United States of America

Robert H. Clift

Died August 25, 1878

Robert H. Clift.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

City Marshal Clift, who also served as a United States Marshal, was shot and killed while escorting a prisoner back to Chetopa. As the suspect attempted to flee to Missouri he was stopped by Marshal Clift. The man said he would return to Chetopa but instead pulled a revolver and shot Marshal Clift. The suspect was captured and as he was being brought back for trial a mob of angry citizens took him off of a train and lynched him from a bridge. City Marshal Clift was survived by his wife and four children. He was a Union Civil War Veteran.

Survivors
City Marshal Clift was survived by his wife and four children.
Service Record
Also Served
Chetopa Police Department
City Marshal
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 56-E · Line 13 cut as ROBERT H CLIFT
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

City Marshal Clift served with the Chetopa Police Department.

Thank you for your service to the Chetopa community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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