Clifford Danielson was born on April 12, 1899. A native of Lucca, North Dakota, Clifford arrived in Sycamore, IL, in 1926 and started work as an assistant cashier of the bank, then known as the First Trust and Savings Bank of Sycamore. In 1935, Clifford married his wife, Marjorie. He served as chairman and chief executive officer of the National Bank & Trust Co. of Sycamore, where he worked for nearly 70 years. He was well known for his loyalty to the community, his customers, and all the surrounding businesses.

He was honored as an outstanding businessman, outstanding alumni, and for his service to the community during his life. In 1986 the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce established the annual Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award. The award recognizes and honors people of Sycamore who invest a great deal of time and energy into the community, similar to what Clifford did. The award is still in existence to this day and continues to recognize the people of Sycamore for their service.

Clifford Danielson passed away on Friday, December 29, 1995. Less than a year after his passing, his wife Marjorie created a Field of Interest Fund in his memory at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The Marjorie and Clifford Danielson Fund provides ongoing support to local nonprofit organizations that embrace a sense of community. Such interests include nature and land conservation, historic preservation, cultural and artistic endeavors, and archival preservation. The Fund is one way the Danielson’s continue to leave a legacy of love and support.