Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,609, John Bliss, Conn. R. I.

SERVICE
Conn.
R. d.
Bliss, John Reliance
NUMBER _____
No. 18,609
CONTENTS

Cir. Iss. March 24: 1831 Transf d to Albany from 4: Sep. 1835 - April 1: 1836
N o 18840 Pennsylvania
John Bliss
Clearfield Co. in the State of Penna. was a Pr. V. Serjt. in the company commanded by Captain Beliker of the Regt. commanded by Col. Prentice in the Conn. Militia time for 1 Month Serjt. 5.00 21 1/2 " Pr. 71.66 $76.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 76 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8. day of Oct. 1833 and sent to Pensioner Brockville, Clearfield Co. Pa.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 191.66 2/3 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4. March 1834 38.33 1/3 $230.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown
Clerk,
Book E.
Vol. 5
Page 4

503, New York, Albany Reliance Bliss, widow of John Bliss Con n who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Serg t & private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 76 Dollars 66 Cents
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of June 1848, and sent to
L. Jenkins Albany N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 9 Vol. 4
1890 July
12. J. B. Callanan history Prior
Reported

First Connecticut Regt Capt - Belcher enlisted May 24, 77 - 8 mo Col 61st Regt Regiment - #16.4.8
addup - John Phipps - Brockville Post office, Clearfield County Penn a

State of Pennsylvania County of Clearfield } ss.
On this third day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three, personally appeared in open court, before the judges of the court of common Pleas of the county of Clearfield aforesaid, now sitting, John Bliss, a resident of Gay township county of Clearfield & State of Pennsylvania, aged seventy three years, who being first duly affirmed according to law, doth on his solemn affirmation, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 — That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated, viz. That some time about the month of March one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, he the said John Bliss was drafted in the Militia in the State of Connecticut near Groton in said State, and served in said Militia for the term of one month, during which time the party to which he belonged, were principally engaged in building Groton fort, and that he has at this day, entirely forgot the names of any of his officers during said service — That on the seventh day of April of said year (1777) he enlisted at Preston in Windham county, State of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain W m Belcher in the Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Preston in the line of the State of Connecticut on the continental establishment, that the party to which he belonged marched to New Haven, from there to Peekskill in the State of New York, & joined the main Army under General Washington in the State of New Jersey, that during his service in the line establishment, he was in what was called the flying camp, and was under the command of an officer whom he believes to have been called General Parsons with a party on Long Island, and was engaged in some skirmishes, that he continued to serve until about the first day of January 1778, when he was marched from Valley Forge to the State of Connecticut and was then discharged, after serving in said corps not less than eight & half months as will appear by the return in the war office department: And also that he the said John Bliss in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy eight at the town of Preston aforesaid, enlisted in the company commanded by Captain John Ferris, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Crary in General Connell's Brigade in the State of Rhode Island Troops, that he served under General Sullivan in Rhode Island and was engaged whilst under his command in some skirmishing, that deponent served in said corps until the 16 th day of March one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine when he was discharged in the State of Rhode Island after having served in said corps one year which was the term of his enlistment — That in the fall of summer of the year 1779 the affiant was drafted as a militia man at Preston aforesaid, and served as a sergeant at Fort Groton for a term of one month under Captain Smith in his company and under Colonel Sedgwick. That affiant turned out also as a volunteer two or three times, some days each

on alarms of an enemy being on the approach to when he resided the length of time he served on such alarms not now remembered - That the whole of affirmant's services as a Revolutionary soldier, to the best of his knowledge & recollection, were not less than one month as a drafted Militiaman as aforesaid, eight and a half months in the Connecticut line on the continental establishment, twelve months in the Rhode Island troops, & one month as a drafted militiaman, during the whole of which time he served as a private except the last months that he acted as a sergeant, making in the whole twenty two & half months service for which he claims a pension -
That the said John Bliss has no documentary evidence in his possession, and that he knows of no person living who could bear testimony to his services -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State -
Affirmed & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
John Bliss
J. Boone Pg.
We Edward Macomber a clergyman of the Baptist church, residing in Jay - township in said county of Clearfield in the neighborhood of the said applicant John Bliss, and Chauncy Brockway of Fox township in said county, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Bliss who has subscribed & affirmed to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Edward Macomber
Chauncy Brockway
J. Boone Pg.
Interrogatories -
1 st . When & in what year were you born? Answer - I was born in the town of Middletown, county of Newport, State of Rhode Island, on the seventh day of January one thousand seven hundred & fifty -
2 nd . Have you any record of your age, if so when is it? Ans r . The only record I have is one committed to writing by myself a great many years ago, from what I was told by my parents, which is at my place of residence.
3 rd . When were you living when called into service, when have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and when do you now live? Ans r . I lived when I entered the service at Preston, New London Windham county State of Connecticut. I lived immediately after the war for four years at New Bedford, Dukes Dukes county, Massachusetts, then on Rhode Island two years, then at Cambridge in the State of New York, four years, then at Greenfield, Saratoga county in the State of New York, about twenty years, from which place I

removed to my present place of residence in what is now called 4 th Jay township, Clearfield county & State of Pennsylvania - How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? Ans: I was drafted twice in the militia, and served a month each time, then I enlisted, & served for one of the terms one year, the other enlistment was for nine months of which I served not less than eight & a half, as I have before stated, I never was a substitute for any person. 5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served, such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service? Ans: I recollect General Sullivan, General Lounsbury, Colonel Greig, Colonel Tappan, two captains Penn & Capt. [blank] in the State troops to whom I served; while in the line I recollect Colonel Webb, and the officers I have before stated of my own regiment, the general circumstances of my service were such as I have already stated. 6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it? Ans: I never received a written discharge from the service, and the only writing I ever had from the service, was a sergeant's warrant which is now lost. 7 th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution? Ans: - Comrades Brockway, Smith, Moad Esq. - Chauncy Brockway Esq. - Benjamin Liggitt
And the said court do hereby declare their Opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant, was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Edward Macomber who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman and resides in Jay, township, Clearfield county, and that Chauncy Brockway - who has also signed the same resides in Fox township in said county, and that they are both credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit -
Edward Macomber Chauncy Brockway Roscoe Boggs

I Joseph Boon Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the said county of Clearfield in the State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Bliss for a Pension -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said office this third day of September in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred thirty three -
J. Boon Protho
First Conneaut Stage Capt. Decker's Express May 24, 77 - 8 mo Col. Brungs 1st Regiment - Sept. 16. 48
Address - John Bliss - Brockville Post office, Clearfield County Penna

Application for a Transfer State of New York
County of Erie ss 3
On this Fifteenth Day of March 1836 Before the subscriber of Justice of the Peace for the said County of Erie personally appeared John Bliss a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of 1832 who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain William Belcher in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Pendlif in the service of the United States That his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Pennsylvania from whence he has lately removed That he now resides in Holland County of Erie and State of New York where he intends to reside and wishes his pension to be there payable in future The following are his reasons for removing from the State of Pennsylvania, That his Son was a resident in the Town of Holland in the County of Erie and was a man of living with him as well as his Wife
Sworn and subscribed to before me
the day and year aforesaid John Bliss
State of New York ss 2 Justice of the Peace
County of Erie ss
Harry Slade Justice of the Peace
Buffalo March 15th 1836
Conformably to the Regulations of the War Department of the 19th June 1824 I Harry Slade a Magistrate in the County above named Do hereby certify that I have the most Satisfactory evidence via the affidavit of George Bliss to me known that John Bliss who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity is the identical person named in the pension certifi- cate which he has exhibited before me numbered 18840 and bearing date at the War Office the 8th day of October 1833 that the said Certificate was originally issued for him that he now holds the same in his possession and claims all the benefits arising therefrom Given under My Hand at Buffalo on the Day and Year above written
Harry Slade Justice of the Peace

Horace Clarke Clerk of the County Court of the County and State of New York. Certify that Harvey Hyde is a Magistrate as within named and that his signature is genuine in testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of office and subscribed my name this fifteenth day of March 1836
Horace Clarke Clerk By C. H. Anderson Dep. Clk
1836

State of New York Wyoming County } ss: On this 25 th day of May 1846, personally appeared before the Surrogates Court holden at Perry in and for the county aforesaid Reliance Bliss, a resident of the town of Portage in the county of Wyoming and State of New York, aged eighty four years, who, being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838. March 3 d 1843 and June 17, 1844, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" that she is the widow of John Bliss who was a Private and Sergeant in the Revolutionary War and a Pensioner of the United States under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, that he resided in the town of Jay, in the county of Clearfield and State of Pennsylvania at the time he first drew his pension as she believes will fully appear by reference to his papers now on file in the Pension Office. She further declares that she was married to the said John Bliss in the town of Dartmouth in the village of New Bedford in the State of Massachusetts, on the fourth day of November, 1784, and that they were married by Elder William Bliss who was a Minister of said town; that her husband, the aforesaid John Bliss, died on the 28 th day of April 1845, in the town of Portage in the State of New York: That she has not intermarried but continues to be the widow of the above mentioned John Bliss, deceased.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year Reliance her Bliss above written before William Mitchell (Surrogate) X mark.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Perry this 25 th day of May in the year of our Lord, 1846. William Mitchell, Surrogate

Dartmouth June 25th 1846 Town Clerks office Dartmouth Massachusetts
The Intention of Marriage Between John Bliss and Reliance Babcock both of Dartmouth was Entered October the fifteenth day Seventeen hundred and Eighty four
Witness Benjamin Albin Town Clerk
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the Records in the Town Clerks office of the Town of Dartmouth in the State of Massachusetts with the exception of the date which is in fair- legible figures as follows viz October the 15th day 1784 And I also certify that on Examination of the Records in said office I find no other record of the marriage of the said John Bliss to Reliance Babcock
George Kirby Town Clerk
State of Massachusetts County of Bristol } Is Be it known that on this twenty fifth day of June 1846 before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared George Kirby Town Clerk of Dartmouth and made oath in due form of law that the above mentioned copy of Record and Certificate signed by him is true In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned. Henry H. Crapo, Justice of the Peace.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., Aug 15 , 19 21
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Bliss a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 18609
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mar. 1777 1 mo. Pvt. stationed at Fort in Offenburg stated Conn.   Apl. 1777 6-8 mos Wm Belcher Prentice   Aug. 1778 1 yr. John Bliss Gracy R.I.   Winter or Fall 1779 1 mo. Lgh. Smith Ledyard  
Battles engaged in, several skirmishes
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Preston New London Co., Conn.
Date of application for pension, Sept 3 1832. Cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Pay Twp, Lackawanna Co., Pa.
Age at date of application, 67 yrs. in Middlesex Newport Co., R.I.
Remarks: He was born Nov. 4, 1784 in Dartmouth Mass. Parents Robert & Sarah (Dartmouth). He d. Apr. 28, 1845 in Portage, Wyoming Co., N.Y. & she died there when ab. 84 yrs. They had 5 ch. prior to 1794, no names given except Jas. D. the eldest son who in 1846 was in Genesee Falls (formerly Portage) N.Y. at 61 yrs. This person has no record of services rendered prior to the Revolution.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Allegany County ss.
Personally appeared before me, Samuel White, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county; James D. Bliss, a resident of the town of Genesee Falls, in the county of Wyoming, and state of New-York, who deponeth and saith, that he is, as he believes, of the age of sixty one years; and is the oldest son and child of John Bliss, deceased late of the said town of Genesee Falls, formerly Portage, who was a pennsioner of the United States, and died on the 28th day of April 1845. And the said James D. Bliss, doth further depose and say, that Reliance Bliss who was his reputed mother, and who lived with the said John Bliss, from his earliest recollection as his wife, and raised a family of children; now remains a widow, and resides in the said town of Genesee Falls: And the said James D. Bliss further saith that he distinctly recollects that his reputed father and mother, John and Reliance Bliss, lived together as husband and wife previous to the year 1796, and continued to live together as such, until during the life time of the said John Bliss, and that they had five children previous to the said year 1796, and further saith not.
Subscribed and Sworn before me This 8th day of July 1846.
James D. Bliss
Samuel White, Justice
State of New York Allegany County ss Clerks Office
J William Windsor

Clerk of Linn County do hereby certify that Samuel H. White Esquire before whom the preceding Affidavit for poor to have been taken was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and hereby believe his name Subscribed thereto is his genuine signature
Witness my hand and the Seal of said County this 9th day of July AD 1846 William Windom Clerk

Admitted 1 mo. high. 21 1/2 " here
Hon. V. L. Gilmore Barker Pa.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Bliss which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No - see several VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

✓ XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
no
✓ XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
no
✓ XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
no
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
There are no rolls in the Department of Pensions troops

Albany June 19. 1848.
James L. Edward Esquire, Counsel of Pensions,
Sir,
I enclose the declaration of Mrs. Rebecca Bliss, for the purpose of obtaining her pension benefits under the act of 2 d February 1848 -
Very Respectfully
Yours, ol d & S r
Samuel Jenkins.

Girard Bank
Philadelphia March 28 th 1836
Sir
In Answer to your letter of the 24 th Instt. I have to state that the pension of John Phipps a pensioner under Act of 7 Jan 1832. was last paid his pension at the rate of $76 66 / 100 on the 15 th September last, to the 4 th Sept. 1835. No further payments will be made him by me & his name shall be noted on the Roll as transferred to the Albany Agency from and after the last mentioned date.
I am respectfully Your Obedient Servt W. Shott Pugh
R. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Buffalo March 15th 1836
Dear Sir
At the request of John Bliss et Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of 1832 Enclose the Within Papers He is desirous of Being Transferred from the Pennsylvania Agency to that of New York He says he was Last paid on the 18th of September 1835 and of Course Will as soon as Transferred have Six Months pay due him from Sept 18 1835 to March 1 1836 if the papers are satisfactory You Will please send a Transfer to him at Buffalo to the Care of David Buel and oblige
Yours &c John Bliss
if said papers are Not Correct Will You please send Me 2 or 3 Blanks as it very rarely happens that they are Blank and our printers do not have them
Yours &c
David Buel
J S Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

N 12930
Reliance Blip Widow of John N
act 7 July 1838
Rejected, husband died 28 April 1845
Adm? act 17 June 1844
1 Mo Sergeant $5.00 21 1/2 .. m. 71.66 76.66
min 28 April 1845
A. J. Lyon Rushford

Rushford July 12. 1846
Dear Sir
I herewith transmit The claim of the heirs of Reliana Bliss deceased widow of John Bliss to a pension under the act of July 9 th 1838 and the subsequent acts
I think we are up to your rules in this case or very near as we understand them all of which is Respectfully submitted
I am very respectfully your obed servt A Hyon
Hon J L Edwards Comm of Pensions

1921, Aug. 15 list to Mrs. A. H. McLeod. En.
Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18607 Reliance Bliss Widow of John Bliss Sgt. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 2 d  1/48
Index:—Vol. 64 , Page 68
This B Stillman [Arrangement of 1870.] Slavery Institute Washington D.C.

Rep d
New York No. 2457
Reliance Bliss widow of John Bliss who was a Sergeant & Private in the Revolution.
Husband died 28 th April 1845.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 76 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1844.
28 th April 1845.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of August 1846. and sent to
A. J. Lyon, Esq. Rushford, New York
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2 Page 72.
D. H. Wood, CLK.

admitted
L. Jenkins Albany N.Y.

State of New-York, } ss. County of Wyoming
On this Tenth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Wyoming in the state of New York, Reliance Bliss a resident of the town of Geneva Falls , in the said county of Wyoming aged Eighty Six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War:
That she is the widow of John Bliss , who was a private sergeant in the Army of the Revolution, and on account of whose services she was pensioned under the Acts of 3 d March 1843 & 17 June 1844 - and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the Act of 17 June 1844 was, Seventy five Dollars and sixty five Cents.
She further declares, that she is still a Widow. That she does not write her name because she now hand writes
Sworn to & subscribed on the day of June above written, before me } Reliance Bliss mark William H. Conklin Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the above declaration is personally known to me. William H. Conklin Justice of the Peace.
State of New-York, } ss. County of Wyoming
I, Abel Melcher Clerk of the said county, do hereby certify that William H. Conklin was on the day of the date of the above Declaration and Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly appointed and sworn, and that the signatures to the Jurat of the above Declaration and to the above Certificate, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said county, this Tenth day of June 1848.
Abel Melcher Clerk By Rev. Ballard Dapelt

State of New York, Wyoming County } ss: I, William Mitchell Surrogate, do hereby certify that at a Surrogates Court held on the 25 th day of April  May in the year of our Lord 1846  1845 , at Portage in and for the County aforesaid, satisfactory evidence was exhibited to said Court that John Bliss was a Pensioner of the United States under the Law of 7 th June, 1832, at the rate of seventy six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, and that he was a resident of the county of Wyoming in the State of New York, and died in the town of Portage in said county, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five, on the Twenty eighth day of April: that he left a widow whose name is Reliance Bliss.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Perry — on the — 25 th day of May — in the year of our Lord 1846.
William Mitchell, Surrogate.

Recorded in the Session of fees in Book 2. p. 1. 5 Page 4 by D. Brown Clerk.
12936.
Release Rele in favor of John NY Act 4 July 1838 Married 184 Husband died 28 th 45
Payments to be made at Philadelphia by the Ex. N.Y. D.R.R. Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Penna.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Bliss of the State of Pennsylvania who was a Private and Sergeant in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Seventy six dollars and Sixty six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this — 8 th day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty=three
John B. B. Welling Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

State of Pennsylvania, } ss. County of Clearfield, } ss.
On this third day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Clearfield aforesaid, now sitting, John Bliss, a resident of Jay Township, county of Clearfield & State of Pennsylvania, aged seventy two years, who being first duly affirmed according to law, doth on his solemn affirmation make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated, viz. That some time about the month of March one thousand seven hundred & seventy seven, he the said John Bliss enlisted was drafted in the Militia in the state of Connecticut near Groton in said state of Connecticut & served in said militia for the term of one month during which time the party to which he belonged were principally engaged in building Groton fort & that he has at this day entirely forgot the name of any of his officers during said service. That he again enlisted on the day of April 1 st 1777 at Preston in Windham county, State of Connecticut, in the company commanded by Captain W m Beecher, in the Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Prentice in the service of the state of Connecticut on the Continental establishments that the party to which he belonged marched to New Haven, from there to Peekskill in the state of New York & joined the Main Army under General Washington in the state of New Jersey, that during his service on the line establishments he was in what was called the flying camp, & was under the command of General Parsons with a party on Long Island, & was engaged in some skirmishes that he continued to serve until about the first day of January 1778 when he was marched from Valley Forge to the native state of Connecticut & there discharged after serving in said corps between eight & nine months as will appear by the returns in the war office department. That he the said John Bliss in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy eight, at the town of Preston aforesaid, enlisted in the company commanded by Captain John Hovey, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Green in General Cornwall's Brigade in the state of Rhode Island troops that he served under General Sullivan in Rhode Island, during which time he was engaged in some skirmishes; that defendant served in said corps until the 16 th day of March one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine when he was discharged in the state of Rhode Island after having served in said corps one year which was the term of his enlistment. That in the fall of the year 1779 the affiant was drafted as a Militiaman at Preston aforesaid, and served as a sergeant at Fort Groton for a term of one month under Captain Smith in his company & under Colonel Ledyard. That affiant turned out also a volunteer two or three times, some days each, on alarms of an enemy being on the approach to where he resided.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. John Bliss Affirmed & subscribed the day & year aforesaid John Bliss

We Conside Bockway, and Benjamin Liggitt both residing in Jay township, Clearfield county, aforesaid, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Bliss who has subscribed, & affirmed to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is reputed and we believe him to be in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Conside Bockway Benjamin Liggitt W. Boone Rod
Interrogatories
1 st When and in what year were you born?
Ans r , I was born in town of Middletown, county of Newport state of Rhode Island, on the seventh day of January one thousand seven hundred & sixty -
2 d Have you any record of your age; and if so when is it?
Ans r The only record I have is one committed to writing by myself a great many years ago, from what I was told by my parents, which is at my place of residence -
3 d When were you born when called into service; when have you lived since the Revolutionary war; and where do you now live?
Ans r I lived when I entered service at Preston new London county, state of Connecticut. I lived immediately after the war for four years at New Bedford, Bristol county, Massachusetts, then on Rhode Island two years, then at Cambridge in the state of New York four years, then at Greenfield, Saratoga county in said state about twenty years, from which place he removed to his present place of residence in Jay township, Clearfield county & state of Pennsylvania, where he now resides.
4 th How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
Ans r I was drafted twice in the militia served one month each time. twice I enlisted & served one year one of the terms & between eight & nine months the other time, as I have before stated. I never was a substitute for any person.
5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served; such continental & militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Ans r I recollect two captain Kerr & Capt. Horne , General Sullivan, Colonel Coorey & General Cornwall, & Colonel Tappin in the state troops when I served; while in the line I recollect Colonel Webb and the officer I have before stated of my own Regiment, was such as I have already affirmed to.

6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Ans. I never received a written discharge from the service, and the only writing I ever had from my service was a sergeant's warrant which is now lost —
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution?
Ans. Conider Brookway, Smith Mead Esq. Chauncy Brookway Esq. Benjamin Liggett,
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them, that Conider Brookway and Benjamin Liggett who have signed the preceding certificates are residents in Jay township, Clearfield county, and are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit.
W. H. Wren (Clerk) Moses Hogg Hugh Jordan
I Joseph Boone Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the said county of Clearfield in the State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Bliss for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said Office this third day of September in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
J. Boone Prothonotary

1st - 10th March, in 1876 = 2 weeks a few days of rain mostly - in which any rain - Capt. Beale - 3. in State's life 1 year - 1 month - 10 days -
9808

John Bliss
Born Jan'y of 1760 in Middlesex, Newport Co RI & during the Rev war he was recruiting in Preston New London Co Conn. Immediately after the war he lived for years in New Bedford Mass, then 2 years in RI, also 4 years in Cambridge Washington Co NY at Greenfield, Greenfield , Saratoga Co NY About 20 yrs and finally settled in Jay township called in 1833 Jay township (neither in 1828 or now a PO) where living in Sept 1833 - He affirmed to his declaration - In 1833 Adolph Berwickville PO Post (No now a PO)
Early in 1836 moved to Holland Erie Co NY where his son was residing (probably George name) He died in Portage April 28 1845. Widow in June 1848 of Genesee Falls Wyoming Co NY aged 86 yrs May 1846 of Portage Wyoming Co NY aged 86 yrs. Married at Dartmouth Village in New Bedford Mass Nov 4 1784 to Reliance Babcock by Elder Mr Bliss both of Dartmouth. Intention Oct. 15 1784 & no other record.
In March 1777 he was drafted near Groton Conn for one month & employed in building a fort at Groton which had got the name of Fort of the Nevers.
In April 1777 he enlisted at Preston for 3 mos under Capt Wm Belding & Col Pocumtuck, marched to Pickett Hill NY to join the main army under Genl Washington in N.Y. & placed with the Flying Camp on Long Island & engaged in some skirmishes. He went into the winter's camp at Valley Forge from whence detached in Jan'y 1778 to go to Conn to be discharged.
In the spring of 1778 at Preston enlisted for one year under Capt John Kerr & Col Grewary in B S Corps & served in Genl Sullivan's campaign - In some skirmishes.
In fall 1779 he was drafted at Preston & served as a Sgt at Fort Groton for one month under Capt Smith & Col Sadyard. He also turned out as a volunteer 2 or 3 times a few days each time on account of the capture of the enemy to the place where he resided.
James D Bliss in July 1846 of formerly Portage Genesee Falls NY States he is the oldest son of John aged 61 yrs had 5 children previous to 1796

Old war Div. I. V. P Ex'r. No. Co. _____ Reg't _____
Department of the Interior BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C. June 14, 1890
Address your reply to the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS with return of this letter.
Sir,
In answer to your request relative to John Bliss, a Revolutionary Soldier, you are advised that you have not furnished the proper data for identification -
Be pleased to state his residence during and after the war, and, if known, did a widow survive him -
A. John Bliss and his widow, applied for pension, but neither received $90 00 per annum, which is an exceptional rate - Was he wounded? He was born in Rhode Island moved to Connecticut, from thence to Pennsylvania and New York - and he & his widow received $76 66 per annum -
A more thorough examination can be made after the above requested information is received -
Very respectfully
John B. Rau Commissioner
Mr Thomas B. Stillman Stevens Institute Hoboken N. J.

1700 Rev. Iowa Falls, Iowa. July 27, 1921
Department of War Pension Bureau Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs,----I am seeking to verify certain data recorded in my family genealogy concerning two ancestors who fought in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars respectively, and am writing to this department to discover if you can furnish the necessary historical prooffs.
The family I refer to is the Bliss family which has been in this country since 1635. My direct ancestor, Rev. William Bliss of Newport and Middletown, R. I. (Feb. 5, 1728-May 4, 1808) a Seventh Day Baptist clergyman, son of Josiah Bliss, held a captain's commission in the French and Indian war in 1763, according to family history, and "was on the point of marching with the troops raised for an expedition against Canada, when the settlement of the difficulty between Great Britain and France led to the disbanding of the troops." During the Revolutionary war, the British troops under Colonel Campbell are said to have been quartered on the farm of Mr. Bliss at Newport, where they built their intrenchments.
Rev. William Bliss' second son, Rev. John Bliss of Greenfield, Saratoga county, N. Y. and of Clearfield, Pa. (Jan. 7, 1760-April 28, 1845) was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, in Colonel Archibald Crary's Rhode Island regiment in which his brother William served as an ensign. A reference in the family record said this regiment was a three months' regiment.
I shall greatly appreciate any authenticity which you can furnish as to the lives and military records of these two men.
Very truly yours
Mrs A. H. Mc c Leod

Stevens Institute of Technology.
Hoboken, N. J., May 23 1890.
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C., Dear Sir.
Will you please inform me in what regiment and from which state John Bliss served in the War of the Revolution? Also what position he held in the regiment.
He received a pension of $90. per year, from the Government for his services in the Revolutionary War-
Respectfully Yours
Thomas B. Billings Stevens Institute Hoboken N.J.
Word 18 609 Reference Com
28 314 Capt 1812

Stevens Institute of Technology,
Hoboken, N. J., June 28 1890.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.,
Dear Sir,
In reply to your letter of June 14 th (herewith enclosed) - I can furnish the following data:- John Bliss, son of Elder Wm Bliss, of Newport R.I., was born in Newport R.I., Jan 7 1760. and married Reliance Babcock of Dartmouth Mass.
He enlisted and served in the Revolutionary War.
In 1787 he moved from R.I. to Cambridge N.Y. and in 1792 moved to Greenfield Saratoga Co N.Y. In 1818 moved to Clearfield Co, Pa. moved to Holland Erie Co N.Y. in

in 1833 and in 1835 he moved to Portageville N.Y. where he resided until his death April 28 1846. His widow Reliance Bliss died Jan 29 1851.
I should like to know in what regiment &c. he served - which your records must show otherwise he could not have received a pension (except by special enactment)
Very Respectfully Yours
Thos B Stillman