Sidney Bliss

Sidney Bliss

Courtesy of Jonathan Noyalas

Quick Facts

Significance:

US Soldier

Sidney Bliss enlisted in the 11th Vermont as a private. By the time the Civil War ended, he was one of the regiment's leading officers. Bliss is one of many citizen soldiers who displayed strong leadership and patriotism during the conflict. 

Civil War Service 

Sidney Bliss joined the US Army on August 12, 1862. Less than two months later he was promoted to a corporal. Bliss and the 11th Vermont were part of the Civil War defenses of Washington until the spring of 1864. Called out of the fortifications, they joined the Army of the Potomac to participate in the Overland Campaign. The 11th Vermont saw combat during the Battles of Spotsylvania Courthouse and Cold Harbor. 
Later that summer they were back in the nation's capital, fighting at Fort Stevens. 

In the Shenandoah Valley 

As part of the US 6th Corps, the 11th Vermont joined General Philip Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah. Shortly after the Battle of Fisher's Hill, Bliss was promoted to a sergeant. During the Battle of Cedar Creek, he was wounded near Middletown's cemetery. Recovering quickly, Bliss was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in December. In June of 1865 he was promoted once more to Lieutenant in command of a company. Twenty days later he mustered out of the army and returned to civilian life.