[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 4 (Thursday, January 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MR. WILLIAM JEFFERSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS ONE HUNDREDTH 
                                BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 27, 2000

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. William Jefferson 
of Linden Plaza, in commemoration of his 100th birthday.
  Mr. Jefferson was born in Columbia, South Carolina on January 2, 
1900. At the age of thirteen, after earning his education in Ridgeway, 
South Carolina, he moved to New Jersey, and through working several odd 
jobs acquired skills in electrical work, plumbing, and house painting. 
In 1925 he moved to New York where he worked in these various trades 
until he found a permanent position with the American Window Shade 
Company.
  While at this company, he met and married Mabel Stevens, and through 
this union was blessed with five daughters. Mr. Jefferson, known to 
many as a ``Jack of all trades'', devoted his time to his family, 
neighbors and anyone in the need of assistance. His wife passed away in 
1998.
  Since his retirement in 1977, Mr. Jefferson has enjoyed spending time 
with and passing wisdom to his children, grandchildren, and great 
grandchildren. He helped start and on occasion still works at the 
Neighborhood Garden. He still enjoys discussing candidates, and voting 
in every election. In his spare time, he continues to play his guitar 
and keyboard. Please join in celebrating the wonderful life of 
centenarian, William Jefferson.

                          ____________________