Maj. John Bliss, of Newport, Rhode Island, was born in about 1645 at
Sandwich, Massachusetts [?] (the son of George Bliss and Ann Shaw of Preston
Parva, Northamptonshire, England and of Newport, R.I.). He is frequently
referred to in the records of the colony of Rhode Island and appears to ahve
been an active citizen and a man of much influence in the colony. On March
28, 1667 "Ensign" John Bliss (with three others), was appointed to a
committee "to go from house to house and take a precise and exact account of
all the arms, ammunition and weapons of war each person is furnished with, or
hath in his house to spare to others and in what condition with regard to
service the same is in and it to return to the Governor". He was admitted a
freeman October 28, 1668 at Newport, was Deputy in the General Assembly in
1679 and 1683, was chosen by the freemen as a member of the Town Council June
4, 1689 and again June 11, 1690. In 1693, "Capt." John Bliss (and three
others) "was authorized to view what ammunition is [needed for the] guns and
to provide such that is wanting for them and other uses; out of ye monies due
upon ye account of ye whole money being delivered or ordered them by ye two
magistrates". On January 1, 1695 he was again chosen Deputy to the General
Assembly and appointed "Major" of the island. On January 29, 1695 ab acre of
land was given to Maj. John Bliss on which to erect a mill. A deed of 102
acres of land was given "to my son Josiah," signed by John and Damaris Bliss
November 29, 1715.
He was married January 24, 1666 to Damaris Arnold, who was born February 23,
1648 at Newport. Her name is found in the Seventh Day Baptist Church records
for the year 1692. On report (source unknown) indicated that Maj. Bliss died
in about 1717.
Issue of John Bliss and Damaris Arnold:
  A son, b. Sept. 29 and d. Oct. 18, 1668.
  Damaris, b. May 25, 1670, d. June 29, 1672.
  Freelove, b. Nov. 16, 1672.
  John, b. Oct.22, 1674.
  Henry.
* Josiah, b. abt. 1685-6 at Newport, d. abt. 1747-8.
  George, b. Oct. 25, abt. 1690-3.
  Marcy, (a twin with George)