Joseph Wales Clift (September 30, 1837 – May 2, 1908) was a U.S. Representative from Georgia representing Georgia's 1st congressional district from 1868 to 1869 upon Georgia's re-admittance to the United States after the American Civil War.[1]

Joseph Clift
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Georgia's 1st district
In office
July 25, 1868 (1868-07-25) – March 3, 1869 (1869-03-03)
Preceded byPeter Early Love
Succeeded byWilliam W. Paine
Personal details
Born(1837-09-30)September 30, 1837
North Marshfield, Massachusetts, US
DiedMay 2, 1908(1908-05-02) (aged 70)
Rock City Falls, New York, US
Political partyRepublican
ProfessionSurgeon, Politician
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army (Union Army)
UnitArmy of the Potomac
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Early life and education

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Born in North Marshfield, Massachusetts, Clift attended the common schools and Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts.He graduated from the medical school of Harvard University in 1862.

Career

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Military career

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Clift entered the Union Army and was acting surgeon from July 13, 1862, to August 7, 1865. He served until November 18, 1866.[1]

Registrar of Savannah

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After the war, Clift practiced medicine in Savannah, Georgia and was soon appointed registrar of the city of Savannah by Major General Pope under the reconstruction acts.[1]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Upon the readmission of Georgia to the United States, Clift was elected as a Republican to the 40th United States Congress and served from July 25, 1868, to March 3, 1869. Clift presented credentials as a Member-elect to the 41st United States Congress, but was not permitted to qualify.[1]

Later life and death

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After being declined his seat after re-election, Clift moved back to Massachusetts and continued to practice medicine. Clift died in Rock City Falls, New York, May 2, 1908.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Bioguide Search". bioguide.congress.gov. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Vacant
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Georgia's 1st congressional district

July 25, 1868 – March 3, 1869
Succeeded by
Vacant