MS HR115

Honors Mr. Burgis M. Ford, born September 1832, for his service in the 51st Regiment, United States Colored Infantry during the Civil War

Ford voluntarily enlisted on July 18, 1863, following the Emancipation Proclamation and served in D-1 Mississippi Infantry (African Descent), protecting Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi

Recognizes that Ford and approximately 5,244 other Mississippians joined the United States Colored Troops to fight for freedom, equality, and citizenship despite facing harsh treatment, lower pay, and inadequate supplies

Notes Ford returned to Canton, Mississippi after service where he worked as a farm laborer with his wife Alice and ten children, and died April 19, 1903, in Livingston, Mississippi

Directs copies of the resolution be furnished to members of the Capitol Press Corps