HR1241 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1241 LRB093 23924 KXB 54014 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Clifton Herford on August 31, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Clifton Herford was born on May 1, 1899 to the union of Meley and Mose Herford; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Herford spent the early years of his life in Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked on the roads, in the fields, and on the tracks; and

WHEREAS, Because of his unique athletic ability, he was drawn to the sport of baseball; he was an avid sportsman who played shortstop for the Mose Mill Baseball Team, which was a part of the now-famous Negro American Baseball League; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Herford left Huntsville, Alabama in 1923 and moved to Chicago, his second home, where he married Eldna Brown, who preceded him in death in 1989; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Herford found employment with the Benefield Glass Company, where he remained until his retirement at age of 66; and

WHEREAS, On December 19, 1965, he joined Park Manor Christian Church under the pastorate of Rev. Charles H. Webb, Sr.; in 1967 he began serving as the church custodian and he faithfully remained in that position until 1996, when he retired at the age of 97; in 30 years of service, Mr. Herford seldom missed a day of work and he was honored and recognized by Park Manor Christian Church as one of its four centenarians; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Herford distinguished himself by being a member of many organization in the Park Manor community; he served as the treasurer of the 73rd and Rhodes Block Club and he was a member of the Park Manor Neighbors; and

WHEREAS, When he reached the age of 100, Mr. Herford received recognition and accolades from churches, community organizations, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois; by the time he reached the age of 105, he was the senior resident in the Park Manor Community, giving him the distinction of being "The King of the Park Manor Community"; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Clifton Herford will be deeply felt by many, especially his son, Leonard Newman, his daughter, Bernice Herford, his stepson, James Benton (Margarite), his granddaughters, Patricia Rogers, Rosalyn Gambrell, and Debra Newman; his grandson Leonard Newman, Jr.; his great-granddaughters Robin Gambrell and Cherie Newman; his great-grandsons Andrae Cowans and Marcus Rogers; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Clifton Herford along with all who knew and loved him and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Clifton Herford as an expression of our deepest sympathy.