Asahel Bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Asahel Bush
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| Born | June 4, 1824 |
| Died | December 23, 1913 (aged 89) |
| Occupation | Publisher |
| Spouse(s) | Eugenia Zieber |
Asahel Bush (born June 4, 1824 – died December 23, 1913) was an important newspaper publisher and businessman in Salem, Oregon. He was known for publishing the Oregon Statesman newspaper. When the capital of the Oregon Territory moved to Salem, he moved his newspaper there too. Bush, who was originally from Massachusetts, also became the first official printer for the state of Oregon. Today, his former home and land are a public space called Bush's Pasture Park.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up and Learning
Asahel Bush was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, on June 4, 1824. His parents were Asahel Bush, Sr. and Sally Noble Bush. He went to public school and then Westfield Academy. At 17, he moved to Saratoga Springs, New York, to become an apprentice printer.
Bush later worked for a newspaper. After that, he studied law. He passed the bar exam in 1850 in Massachusetts. Soon after, he traveled to the Oregon Territory. He took a steamship called the Panama, going through the Isthmus of Panama.
Life and Work in Oregon
Starting a Newspaper
Bush arrived in Oregon in late 1850. He first came to Portland and then settled in Oregon City. Once his printing press arrived, he started the Oregon Statesman newspaper in March 1851.
In 1853, the capital of Oregon moved to Salem. Bush moved his newspaper there as well. The Oregon Statesman later became the Salem Statesman Journal.
Newspaper and Politics
During the mid-1800s, newspapers often supported political parties. Bush used his paper to share his political views. He sometimes had disagreements with the rival newspaper, The Oregonian.
Bush did not openly support slavery in Oregon. However, he believed that white male voters should decide on the issue themselves. He also disagreed with abolitionists, who wanted to end slavery everywhere. For example, he published articles that criticized Obed Dickinson, a minister who was an abolitionist.
In 1859, Bush became the first official printer for the state of Oregon. He was a Douglas Democrat, meaning he supported Stephen A. Douglas. He did not support Abraham Lincoln's election. However, he ended up supporting the Union during the American Civil War. He left the newspaper business in 1863 when he sold his paper.
Banking and Continued Influence
In 1867, Bush and William S. Ladd started the Ladd and Bush Bank in Salem. Ten years later, Bush bought out Ladd. He became the only owner of the bank.
Bush stayed active in politics. He was a member of the state Democratic Party's central committee. He even served as its chairperson. In 1892, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
Later Life and Family
Family and Community Involvement
In 1854, Asahel Bush married Eugenia Zieber from Salem. They had four children: Sally, Eugenia, Estelle, and Asahel III (who was known as A. N. Bush). Eugenia was the daughter of one of his printer employees. Sadly, she died at age 30 in 1863.
Bush was also involved in education. He served as a trustee for Willamette University. He was also a regent for the University of Oregon.
Legacy
Asahel Bush II passed away on December 23, 1913. He was 89 years old and died in Salem. He was buried at Salem Pioneer Cemetery. His former home and land are now preserved as Bush's Pasture Park. His house, known as the Asahel Bush House, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
