John Haywood Allen was a much loved Sheriff in our County who served for many, many years. After his death the NC General Assembly passed the following resolution in his memory. I'm still trying to find a good photo of him, shouldn't be too hard there were thousands taken during his tenure.

"GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

Simple H Resolution

Adopted

HOUSE RESOLUTION 1202

Adopted 5/28/97

Sponsors: Representatives Weatherly; Clary and Dedmon.

Referred to: Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

May 5, 1997

A HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF J. HAYWOOD ALLEN, SR., FORMER SHERIFF OF CLEVELAND COUNTY .

Whereas, J. Haywood Allen, Sr. was born in Rutherford County to Irwin M. Allen and Maude Weathers Allen; and

Whereas, J. Haywood Allen, Sr. lived most of his life in the Town of Shelby in Cleveland County ; and

Whereas, in 1951, J. Haywood Allen, Sr. became sheriff of Cleveland County, following in the footsteps of his father who had also been sheriff of Cleveland County; and

Whereas, Sheriff Haywood Allen was elected as sheriff for eight terms, winning his last election with 62% of the vote; and

Whereas, over a span of almost 30 years, Sheriff Allen saw his office expand from one deputy to 80 deputies; and

Whereas, Sheriff Allen was known for his honesty, fairness, and professionalism; and

Whereas, Sheriff Allen served as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, Inc., and received national recognition for his service to law enforcement; and

Whereas, Sheriff Allen retired from his position on December 15, 1980; and

Whereas, J. Haywood Allen, Sr. was active in community affairs, serving as a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Shelby and as a charter member of both the Kings Mountain Lions Club and the Shelby Optimist Club; and

Whereas, J. Haywood Allen, Sr., after a life of distinction and public service, died on December 25, 1996, at the age of 80; and

Whereas, J. Haywood Allen, Sr. is survived by his wife, Majel Stewart Allen; a son, John Haywood Allen, Jr.; two daughters, Kathryn Monroe and Jonanna Robbs; two grandchildren; and several other relatives and friends; and

Whereas, J. Haywood Allen, Sr.'s service to his profession and community was exemplary and deserves recognition; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives wishes to honor the memory of J. Haywood Allen, Sr. and recognize his many years of public service to the citizens of Cleveland County; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

Section 1. The House of Representatives honors the memory of J. Haywood Allen, Sr. and expresses the gratitude and appreciation of this State and its citizens for his life and devoted service.

Section 2. The House of Representatives extends its deepest sympathy to the family of J. Haywood Allen, Sr. for their loss.

Section 3. The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of J. Haywood Allen, Sr.

Section 4. This resolution is effective upon adoption."

Sent by: Judith Proctor