Joseph W. Clift

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.

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 by	Peter Early Love
Succeeded by	William W. Paine
Personal details
Born	(1837-09-30)September 30, 1837 North Marshfield, Massachusetts, US
Died	May 2, 1908(1908-05-02) (aged 70) Rock City Falls, New York, US
Political party	Republican
Profession	Surgeon, Politician
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army (Union Army)
Unit	Army of the Potomac
Battles/wars	American Civil War

Early life and education

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

Military career

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

Registrar of Savannah

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.

U.S. House of Representatives

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.

Later life and death

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.