[1] 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.

Clift entered the Union Army and was acting surgeon from July 13, 1862, to August 7, 1865.

[1] 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.

Clift presented credentials as a Member-elect to the 41st United States Congress, but was not permitted to qualify.

[1] After being declined his seat after re-election, Clift moved back to Massachusetts and continued to practice medicine.