The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1877-01-12
The hate p. r. Bliss.
BIOGRAPHICAL.

BIOGRAPHICAL.
The late Mr.. P. P. Bliss was q
man extensively known Throughout
this country IS a composer of sa-
cred melodies, and more particu-
larly on account of the part he
had taken in revival work with
Major D. W. Whittle. The first
intimatlon of his death, and also
the death of his wife and children,
was contained in a telegram sent
by Mr.. j. E. Borchell last Satur-
day night to Mr.. B. F. Jacobs, a
CO worker in the cause of Christ
ianity with Mr.. Bliss. The Satur-
day papers contained no mention
of Mr.. Bliss fate, and 1t was not
even supposed among his friends
that he was passenger on the
train. 1t can readily be imagined
what shock the sad news occa-
stoned among the friends of a man
who was universally beloved where
he is best known. At the time OF
the accident Mr.. Bliss was en- route
from Rome, Pa, his former home,
to this city, where, with Major
Whittle, it was his intention to
take an active part in the revival
work. He had been spending the
holidays among his old friends and
relatives, and with his wife and
two lovely children were returning
to their home. His remains, with
those of his wife and children, will
be taken. to ToWanda, Pa, for
burial.
Mr.. Bliss first came to Chicago
in 1864 as an employe of the mu-
sic house of Root & Cady, now
Root &c Sons. He continued with
them until the fire of 1871. His
department in the business OF the
firm was to conduct the musical
conventions throughout the coun-
try. Previous to his coming here
he was engaged in musical instruc-
ton in the East, and was at one
time a pupil of Mr.. George F.
Root. The character of the man
and his deep-seated religious feel
ing impelled him to take a part in
Sunday school work, and when
Major Whittle was Superintendent
of the Tabernacle Sunday school
on the West Side Mr.. Bliss now
and then directed the singing.
Afterward he became the choral
leader of the First Presbyterian
Church, and also it's Sunday school
superintendent. Under his minis
tratIons the school grew to be one
of The largest and best conducted
Sunday schools in the city. His
lovable nature readily gained for
him the admiration and co-opera-
ton of his pupils, and he seemed
to inspire every one with whom he
came in contact with the same en-
thusiasm that he possessed. For
three years he retained this posi-
ton, and it was not until a call to
a higher and more extensive field
of religious labor came that he
gave up his favorlte charge. Then
he formed an alliance with Major
Whittle, and with the example set
by Moody and Sankey in Great
Britain, and their wonderful sue
cess there, the twain commenced
a like work in the West. They
| visited many places in this and
adjoining States, and succeeded In
letting light into many darkened
life, and winning many back from
the wicked ways into the fold of
Christ. The most gratifying re-
suit of their revival labors was ex-
perienced in Louisville, KY, two
years since.
Mr.. Bliss sacred compositions
are held in high esteem. His chief
songs are, "Hold the Fort" which
has become q watchwOrd in the
ranks of Christianity over all the
land. almost Persuaded" and
"What Shall the Harvest Be-"
These are his better-known songs.
His last work was a book called
Gospel Songs" in which were
included his best compositions,
written during the past year.
This publication will be issued in
few days. His voice possessed
sweetness of tone and a magnetic
flower; just the kind of voice by
which the sentiment of the hymn
could be best conveyed. His
singing awakened all the sympa
thies in the souls of his hearers.
His songs are a reflex of the mans
character. They are simple, yet
touching; unpretentious, yet al
wavs effectiyc-snited to the pop
ular taste. They have become
known in every Christian house
hold.
The deceased married a lady in
Pennsylvania about the time of his
first visit to the West. He had
two children, both of whom, with
their mother, persisted with him.
To his mother the loss of her son
is Oval blow. 1t was only a
short time ago that her husband,
Mr.. Bliss father, was taken from
her, and now she is called upon
suddenly to mourn the loss Of her
only and dearly beloved son. His
mother and two sisters now live in
Towanda, Pa. The life of this
good man, so pure and 80 simple
and so Christ-like, is fraught with |
a meaning for all. It's tragic end |
contains a warning none the less
forcible. To-day we are, to-mor-
row we are not, and none knows
when the eternal night cometh |
wherein no man shall work.
Inter Ocean.
The Popular Vote.