William Bliss 1846 - 1922

BLISS, AYRES, BACON, DUNN, PIERCE, PACKER

Posted By: A.M.W. (email)
Date: 3/12/2006 at 22:16:29

Salem Weekly News – April 20, 1922

William Henry Bliss, the son of Henry II and Lucy Bliss was born in LaHarpe Illinois July 25, 1846. In his young manhood, he learned the banking business by working in a local bank. At the age of 20 years he united with the Congregational Church of LaHarpe and from that time through a long and busy life, the prosperity of the church and the advancement of Christ’s kingdom on earth have been his chief concerns.

On September 12, 1876, he was married to Miss Jessie Esther Ayres of Galesburg, Illinois.

For several years he served as cashier in a bank at Abingdon, Illinois, then in Mapleton, Iowa. In 1881, with his brother-in-law, H. L. Bacon, he opened a banking business at Salem, Iowa, where he served as cashier for 35 years when he retired from the banking business and moved with his family to Iowa City, Iowa. Here he was engaged in the real estate business until his late illness which resulted in his death April 9, 1922.

During his long residence in Salem, he was one of the most devoted, active, and useful members of the Congregational Church, serving for many years as Sunday School superintendent, as a member of the board of trustees, as deacon, as treasurer, and in the choir, and in many other ways contributing to the upbuilding of the church and the Kingdom of God. Living, he was the valued friend, faithful and devoted husband and father, and the generous public spirited citizen.

Mr. Bliss is survived by his wife, one son, four daughters, and one sister, Mrs. E. M. Dunn of Galesburg, Illinois. The children are Henry N. Bliss of Baltimore, Maryland; Miss Amy L. Bliss and Mrs. Margaret Ayres of Iowa City; Mrs. Ira H. Pierce of Burlington, Iowa; Mrs. P. G. Packer of New York City. One daughter, Abbie, died in childhood.

The funeral service was held in the Congregational Church at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon conducted by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Vincent and the body was laid to rest in the east cemetery.