William Clough Bloss

(1795–1863) William was a dedicated supporter of equal rights for all people.

Born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, William moved to Rochester to join his parents. He and his new wife built and operated a tavern in Brighton. A short time after, William became involved in the temperance movement. His liquor was dumped in the Erie Canal and the building was sold. In the early 1830s, Bloss became involved in the anti-slavery movement.
He worked to establish a local anti-slavery society as well as a statewide convention to address this injustice.

William was a publisher of the Rights of Man newspaper when local papers refused to include anti-slavery articles. He served in the New York State Assembly for three years, advocating for obtaining the vote for people "of color" and for desegregating all public schools.

William also embraced women's rights. He spoke at the Rochester Convention in August of 1848 in support of the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. In later years, William worked to have the NY death penalty abolished. Social justice was his life's work.