Joe Clifton Drive in Paducah, Ky. was named for Joseph C. Clifton who was born in Marion, Ky. on October 31, 1906. He was the son of Thomas Clifton and Pearl Cook Clifton. He had one brother, Robert Clifton. Their father died May 20, 1910 while the boys were very young. Their mother moved to Paducah with her little boys to make her home near her parents.
Some information on the internet about Joseph C. Clifton says that he was born in Paducah, Ky., but he was actually born in Marion. An item in the Crittenden Press, dated Nov. 8, 1906, says that "A new boy arrived at the home of Thos. Clifton last Wednesday morning, which Robert Gordon, the older brothers, says is a dandy. Another item dated, Feb. 21, 1907, says that "The two little sons of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clifton, were christened Sunday morning at the Methodist Church."
Here is some more information on Joe Clifton.
After graduating from Tilghman High School with honors, Joseph received an appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
He graduated there with honors and during World War II, he was commander of the U. S. Ship Saratoga. He was a navy pilot and was known as "Jumping Joe" during the early years of the war.
He retired to California as an admiral USN, died there on Dec. 25, 1967 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
The Clifton family had deep roots from Crittenden County, as Joseph was a grandson to James H. Clifton of Dycusburg. The family resided in Dycusburg in the 1870's and James H. Clifton was a prominent business man in the town of Dycusburg.
1 comment:
I recently found a beautiful 8 x 10 photo of Jumping Joe in my late grandfathers belongings the late Commander Joseph M Pietro U.S.N feel free to email me for a copy.
Post a Comment