Roster and Genealogies of the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

Edwin E. Blake

b. 24 May 1840, d. 8 June 1862

Father: Simon Blake b. 21 Mar 1800, d. 10 Apr 1873
Mother: Almira [--?--] b. between 1807 - 1808

Company: D

Edwin Blake was born on 24 May 1840 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, son of Simon Blake and Almira [--?--].
Edwin E. Blake was enumerated in the household of Simon Blake and Almira [--?--] in the 1850 US Federal Census on 4 Oct 1850 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Simon Blake, 55, stone mason, b. RI
Elmira, 42, b. RI
George W. Aldrich, 14, b. RI
**Edwin Blake, 10, b. MA
Almira, 9, b. MA
John Caslow, 35, laborer, b. Ireland.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, Edwin gave his occupation as hammersman.
In 1861 Edwin was living at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 12 Jul 1861 Edwin mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 21 years, 1 month and 18 days old.
On 31 May 1862 Edwin E. Blake was wounded at Fair Oaks, Henrico County, Virginia.
He died on 8 Jun 1862 on hospital transport, of wounds received at Fair Oaks, Virginia. He was 22 years and 15 days old.
He was buried in Jun 1862 at Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia, Plot: A-H, 0, 3924.
On 1 Aug 1862 Edwin ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by desertion according to the 1870 roster, but this report is erroneous.
Edwin E. Blake was included on the Civil War memorial at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.

Last Edited: 20 Dec 2010

Thomas Blasland

b. between 1829 and 1830, d. 24 December 1863

Father: William Blasland d. before 1863
Mother: Mary [--?--]

Company: I

Thomas Blasland was born between 1829 - 1830 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, son of William Blasland and Mary [--?--].
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Thomas gave his occupation as operative.
On 12 Jul 1861 Thomas mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Corporal.
Thomas wrote a letter on 17 Aug 1861 as follows: for publication in the Webster Times. (Click icon to read.).
He wrote a letter on 29 Aug 1861 as follows: for publication in the Webster Times.
On 9 Nov 1861 Thomas Blasland was mentioned in a report to the Webster Times, by F. Q. Robinson, concerning the aftermath of Ball's Bluff and reporting his status.
He and Elmoine Dodge Clemans wrote a letter, to the Webster Times, on 30 Nov 1861 from Poolesville, Maryland, as follows: for publication. (Click icon to read.).
Thomas Blasland wrote a letter on 23 Apr 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal.
He wrote a letter on 4 Jun 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal.
He wrote a letter on 24 Jun 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
He wrote a letter on 6 Jul 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal.
He was mentioned in the obituary of Elisha Tyler Bigelow on 19 Jul 1862 at "The Webster Weekley Times", Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, (Click icon to read.).
Thomas Blasland wrote a letter on 20 Jul 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
He wrote a letter on 9 Aug 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal.
He wrote a letter on 5 Sep 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
On 17 Sep 1862 Thomas Blasland was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, in the leg.
On 1 Oct 1862 Francis Carpenter, having visited the battlefield, wrote a letter to the Webster Times detailing the status of many men after the Battle of Antietam.
He wrote a letter on 21 Oct 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
He wrote a letter on 14 Nov 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
He wrote a letter on 29 Dec 1862 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
Thomas wrote a letter on 12 Jun 1863 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
He wrote a letter on 3 Aug 1863 as follows: for publication in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
On 28 Aug 1863 Thomas was mentioned in an article in the Southbridge Journal. (Click icon to read.).
He died on 24 Dec 1863 at Mason Hospital, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, of disease. (Click the icon to read his obituary.).
He was buried in Dec 1863 at Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
An obituary for Thomas Blasland was published on 2 Jan 1864 at "The Worcester Daily Spy", Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as follows: (Volume 19 # 2) "DESEASED. Thomas Blasland, corporal of Co. I, 15^th Massachusetts regiment, died on Christmass morning at Mason Hospital, Boston. He was engaged in the battles on the peninsula, Ball's Bluff, Antietam, & ect. He came home on a brief visit, and died of consumption. He enlisted from Webster, and was the correspondent of the Southbridge Journal over the signature of “Slater Guards.” He was highly esteemed a citizen and a soldier and his loss will be deeply regretted."
On 21 May 1864 Mary Day received a pension to surviving family member based on Thomas's service; mother, receiving certificate number 38777.
On 4 Jul 1907 Thomas Blasland was included on the Civil War memorial at Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, according to an article in the Webster Times. See the "Documents" section at the main website for an account of the festivities of dedication. (Click icon to view original listing of names on the monument.).

Last Edited: 25 May 2010

David Bliss

b. 18 August 1818, d. 13 September 1862

Gravemarker of David Bliss

Father: Timothy Bliss b. 4 Oct 1774, d. 11 Jul 1826
Mother: Anna Sawtell

Company: B

David Bliss was born on 18 Aug 1818 at Belchertown, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, son of Timothy Bliss and Anna Sawtell.
On 8 Sep 1841 David Bliss, 23, married Jane M. Hall, 20, at Guilford, Windham County, Vermont.
David Bliss and Jane M. Hall were enumerated in the 1850 US Federal census on 14 Aug 1850 at Ware, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, as:
David Bliss, 33, laborer, b. MA
Jane, 28, b. VT
Geo. F., 8, b. MA
Ellen M., 6, b. MA
Francis P., 4, b. MA
Charles L., 2, b. MA.
David Bliss and Jane M. Hall were enumerated in the 1860 US Federal census on 30 Jun 1860 at New Salem, Franklin County, Massachusetts, as:
David Bliss, 45, farmer, b. MA
Harriet (sic ?), 43, b. MA
Ellen, 18, b. MA
Francis, 15, b. MA
Charles, 12, b. MA.
In 1861 David was living at New Salem, Franklin County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, David gave his occupation as farmer.
On 24 Dec 1861 David mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of New Salem, Franklin County, Massachusetts. He was 43 years, 4 months and 6 days old.
He died on 13 Sep 1862 at Georgetown, Washington, DC, of typhoid fever contracted on the march from Harrison's Landing to Newport News, VA, according to W. J. Coulter, his commanding officer. He was 44 years and 26 days old.
He was buried in 1862 at US Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery (Military Asylum Cemetery), Washington, DC.
On 29 Oct 1862 a letter was written to the Bliss family from the Georgetown Hospital.
On 13 Nov 1862 Jane M. Bliss received a pension to surviving family member based on David's service; his wife, receiving certificate number 28719.
Starting 23 Nov 1862, Francis H. Bliss, his son, served in the Company E, 53rd Massachusetts Infantry, and later in in Company C, Massachusetts 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment, mustering out 16 Aug 1865.
Jane, his wife, outlived David and died on 10 Oct 1896 at New Salem, Franklin County, Massachusetts, at age 75.
A photograph or image of David Bliss is located at The American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts, according to their website.

Last Edited: 30 Apr 2011

Family: Jane M. Hall b. 3 Mar 1821, d. 10 Oct 1896

George Fredrick Bliss b. 24 May 1842
Ellen M. Bliss b. 16 Nov 1843
Francis H. Bliss b. 2 Mar 1846, d. 26 Aug 1925
Charles Leroy Bliss b. 12 Jun 1849

Edward Morse Bliss

b. 19 February 1840, d. 2 December 1909

Father: Edward Eli Bliss b. 11 Oct 1811
Mother: Ellen M. Morse b. 17 Sep 1814, d. 7 Jan 1865

Company: H

Edward Morse Bliss was born on 19 Feb 1840 at Buckland, Franklin County, Massachusetts, son of Edward Eli Bliss and Ellen M. Morse.
Edward Morse Bliss was enumerated in the household of Edward Eli Bliss and Ellen M. Morse in the 1860 US Federal Census on 14 Jun 1860 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Edward E. Bliss, 49, farmer, b. MA (as were all in the family)
Ellen M., 47
Ellen, 21
Edward, 19, jeweler's apprentice (twin)
Edwin, 19, clerk (twin)
Mary, 14
Harriet, 12
Charles, 4
Patrick Doherty, 21, farm labor, b. Ireland.
On 18 Jul 1861 his sister, Mary A. Bliss, died at age 15.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Edward gave his occupation as farmer.
In 1862 Edward was living at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 13 Jan 1862 Edward mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 21 years, 10 months and 25 days old.
In 1862 He participated in the Battles of Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Mechanicsville, Savage Station, White Oaks Swamp, Malvern Hill, Chapman's Farm and Antietam.
On 17 Sep 1862 Edward Morse Bliss was wounded at The Battle of Antietam, Washington County, Maryland, in the lungs.
On 22 Dec 1862 Edward ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts due to disability from wounds received at the Battle of Antietam.
On 15 Feb 1863 his his twin brother, Edwin H. Bliss, died at New Berne, North Carolina, of malarial fever contracted while in service with the 51st Massachusetts Infantry at age 22.
Edward Morse Bliss made application for a veteran's pension on 9 Apr 1863, received certificate number 15033.
On 7 Jan 1865 his mother, Ellen M. Morse, died at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of typhoid fever at age 50.
On 9 Mar 1865 Edward Morse Bliss, 25, married Sarah Eliza Worthington, 24, daughter of Orrin S. Worthington and Suanna Whitemore, at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
On 14 Feb 1867 Edward's widowed father, Edward Eli Bliss, remarried to Betsey Gibson, 55, at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for both.
Edward Morse Bliss and Sarah Eliza Worthington were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 17 Jun 1880 at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Bliss, Edward M., 40, clerk in genl store, b. MA (fath b. Eng, mor b. MA
---, Sarah E., 38, wife, b. MA
---, Nellie M., 14, daur, b. MA
---, Susie W., 14, daur, b. MA
(Nellie & Susie noted as twins)
---, Katie M., 8, daur, b. MA
---, Nettie E., 6, daur, b. MA
Worthington, Orrin S., 87, father-in-law, widower, b. CT
Worthington, Marie S., 18, niece, single, works in boot factory, b. MA.
On 23 Dec 1886 his daughter, Katie Mabel Bliss, died at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of tuberculosis at age 15.
On 6 Nov 1888 Edward's daughter, Nellie M. Bliss married William T. Stratton at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
Between 1889 - 1893 Edward Morse Bliss was Postmaster.
He was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company H.
On 12 Nov 1890 Edward's daughter, Susie W. Bliss married Harry S. Tripp at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 20 Jul 1893 his married daughter, Nellie M. Bliss, died at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of tuberculosis at age 27.
On 27 Apr 1899 Sarah Eliza Worthington, his wife, died at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 58.
Edward Morse Bliss was enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 5 Jun 1900 at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, as:
Bliss, Edward, head, b. Feb 1840, married 35 years, b. MA (as were all in household), assistant postmaster, owns his home free of mortgage
---, Annette, daughter, b. June 1873, single,
Tripp, Harry S., son-in-law, b. Nov 1865, married 9 years
---, Susanna, daughter, b. Dec 1865, no children
Stratton, Kittie B., g.daughter, b. Feb 1889
Slayton, Anna D., boarder, b. July 1866.
On 10 Jun 1903 Edward's daughter, Annetta E. Bliss married Fred E. Townsend at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 21 Oct 1903 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Edward M. Bliss attended the 37th annual regimental reunion with some eighty other veterans.
On 20 Oct 1906 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Edward Morse Bliss attended the 40th annual reunion of the 15th regiment association, with some 75 other veterans of the regiment. (Report believed to be from the Worcester Spy.).
He died on 2 Dec 1909 at Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He was 69 years, 9 months and 13 days old.
He was buried on 4 Dec 1909 at Pine Grove Cemetery, Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Descendant(s): Bob Worthington, a descendant of Edward's wife's family.

Last Edited: 22 May 2009

Family: Sarah Eliza Worthington b. 7 Mar 1841, d. 27 Apr 1899

Nellie M. Bliss b. 28 Dec 1865, d. 20 Jul 1893
Susie W. Bliss b. 28 Dec 1865
Katie Mabel Bliss b. 9 Nov 1871, d. 23 Dec 1886
Annetta E. Bliss b. 22 Jun 1873

George Henry Bliss

b. 20 November 1841, d. 9 October 1921

Father: Lyman Bliss b. 28 Apr 1803, d. 28 Mar 1892
Mother: Maria Lavinia Wilbur b. 29 Mar 1804, d. 23 Nov 1882

Company: I

George Henry Bliss was born on 20 Nov 1841 at West Stockbridge, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, son of Lyman Bliss and Maria Lavinia Wilbur.
George Henry Bliss was enumerated in the household of Lyman Bliss and Maria Lavinia Wilbur in the 1850 US Federal Census on 5 Sep 1850 at West Stockbridge, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, as:
Lyman Bliss, 47, wagon maker, b. CT
Maria L., 46, b. NY
Robbins K., 22, b. MA
Sarah A., 16, b. MA
**George H., 8, b. MA
William D., 6, b. MA
John L.,1, b. MA.
In 1861 George was living at Windsor, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
At the time of his enlistment in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, George gave his occupation as wagon maker.
On 14 Oct 1861 George mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being credited to the quota of Windsor, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. He was 19 years, 10 months and 24 days old.
On 11 Jun 1862 George ended military service with the 15th Massachusetts by mustering out, for reasons not given in the 1870 roster.
He made application for a veteran's pension in Jan 1863, received certificate number 11754.
On 20 Nov 1865 George Henry Bliss, 24, married Martha Elizabeth Spaulding, 23, daughter of Chester Spaulding and Emily Button, at Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
George Henry Bliss and Martha Elizabeth Spaulding were enumerated in the 1880 US Federal census on 9 Jun 1880 at Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, as:
Bliss, George, 38, garment manufactur, b. MA (as were all)
---, Martha, 36, wife
---, Martha, 5, daur
---, Hellen, 1, daur
Donlan, Delia, 23, servant, single, b. Ireland.
George Henry Bliss was enumerated in the 1890 US Federal census, Veteran's Schedule in Jun 1890 at Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, as having served in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company I.
On 28 Feb 1891 Martha Elizabeth Spaulding, his wife, died at Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, of cancer at age 48.
George Henry Bliss was enumerated in the 1900 US Federal census on 2 Jun 1900 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, as:
Bliss, George H., head, b. Nov 1841, widower, b. MA, his parents b. CT, inventor, they live in a rented home
---, Martha S., daughter, b. Aug 1875, single, b. MA, vocal teacher
---, Hellen E., daughter, b. Apr 1879, single, b. MA.
On 22 Aug 1900 George Henry Bliss, 58, married Abbie J. Goodnough, daughter of William Goodnough and Catherine M. Chase, at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, in a second marriage for him and the first for her.
On 29 Jun 1901 George's daughter, Martha Spaulding Bliss married George B. Tinkham at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
On 20 Jul 1903 George's daughter, Helen Elizabeth Bliss married George M. Cushman at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, in a first marriage for both.
In 1906 George was living at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
On 20 Oct 1906 at Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts, George Henry Bliss attended the 40th annual reunion of the 15th regiment association, with some 75 other veterans of the regiment. (Report believed to be from the Worcester Spy.).
He and Abbie J. Goodnough were enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census on 22 Apr 1910 at Somerville, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, where his occupation is given as "inventor". Abbie has no children.
George Henry Bliss died on 9 Oct 1921 at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. He was 79 years, 10 months and 19 days old.
He was buried in Oct 1921 at West Stockbrige Cemetery, West Stockbridge, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Last Edited: 18 Jan 2010

Family 1: Martha Elizabeth Spaulding b. 6 Jul 1842, d. 28 Feb 1891

Chester Lyman Bliss b. 14 Dec 1867, d. 4 Nov 1874
Martha Spaulding Bliss b. 17 Aug 1874
Helen Elizabeth Bliss b. 14 Apr 1879