Alfred Rush facts for kids

Alfred Rush (died May 13, 1876) was an important leader in South Carolina after the American Civil War. He served as a state representative during the Reconstruction era, which was a time when the Southern states were rebuilt after the war.

Rush was one of four representatives from Darlington County, South Carolina. Three of these representatives, including Rush, were African American. He was elected to office just a few years after the Civil War ended. Sadly, Alfred Rush was attacked and murdered on May 13, 1876.

Early Life and Family

Alfred Rush was born into slavery near Ebenezer, South Carolina. He was part of the Gee family's plantation. The Gee family had a large farm and land in what is now Darlington County, South Carolina.

On the plantation, Alfred Rush worked in many roles. He operated a mill, worked as a blacksmith, and farmed the land. He also served as a personal assistant to Edmond Gee, who was a lawyer and politician. Being around Edmond helped Rush learn to read. He also learned a lot about law and politics.

After Edmond Gee passed away, Alfred Rush continued to be trusted by the Gee family. He helped manage many parts of the plantation. This included overseeing the house, food processing areas, and storage buildings.

The Gee family and the enslaved people on their plantation attended Ebenezer Baptist Church. Alfred Rush was baptized there around 1848. Around 1860, he was allowed to become a deacon for the enslaved people. He helped them with religious education and support. In 1866, he and others moved to a new black church in Darlington called Savannah Grove Baptist Church, where he also became a deacon.

After the Civil War, Alfred Rush became a free man. However, this was a difficult and dangerous time for African American leaders. Even so, Rush became a powerful political leader. Jack Gee, a member of the Gee family, remained a friend and even employed Rush after he gained his freedom.

Alfred Rush married a woman named Aggy. In 1869, he bought his own plantation in the Savannah Grove-Meadow Prong community. They had a son, Walter C. Rush, who later became a teacher in Effingham in 1880.

Serving as a Legislator

After the Civil War, voting became legal for African Americans. This gave them a strong voice in politics, especially in South Carolina. Alfred Rush ran for state representative and won. He even had help from the Gee family.

Rush represented Darlington County, South Carolina in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He served two terms: from 1868 to 1870, and again from 1874 until his death in 1876. In 1868, Darlington County had four representatives. Three of them were African American: Alfred Rush, John Boston, and Jordan Lang. The fourth representative was G. Holliman, who was white.

Alfred Rush strongly supported education for everyone in South Carolina. He also supported fair taxation during the Reconstruction era. He even helped write parts of the South Carolina Constitution. This part of the Constitution would make sure that all children could get a free education. His strong beliefs and actions likely made some people who disagreed with him very angry.

His Assassination

On May 13, 1876, Alfred Rush was murdered. He and his wife were on their way home from a political picnic near Timmonsville, South Carolina. They were only about half a mile from their home. Rush stopped his horses and buggy at a creek so the horses could drink water. At that moment, he was shot in the heart and died instantly. This happened near Effingham, South Carolina. Alfred Rush was not the only politician to be killed during this time; five other state lawmakers were also murdered during Reconstruction.

After his death, a letter was sent to the South Carolina governor, Daniel Henry Chamberlain. The letter was written by Benjamin Franklin Whittemore and signed by many local officials. It asked the governor to offer a reward and send investigators to find Rush's killer. The officials from Darlington County said it was a "cold blooded murder" and that people were very upset. A reward of $400 was offered. An investigation took place, and a neighbor named William D. Purvis was put on trial, but he was found not guilty. Alfred Rush's wife, Aggy, had identified a suspect, but the medical examiner's report did not match her story. Today, a historical marker stands near where he was killed to remember his life.

Legacy

Alfred Rush's work for education is still remembered. On March 14, 2014, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a special bill. This bill was a memorial to Alfred Rush and his efforts to create free public education for everyone in South Carolina.

A school in Quinby, South Carolina, called Alfred E. Rush Academy, is named in his honor.