About John Bell Blish
Lived 1860 – 1921 (aged 61). John Bell Blish was an American military officer and inventor, known for Blish lock.
John Bell Blish (September 8, 1860 – December 22, 1921) was an American inventor known primarily for developing the Blish lock, used in the Thompson submachine gun, more commonly known as the "Tommy Gun". Blish was born in Seymour, Indiana, and attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Blish licensed the patent for his lock to the Auto-Ordnance Corporation in 1915 in return for company stock.
Blish was a career United States naval officer, serving as executive officer on the U.S. warships Niagara and Vicksburg (PG-11) during the Spanish–American War. He retired from the United States Navy with the rank of Commander in 1919.
Blish was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Namesake The USS John Blish, a survey ship commissioned during World War II, was named after him.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Bell Blish?
United States naval officer
When was John Bell Blish born?
John Bell Blish was born on 8 September 1860 in Seymour.
When did John Bell Blish die?
John Bell Blish died on 22 December 1921 in Washington, D.C..
What was John Bell Blish's occupation?
John Bell Blish was a military officer and inventor.
What was John Bell Blish known for?
John Bell Blish was known for Blish lock.
What nationality was John Bell Blish?
John Bell Blish was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Bell Blish. https://biography.guide/john-bell-blish/
MLA: "John Bell Blish." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-bell-blish/.
Chicago: "John Bell Blish." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-bell-blish/.
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