Legislator Details
Aaron T. Bliss, 1837-1906, portrait from Seekingmichigan.org
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
Married Allaseba M. Phelps of Solsville, Madison Co. NY on March 31, 1868
Number of Children: 0
Background
Education:
district schools
Biographical Sketch:
Of English descent. Born on a farm in NY state. Youngest of 7 sons of Lyman & Anna M. (Chaffee) Bliss. Clerked in a store, Morrisville, NY, 1853-1854; attended school in Munnsville, NY, 1854; moved to Bouckville, NY, 1855. Enlisted as a pvt in Co. D, 10th Reg., NY Volunteer Cavalry, 1861; left service as a capt. Moved to Saginaw, MI, 12/1865. He began his lumberman career as a team driver, swamper and then cook A year later he and a brother purchased timberland. He soon purchased a mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber. His wife ran a boarding house to raise money. Served as alderman, supervisor and member of the board of education. He was also involved in the sugar beet business and organized the Valley Sugar Co. Employed many men in his various business ventures. Member of the Masons. Suffered from Bright's disease. He died of 'apoplexy' at Sacred Heart sanitarium in Milwaukee, WI..
Notable Facts:
Confined 6 months of Civil War service in prisons at Andersonville, Charleston, Macon, & Columbia; escaped 11/29/1864. Appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Gov. Alger, 1885; held same with the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Rep., 1888; elected 51st Congress 1889-1891. Leg. Committees: Saline Interests (chair); Labor (chair); Finance; Sch. for the Blind; & Pub. Lands. Governor of Michigan 1900-1904(MI BIOG:1901-1905).