HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 32

(By Delegate Dillon)

February 13, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then the Committee on Rules

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 30-003/05-014.61 () (30A290), (37.89328, -82.23771) locally known as Big Rock Beam Span, carrying CR 03/05 over WEST FK TWELVEPOLE CK in Mingo County, the "Albert  'Ab' Baisden Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, Albert "Ab" Baisden was born on April 20, 1902, to John Baisden and Matilda Ferrell Baisden and died on October 7, 1997; and

Whereas, Albert "Ab" Baisden, as a widower, married Laura Belle Marcum on February 27, 1940 at Dingess, West Virginia, who was born on October 13, 1924, to James Harrison and Vina Mae Tacket Marcum, and who died on October 27, 2004; and

Whereas, Albert and Laura Baisden labored respectively to rear their prominent family of 16 children, the descendants of whom are now ubiquitous in the community, numbering over 400 in total; and

Whereas, Albert and Laura Baisden instilled a family work ethic which has led to descendants being engaged in occupations from chemists to engineers, to teachers, nurses, miners, and doctors; and

Whereas, Albert "Ab" Baisden worked faithfully as a coal miner at Island Creek Coal Company for 30 years; and

Whereas, Laura Marcum Baisden labored domestically for the good of their family, taking care of children, the home, and farm; and

Whereas, Albert and Laura Baisden were stalwart members of the Church of Christ; and

Whereas, Albert "Ab" Baisden was a member of the UMWA, Masonic Lodge #167 for 57 years, and a Scottish Rite 32nd degree Mason; and

Whereas, Albert and Laura Baisden touched many lives, as Albert was known as a man of resolve and conviction, and Laura was known for her kindness and loving willingness to help others; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Albert "Ab" Baisden and his contributions to his community; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways name bridge number 30-003/05-014.61 () (30A290), (37.89328, -82.23771) locally known as Big Rock Beam Span, carrying CR 03/05 over WEST FK TWELVEPOLE CK in Mingo County, the "Albert 'Ab' Baisden Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "Albert 'Ab’ Baisden Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.