Thomas Bliss was born in England in about 1589. He married Margaret Snowe on April 24, 1616, at Gloucester, St John the Baptist, Gloucestershire, England. Thomas and Margaret had at least three children, two of whom survived and traveled to the new world with their father and his second wife. Margaret Snowe died young, perhaps in childbirth, and was buried on June 4, 1621.

Thomas Bliss married Margaret Hulins (or Hulmye) on October 18, 1621, at St. Nicholas church, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England. Thomas and Margaret Hulins had nine children. John and Margaret moved their family from England to Hartford in the 1638-1639 timeframe.

In most colonial families it is the husband who makes the boggest marks on history. In this case, Margaret left more footprints that her husband. Thomas died in 1650/51 leaving Margaret with both grown and underage children. She made her own way, creatong a new life for herself and her family by moving to Springfield. Thomas was one of the official founders of Hartford, Connecticut, but it is Margaret who left the most footprints and the most interesting story for future generations.

Click on the icon on the left to read about Thomas and Margaret Bliss andtheir family.

Nathaniel Bliss was born on December 8, 1622, and baptized on December 28, 1622, in Rodborough, Stroud District, Gloucestershire, England. He was the first-born child of Thomas Bliss and his second wife, Margaret Hulins. Nathaniel's father was a weaver, making him a Yeomanry class member. On August 24, 1637, Thomas legally bound Nathaniel to him as an apprentice. Nathaniel was about sixteen when he traveled with his parents to Hartford. His father continued his trade as a weaver and, like most New England settlers, farmed. Nathaniel probably labored at both.

In about 1644, his apprenticeship complete, Nathaniel and his younger brother Samuel moved to Springfield, Massachusetts Bay Colony, which is only about thirty-five miles north of Hartford on the Connecticut River. In Springfield, Nathaniel established a new life, acquired land, built a house, became an active member of the community. In 1646 he married Catherine Chapin, the daughter of Deacon Samuel Chapin, One of the most influential men in Springfield.

Click on the icon on the left to read about the lives of Nathaniel Bliss and Chatherine Chapin.