CLIFFORD, JAMES H. - Among the most interesting experiences of the soldiers of the Civil war of Cass County, were those of James H. Clifford, of Virginia, Ill. He was born in Virginia, Ill., November 18, 1840, a son of Lawrence and Marian (Cribis) Clifford. Lawrence Clifford was born in the town of Caher, Tipperary County, Ireland, and came to the United States at an early age, locating at Nauvoo, Ill., and afterwards moving to Cass County. His wife was the widow of John Cunningham, who, with her first husband, came from Edinboro, Scotland, her birthplace, to Cass County, Ill., in 1836. They located at Beardstown, but soon afterwards moved to a farm near Virginia, where Mr. Cunningham died. Lawrence Clifford and Mrs. Cunningham were married in 1838, and settled in Virginia, where she died in 1858. Mr. Clifford became an extensive farmer and stock raiser, and died in 1872. Two children were the issue of their union, James H. and William.

James H. Clifford grew to manhood in Virginia, Ill. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company K of the Thirty-third Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in the Trans-Mississippi Department, under General Grant. He took part in all the battles of the regiment. In August, September and October, 1861, his command was in southeastern Missouri, and participated in the battle of Fredericktown. In March, 1862, the regiment started for Little Rock, Ark., landing at Helena, and taking part in several skirmishes. It remained there from August until September 15, 1862, and then went to Ironton, Mo., and spent the following winter in search of General Price's army. In the spring of 1863 the Thirty-third went to Memphis and then to Vicksburg, being the first regiment to cross to the east side of the Mississippi, and engaged in the battle of Magnolia Hills, or Port Gibson, May 1, 1863. This was followed by a series of engagements. After capturing Jackson, Miss., the regiment returned and took part in the battles of Champion's Hill and Black River, on the way back to Vicksburg, and then participated in the siege of that stronghold, which occupied forty-five days, and resulted in the surrender of Pemberton's army and the fall of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863. The Thirty-third gave a splendid account of itself there.

The Thirty-third then went to New Orleans to aid General Banks in his expedition up the Red River, which failed, however, on account of low water to accomplish its object. Next it was sent to southern Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico, where it captured Fort Esparanza, near Matagorda Island, and remained there for seven months and then returned to New Orleans. During much of this time the regiment was engaged in guard duty and scouting. Afterwards the Thirty-third participated in the battles resulting in capturing Mobile, Ala. When Mr. Clifford's term of enlistment expired, he, with others of the regiment, embarked at New Orleans for New York, having charge of about 400 Confederate prisoners en route. The prisoners were unloaded at Governor's Island, to be sent to Elmira, N.Y.; while the Union soldiers were carried by train to Springfield, Ill., and Mr. Clifford was there honorably discharged, October 11, 1864.

Mr. Clifford immediately returned to Virginia and learned the carpenter's trade, and began contracting and building, and is still engaged in that business. On December 23, 1865, at Ashland, Ill., he was united in marriage with Eliza Jane Kikendall, a daughter of William B. D. and Elizabeth M. (Jobe) Kikendall. Mrs. Clifford was born in Jefferson County, Ky., March 31, 1844. Her father's birth took place May 28, 1818, and her mother's on February 15, the same year. From Kentucky, the Kikendall family went to Iowa, and in 1858 moved to Illinois and located in Virginia, where the farmer became a carpenter and builder. He died there December 15, 1897, the mother having passed away December 23, 1895. James H. and Eliza J. Clifford are the parents of three children: Nellie M., a teacher in the State Normal College of Georgia; William H., manager of the Palestine Gas Company, Texas; and Edward, formerly a lawyer practicing in Virginia, Ill., and now an investment banker of Chicago, whose home is in Evanston, Ill. They are also the grandparents of four children, three boys and one girl, who are all attending school.

James H. Clifford belongs to Downing Post No. 321 of Virginia, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he is one of the oldest members. Politically, he is a strong Republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for president. While he has never sought nor held office, he has always taken part in the councils of his party and has served as a delegate to various conventions. Mrs. Clifford's father first voted for William H. Harrison of Tippecanoe fame for president, and when Benjamin Harrison, the grandson, ran for the same office in 1888, the Kikendall and Clifford families cast twelve votes for him. The sons, William H. and Edward inherited Republican sentiments from their parents, and since they became of age, have taken great interest in politics, made numerous speeches, served as delegates, etc. Edward Clifford was a delegate from Chicago at the famous "Deadlock" Republican State Convention held in Springfield in 1904. He is a strong supporter and personal friend of Hon. Lawrence Y. Sherman, United States Senator from Illinois, and ha fought with him in many of his campaigns.

The Clifford family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Miss Nellie is active in Sunday school work and Mrs. Clifford has long been a worker in the societies of the church; also she is one of the staunchest members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Mr. Clifford has always taken an active and energetic part in the history of the times. He and Mrs. Clifford are still living on the same street in Virginia where they started housekeeping, but in their second home, where they continue to enjoy the confidence and esteem of their fellow townsmen.