Bliss, Anna (1843–1925)

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Bliss, Anna (1843–1925)

American educator. Name variations: Anna Elvira Bliss. Born Anna Elvira Bliss, Jan 14, 1843, in Jericho, Vermont; died July 25, 1925, in Wellington, South Africa; dau. of Genas Bliss and Elvira (Chamberlain) Bliss.

Closely linked with Abbie Ferguson, left for South Africa with Ferguson (1873); opened Huguenot Seminary, a school for girls (1874); took charge of lower department of Huguenot Seminary (1875); with Ferguson, founded Women's Missionary Society (later Vrouwen Zending Bond) at Huguenot; became principal when Huguenot Seminary developed into Huguenot Girls High School (1898); after Ferguson retired, served as president of Huguenot College (1910–20), which was renamed Huguenot University College, then incorporated by Parliament into University of South Africa (1916). Received honorary degree from Mount Holyoke College (1910).