John Bush (provincial soldier) facts for kids
John Bush was an African soldier who fought for Britain during the French and Indian War in North America. He was part of the Massachusetts militia. John Bush is especially famous for his amazing carvings on powder horns. These were containers used to carry gunpowder.
Contents
Who Was John Bush?
John Bush was a talented African provincial soldier. He fought alongside the British during the French and Indian Wars. This was a big conflict in North America. He was part of the local army known as the Massachusetts militia.
Amazing Powder Horn Art
John Bush was a very skilled artist. He carved beautiful designs onto powder horns. One of his horns from 1756 has even traveled around Canada and the United States for special exhibitions! People say his carving and fancy writing, called calligraphy, were "superb."
Bush's unique carving style became very popular. Other artists started using his ideas for their own engravings. These artists are sometimes known as the Sekrig-Page carver or the Memento Mori carver. Because of his special art, John Bush is seen as one of the first important American folk artists. Folk art is art made by ordinary people, often using traditional skills.
A Soldier and His Family
John Bush was a soldier during the French and Indian War. This was a big war where Britain and France fought over land in North America. He was part of the Massachusetts militia.
His father, George Bush, moved to Massachusetts Bay in the 1700s. George was a farmer in a place called North Parish of Shrewsbury. This area is now known as Boyleston. John also had three brothers who fought in the same war with the Massachusetts militia. Sadly, two of his brothers, George and Joseph, died during the war.
Captured in Battle
John Bush was captured by the enemy on August 9, 1757. This happened during the battle and fall of Fort William Henry. What happened to him after his capture is not known.
Images for kids
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This is the carved powder horn by carver John Bush
