Bliss, Philipp Paul Philipp Paul Bliss (1838-1876) was a popular writer of gospel hymns. He was born in a poor family, but had a natural talent for music. He had a fine singing voice, and became an itinerant music teacher, travelling with his melodeon. He had varying success as a singer, teacher and composer.
Mr Bliss met Rev. Dwight Moody in 1839, and thereafter devoted his life and talents to God. He wrote seven books of hymns and took part in revival rallies across America.
Tragically, both Bliss and his wife, Lucy, were killed, along with about 90 others, in a train crash that became known as the Ashtabula River Disaster.