Private W. H. Cliff

Private W. H. Cliff

Texas Rangers, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, September 23, 1874

Add to My Heroes

W. H. Cliff

Company E of the Frontier Battalion under the command of Captain W.J. Maltby had established a camp on Home Creek in Coleman County about 18 miles from Brownwood. The rangers were engaged in battling Comanche and Kiowa raiding parties. While Captain Maltby was on patrol two rangers arrived advising that a flood had destroyed their camp. A sudden storm struck at 3:00 a.m. and a ranger on guard gave an alarm. The rangers tried to cut the horses loose and climbed trees. Within five minutes the entire was washed away. Ranger Private Cliff was drowned as were seven horses and one pack mule. Captain Maltby sent an escort to retrieve Cliff’s body and take it back to Camp Colorado. Private Cliff was buried with the honors of war.

Cliff enlisted on June 6, 1874 in Brownwood. He was reportedly from Hopkins County.

Bio

  • Age 23
  • Tour 3 months, 2 weeks
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Drowned

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Most of society lives in a world that doesn’t recognize what gives them the comforts they live in. Because of you, and people like you, society can live that way.

You put the badge on to make the community a better place. You put the badge on for justice. You put the badge on to save life. You put the badge on for the principles it represents. The badges didn’t make you a hero, the badge was worn by a hero. To your family, and the generations that followed, thank you for your service. Be proud of this man.

Sergeant Christian Yanchula
Forensic Services
Indian River County Sheriff's Office

September 23, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.