Samuel Bliss - Rum Runner

Samuel Bliss was ordered to pay a fine of 20 shillings to the New London County Treasury. It was March 26 1718 and he was found guilty of selling "strong drink" to the Indians. He was not alone as he stood before the Justice of the Peace. He was accompanied by a host of citizens, men and women all standing for the same crime. 

I would like to proclaim his innocence, I mean he was my Great Grandfather 7 generations ago. We are family, but to be honest he was probably guilty. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bliss and was one of seven children.  Born 9 December 1657 in Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut. 

On 8 December 1681 he married Ann Elderkin and they had 6 Children.
Thomas
Samuel
Elizabeth
John
Pelatiah
Thankful

In 1701 Samuel had bought property near Lebanon, New London, Connecticut and according to long lost legends he bought the land from Chief Oweneco. He may have never actually lived there and in 1712 he sold the property. He was living in Norwich, New London, Connecticut.

Grandfather Bliss was a wine merchant, and kept accounts with Daniel Johonnot also a wine merchant in Boston. Some of the items listed on an account for Grandfather Bliss are rum, leather gloves, hogs fat and pork. Payment on the account lists pork, beeswax, bailberry wax, beaver, otter, mink and deer skins. He also kept accounts with  Mr. Leaske which include pork, bear, raccoon, mink, fox and beaver skins.

Samuel was a 1/8 owner of a sloop called Love and Ann. Purchased from Thomas Avery and John Richards. He also owned 1/8 of a Brigantine named Success he purchased from John Chandler. 

Brigantines were built in the colonies in North America in the early 1700s. Smaller than a brig but larger than a sloop, they were swift and easy to maneuver thus making them the  favored ships among pirates. They were often employed as landing vessels for larger fleets of ship because of their maneuverability. 

In 1705 the Love and Ann sails to Barbados with Master Richard Caiter and a shipment from Grandfather Bliss of staves, a water hogshead and a horse. 

What has his ships  to do with selling "strong drink?" They sailed regularly to Barbados, and what was a popular product that came out of Barbados? Associated with piracy? Rum.  Rum is considered "strong drink". 

Apeanuchsuck, another "drunk" Indian in 1722 has Grandfather Bliss up in front of a judge again.  Apeanuchsuck must have been having a big time because he was arrested first and said nothing then at his trial ratted out Grandfather Bliss. The original charge says "strong drink" and Apeanuchsuck is to pay 10 shillings or receive 10 lashes on his naked body. In the end Apeanuchsuck pays the 10 shillings and walks away having been served only 2 pots of cider.  Grandfather pays another fine.

Grandfather Bliss dies 30 December 1729.

Samuel Bliss trouble making Run Runner.... my people!