Clift, Moses H. (1836-1911)
Dates
- Existence: 1836 - 1911
Biography
Major Moses H. Clift (1836-1911)was born in Soddy, TN. on August 25. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1861. During the Civil War he stopped practicing law to enlist as a Confederate soldier. His father, Col. William Clift fought on the other side of the war as a Union soldier. Maj. Clift fought in twenty-five battles and received three injuries.
Biography
After the war Clift returned to practicing law, and eventually moved in to politics. He ran as a democrat for mayor of Chattanooga, and only lost by 100 votes at a time when repubicans traditionally won by 2,000 or more votes. He was also a delegate to the national convention of 1876 and 1880. Clift was also very prominent in Chattanooga's economic growth following the war, having a hand in many businesses around the city that laid the foundation for its prosperity. In 1878 Chattanooga faced an outbreak of yellow fever, causing many of it's citizens to fall ill or die. Moses Clift was among a band of men who stayed behind and risked their lives to care for the ill and bury the bodies.
Biography
"Obituaries: Maj. Moses H. Clift." The Daily Times: Chattanooga, TN. 42 (1911): 3.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Clift Family papers
This collection provides an interesting insight into the affairs of a Confederate Civil War Veteran, Moses H. Clift (1836-1911). The collection includes documents and correspondence from the war, as well as medals, banners, and certificates highlighting Clift's involvement in the United Confederate Veterans organization. Also included are documents outlining other family members' involvement with Civil War organizations, such as the United Daughters of the Confederacy.