George Ripley Bliss

George Ripley Bliss (June 20, 1816 – March 21, 1893) was an American cleric and educator. He served twice as president of Bucknell University.

George Ripley Bliss
Sketch of Bliss in a 1881 publication
3rd President of Bucknell University
In office 1857–1872
Preceded by	Howard Malcom
Succeeded by	Justin Rolph Loomis
Personal details
Born	(1816-06-20)June 20, 1816 Sherburne, New York, U.S.
Died	March 21, 1893(1893-03-21) (aged 76) Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Resting place	Lewisburg Cemetery
Spouse	Mary Ann Raymond
Children	13, including Tasker and Ward
Alma mater	Hamilton College Hamilton Theological Seminary

Early life

George R. Bliss was born in Sherburne, New York on June 20, 1816. He graduated from Hamilton College and Hamilton Theological Seminary and became a Baptist clergyman.

Career

Bliss taught Greek (filling the department chair from 1849 to 1874), Latin, and biblical exegesis at Bucknell and at Crozer Theological Seminary, and he served as librarian of Bucknell University.^[1][2][3] He served as university president twice, in 1857–1858 and 1871–72.^[4]

Death and burial

Bliss died in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on March 21, 1893. He was buried in Lewisburg Cemetery.^[5]

Family

Bliss married to Mary Ann Raymond (1821-1912). They had 13 children. His son General Tasker Howard Bliss served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1917 until 1918.^[3][6] His son Ward R. Bliss served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.^[7]