Customs Officer Clyde Merrill Bristow

Customs Officer Clyde Merrill Bristow | United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government
United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government
Customs Officer Clyde Merrill Bristow

United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Tuesday, January 12, 1932

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Clyde Merrill Bristow

Customs Officer Clyde Bristow was shot and killed at a border crossing in Arizona while he and another officer checked a vehicle for illegal liquor.

He and his partner had stopped the vehicle on the Tucson Road about 14-1/2 miles north of Nogales, Arizona,

The 22-year-old suspect escaped into Mexico. On May 21st, 1935, he died of food poisoning in Mexico City.

Officer Bristow had served with the United States Customs Service for three years. He was survived by his wife and one child. He was predeceased by two sons.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Arizona
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Escaped

alcohol violation, traffic stop, vehicle search

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Clyde M. Bristow is my grandfather. Let it be known that he was also a writer for Zane Grey and a well known typist at MGM Studios in Culver City Ca. before he joined Border Patrol in Nogales Arizona. He was married to Ileese Campbell of Walnut Grove Arizona. They had two children killed at a young age and are buried in the same cemetery as their father Clyde.
My mother was their only surviving daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bristow. She was only 6 yrs. old when he was shot and killed. I have been looking for long lost family for years and any e-mails are welcome. [email protected]

Deborah Peralta
Grandaughter

February 15, 2026

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