BLISS, ABIAH, Jr., is descended from Thomas, of Devonshire, England, whose son Thomas emigrated to this country in 1636, and became one of the pioneers who settled in Rehoboth in 1643. Thomas¹ (Rehoboth ancestor), Jonathan,² Jonathan,³ Ephraim,⁴ Abiah,⁵ Col. Abiah,⁶ Abiah, Jr.⁷

He was born March 6, 1800, at Rehoboth. His mother was Rebecca Kent, daughter of Ezekiel Kent. Abiah, Jr., married Nov. 11, 1834, Julia A. Sturtevant, daughter of Francis Sturtevant of Pawtucket. Mr. Bliss took his bride to the ancestral homestead where he was born and where he resided until his death, March 31, 1887. Mrs. Bliss died four days later in her 81st year. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Nov. 11, 1884.

Mr. Bliss was a wide-awake, progressive farmer, a pioneer in agricultural improvements. He was an enthusiastic member of the Farmers’ Club and participated freely in the discussions. In his prime he spent a part of each year in collecting cattle from various New England states, particularly Vermont and New Hampshire, and driving them into the Boston markets. In this way he came to know these states quite thoroughly, as it was before railroads were common. He was a man of genial temperament and thoroughly reliable. For many years he was a trustee of the Congregational Society and was prominent in the building of the Village Church in 1839—40.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bliss:

Rebecca, born Oct. 27, 1835.

Francis A., born Nov. 18, 1837; died Oct. 17, 1914; Civil War veteran.

Albert Henry, born Feb. 27, 1840; died Aug. 31, 1842.

Thomas, born May 21, 1842; died in the army, May 20, 1862.

William, born Jan. 23, 1844.

Adaline, born Aug. 28, 1846; died July 11, 1856