The Cliff family's origin was Gringley on the Hill, Nottingham, England, a parish located along the river Trent. Several of Thomas Cliff and Elizabeth Walkington's children were married and resided in Hemmingford, Lacolle and the Eastern
Townships of Quebec. In 1851, the two sons who represented the family in Lacolle were Joseph Beacon Cliff and Walkington Cliff. Joseph's middle name is no doubt associated with Beacon Hill, a Gringley landmark.
A Samuel Cliff of Stanbridge married Sybil Gibbs on 13 Feb., 1827 in St. Armand East, Bedford, Quebec.
A Henry Cliff married Helen Bickford on 3 Feb., 1825 in St. Armand East, Bedford, Quebec