-01-09
  3. ^ 80's Commercials Vol. 900 Part 2 of 2, retrieved 2022-05-29
  4. ^ "Rufus Hussey: Slingshot Expert". Poetv.com. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  5. ^ "World's Most Accurate Slingshot Assassin: Rufus Hussey « How-To News". Wonderhowto.com. 2009-09-20. Retrieved 2011-05-28.

Further reading

  • (January 23, 1986.) "Rufus Hussey." Gettysburg times. Accessed October 2011.
  • Calhoun, Frances (July 4, 1986.) "Reunion Has Old-Fashioned Fun." The Dispatch. Accessed October 2011.
  • Williams, Jason (September 30, 1994.) "They Haven't Forgotten the Beanshooter Man." News & Record. Accessed October 2011.
  • (February 29, 1984.) "Man Tells Slingshot Tale." Times Daily. Accessed October 2011.

External links

  • Carolina camera showing Rufus in action on YouTube
  • Rufus Hussey on Johnny Carson Show
  • Short segment from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on YouTube


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