William Conrad Bliss
May 28, 1851-November 6, 1904
Death of W.C. Bliss
Well known and popular succumbs to brain trouble
Ill but three days
Was a self-Made Man and won His upward way unaided.
The death of William Conrad Bliss comes a shock to this community, where he was such a prominent figure and where but last Friday he was about his accustomed duties. It was known by the family, the physician and a few most intimate friends that he was suffering from a failure of the eyesight, but the seriousness of the affliction was not realized until Friday night, when he was taken suddenly ill and lapsed into unconsciousness, from which condition he never rallied. He died last evening at the home, corner of Broadway and Seventh Street, at 5:30 O’clock and the public mind was not prepared for this sudden announcement of his passing away.
Mr. Bliss was born At Scranton, PA, May 28, 1851. He was the second of four sons, all of whom became self educated and independent. At about the age of 23, Mr. Bliss started in business for himself at Cleveland, Ohio, as a carpenter. From there he went to Oakland, Cal, about year 1875. There he did well and soon acquired a home. From Oakland he removed to Chicago, where he became a prominent contractor and for years resident at 968 West Polk Street. The twelfth ward of Chicago recommended Mr. Bliss for the office of deputy sheriff and he received such appointment. Mr. Bliss was prominant republican politician in Chicago and he always took a lively interest in such affairs. During the World’s Fair Mr. Bliss and family removed to Niles and purchased the Geo. W. Dougan farm on Yankee Street, two miles east. He again went to Chicago; returned here shortly afterward and moved to another farm he purchased on Yankee Street. This farm he sold two weeks ago, and was not fairly settled at his new home when death came. He contemplated building a new home here in the near future.
Mr. Bliss had ambition. He was not afraid to work and did work, achieving success in worldly affairs. He was a public spirited citizen, and always expressed praise for Niles. He was a good neighbor, generous to a fault; a man peculiarly frank and open-hearted. This was to be seen not only in his kindly eye, pleasant face and cordial manner, but in all his acts.
Deceased is survived by a wife; two sons and a daughter, Harry Bliss of Chicago, Frank, who is attending college at Ann Arbor, and Mr. F. P. Rosback Jr., who resides in Chicago; also two brothers, Redmont, engaged in the coal mining business at west Pittston, PA, and J.H. at Harwell, Neb, who is a wealthy rancher and a sister, Mrs. Geo. S. Sayers of Scranton, Pa.
The funeral will occur from the house. Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. C. J. deCoux of Trinity Episcopal Church will officiate. Interment at Silverbrook Cemetery.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown.
