Obadiah Bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Obadiah Bush
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|---|---|
| Born |
Obadiah Newcomb Bush
January 28, 1797 Penfield, New York, U.S.
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| Died | February 9, 1851 (aged 54) Cape Horn (sea)
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| Resting place | Buried at sea |
| Occupation | Prospector, businessman |
| Spouse(s) |
Harriet Smith
(m. 1821) |
| Children | 7, including James |
| Parent(s) | Timothy Bush Jr. Lydia Newcomb |
| Relatives | George H. W. Bush (great-great-grandson) George W. Bush (great-great-great-grandson) See Bush family |
Obadiah Newcomb Bush (born January 28, 1797 – died February 9, 1851) was an American prospector and businessman. He is an important ancestor of the famous Bush political family. He was the father of James Smith Bush. He was also the great-great-grandfather of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. And he was the great-great-great-grandfather of former U.S. President George W. Bush.
Early Life and Family
Obadiah Newcomb Bush was born on January 18, 1797. His birthplace was Penfield, New York. His father, Timothy Bush Jr., worked as a blacksmith. His mother's name was Lydia Newcomb.
Obadiah's grandfather, Captain Timothy Bush Sr., was a brave soldier. He served as a militia captain during the American Revolution. Obadiah himself also served in the War of 1812.
Career and Beliefs
Obadiah Newcomb Bush worked as a schoolmaster. He taught students in Rochester, New York. He also helped choose people for important local jobs.
Obadiah and his brother Henry were strong abolitionists. This means they were against slavery. They believed that all people should be free. Obadiah was a vice president of the American Anti-Slavery Society. This group worked to end slavery in the United States.
He also supported the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Obadiah even asked the New York State Legislature to leave the Union. He did this to protest against slavery.
In 1849, Obadiah traveled to California. He joined many others during the California Gold Rush. People rushed to California hoping to find gold.
Personal Life and Passing
Obadiah Bush married Harriet Smith on November 8, 1821. They were married in Rochester, New York. They had seven children together. One of their children was James Smith Bush.
After working as a schoolmaster, Obadiah traveled to the West Coast. He wanted to live there permanently. He then started a sea journey back to the East Coast. He planned to finish his business there. Obadiah Bush died during this trip in 1851. He was buried at sea.
