MR. GEORGE BLISS BECOMES A CATHOLIC

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 17, 15 August 1884, Page 31

MR. GEORGE BLISS BECOMES A CATHOLIC

Colonel George Bliss, one of the best known men in the United States, has become a convert to the Catholic Church, and was baptized on the 9th inst. by Monsignor Capel, in New York. The news of his conversion caused great surprise in New York. " Colonel Bliss is the last man in the world, " one of his intimate friends said, " that I thought would join any Church, especially the Catholic. He often spoke with me on the subject of religion, and we had many interesting discussions about it." Col. Bliss comes of Puritan stock. When quite a young man he joined the Unitarian Church. Of lats years, however, it is said that he worshipped with no particular sect. When 001. Bliss married, his wife was an Episcopalian. Several years afterwards .she embraced the Catholic faith and became a most devout Catholic. In her residence, 54 West Thirty-ninth Street, Sew York City, she has a private chapel. Cardinal McCloskey has said Mass there on several occasions. Mrs. Bliss also attends the Cathedral and has a pew in St. Francis Xavier's Church. On Sunday, and on all Holy Days, when her health permits, she attends Mass at one or the other. For many years she has earnestly desired that her husband should be of the same faith as herself. Almost everybody says the N. Y. Sim, knows Colonel George Bliss. His tall figure, abundant gray hair, prominent nose and piercing eves are familiar to all court attendants. He was born in Springfield, Mass., about fifty years ago. His father was wealthy and engaged in some extensive railroad enterprises. There were only two children, Col. Bliss and a daughter who married Mr. George^ Walker, now Consul-General at Paris. Col. Bliss came to this city after graduation from Harvard College. He began the practice of law, and soon became private secretary to Gov. B. D. Morgan. It was on the Governor's staff that he acquired the title of Colonel. In 1861 he assisted President Arthur, who was then Quarter-master-General and has since been one of his warmest personal friends. He was a law partner of John L. Cadwalader, who was afterwards Assistant Secretary of State under Fish. Colonel Bliss was Paymaster of New York State, and was also United States District Attorney. He has been a leading politician in the Republican ranks, and has for many years been a leader in the Eleventh Assembly district. He is a stalwart Republican, and strongly supported Gen. Grant for President four years ago. He was employed by the Govern* meat to assist the prosecution in the Star Botlte cases.— Pilot;,