H.C. Binford was a very influential leader in the Huntsville, Alabama community. He was an educator at the Colored City School at Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church, Grand Master of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic Fraternity, alderman for the 4th ward on the Huntsville City Council, a leader in the Republic Party, and founder and publisher of a newspaper, The Journal.

Henry Claxton Binford, Sr., born in 1851 to Peter Binford and Amanda Clemons, was destined to be an educator. Growing up on Clinton Street in downtown Huntsville with his siblings John Henry and Sarah, he developed a passion for teaching that he would carry throughout his life. Henry taught for many years at the Colored City School, located in the basement of Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church (now Lakeside United Methodist Church). Two of his three children later followed his path, becoming a school administrator and teacher at the same school.

Beyond his dedication to education, Henry Clemons Binford was an influential leader in the community. He served as Grand Master of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic Fraternity (Colored) in Alabama for over a decade, following six years as the fraternity’s secretary. Known for his inspiring words, he once encouraged members to “bear the cross patiently, but also cheerfully” and to “do no harm, but instead, do all the good you can.”

In civic service, Binford represented the 4th Ward on the Huntsville City Council. A devoted member of the Republican Party, he chaired both local and state committees, served as secretary of the County Republican Party’s Executive Committee, and was appointed by President Benjamin Harrison as Land Officer for Huntsville. As a spokesperson for local campaigns and a delegate to national conventions, Henry Clemons Binford made his mark on the national stage when he served as a delegate to the National Republican Convention during President Harrison’s nomination.

Binford’s influence extended to journalism, where he founded The Journal, which became Alabama's most influential African American publication. Known for his writing talent, Binford’s work helped shape public opinion and provided a platform for African American voices.

When he passed away in June 1911 at age 60, Huntsville lost a cherished educator and civic leader whose life of integrity and dedication set a lasting example for all. In his honor, Binford Gardens was named to commemorate his impact on the community.

U.S. FindaGrave, Ancestry.com.

U.S. School Catalogs 1765-1935, Ancestry.com.

U.S. Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874, Ancestry.com.

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1870 U.S. Federal Census

The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Thu, Aug 22, 1901.

The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Thu, Jun 92, 1905.

Evening Star, Washington, D.C., Fri, Nov 27, 1896.

Birmingham Post-Herald, Birmingham, AL, Mon, Jun 5, 1911.