Thomas Blisse

Notes:

Thomas Bliss, Senior and Junior, had house-lots and divisions of land in Hartford Plantation as early as 1640. The senior died in Hartford, leaving nine children, and his widow, Margaret, apparently a woman of resolute, independent character, removed with the younger part of the family to Springfield, Massachusetts Bay Colony. Thomas Bliss, Junior, is afterwards found at Saybrook, Connecticut Colony where his marriage and the births of six children are recorded. The list is repeated with some variation of date and the addition of two more children, at Norwich, Connecticut Colony. The wife's family name is not given in either place. "Thomas and Elizabeth Bliss were married the latter end of October, 1644." The allotments of Thomas Bliss in Saybrook were eastward of the river in what is now Lyme, Conn. His house-lot of thirty acres lay between John Ompsted (Olmstead) on the north, and John Lay south. He sold it 23 Jul 1662 to John Comstock. His house-lot in Norwich was also near to that of John Olmstead extending originally at the north-west to the pent highway. That part where the house stands has never been alienated. Seven generations have dwelt on the same spot and the house is supposed not to have been entirely rebuilt since it was erected by the first proprietor. Thomas Bliss died 15 Apr 1688. His will, executed two days before his death, was proved at New London, before Edward Palmes, June 13, and allowed by Sir Edmund Andross at Boston ; this being the period when that delegated despot arrogated to himself supreme authority over the courts of New England. The will recognizes wife Elizabeth, son Samuel, and his daughters. His oldest son, Thomas, had died without issue 29 Jan 1681. Ehzabeth, the relict, died 28 Feb 1699/1700.

Thomas married Elizabeth Birchard on 30 Oct 1644 in Saybrook, Fairfield Co, Connecticut Colony. Elizabeth was born about 1622 in England; died on 28 Feb 1699/00 in Norwich, New London Co, Connecticut Colony. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]