Howard F. Bliss

Surnames: Bassett, Echlin, Hayner, Hunt, Jenkins, Willmarth

Regions: Rensselaer Co., NY; Rock Co., WI

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wisconsin,

Publ. 1889 - page 485-486

HOWARD F. BLISS, treasurer and manager of the Gazette Printing Company, of Janesville, was born in Mount Carroll, Carroll County, Ill., Feb. 15, 1844, and is the son of Lewis and Mary (JENKINS) BLISS, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of Connecticut. They were among the pioneers of Carroll County, Ill., settling there in 1839. In his native county young BLISS grew to manhood, receiving a literary education in the common schools and a commercial education in active business. He was reared on a farm, and when not in school assisted in farm labor. When twenty years of age he left home for Harvard, Ill., where for the next six months he was engaged as clerk in a drug store. In the spring of 1865 he came to Janesville, and entered the employ of WRIGHT & HUNT, leather and saddlery hardware dealers, with whom he continued for three years. He then engaged in business for himself in company with Adam HAYNER, in the same line of trade, saddlery hardware, under the firm name of HAYNER & BLISS. A year later Mr. C. BASSETT became a member of the firm, and the business was continued under the firm name of HAYNER, BLISS & Co. About 1874, the senior member retired, and the business was carried on by BASSETT, BLISS & Co. In 1876 J. C. ECHLIN purchased an interest, and the firm became known as BASSETT, BLISS & ECHLIN. In 1883 Mr. BLISS retired and purchased an interest in the Gazette Printing Company, and was elected treasurer and manager, which position he has since held. While not a practical printer, he has the right business qualifications for a manger, and since forming the connection the paper has been a good paying institution. On the 25th day of October, 1867, Mr. BLISS was united in marriage with Miss Carrie HAYNER, a daughter of Adam HAYNER, and a native of Rensselaer County, N.Y. Four children have blessed their union: George H., Harry, Emma and Charles L. They have adopted a nephew and niece of Mrs. BLISS, James and Faith WILLMARTH. Mr. and Mrs. BLISS are members of the Court Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and both take a special interest in the work of that organization. Socially he is a member of Janesville Lodge, No. 55, A.F. & A.M., the Royal Arcanum, Knights of Honor and Traveling Men's Association. In politics he is a Republican, and for several years has been chairman of the Republican City Central Committee. He is vice-president of the Publishers' Commercial Union of Chicago. As a citizen he is enterprising and active having an eye single to the best interests of Janesville and Rock County, and is ever ready to do his part in whatever is calculated for the public good.

Submitted by Carol