William Owen Bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Owen Bush
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William Owen Bush
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| Born | July 4, 1832 |
| Died | February 13, 1907 (aged 74) |
| Occupation | Farmer, politician |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Mandana Kimsey |
| Children | George, John Shotwell, Mandana Isabella |
| Parent(s) | George Washington Bush, Isabella James |
William Owen Bush (born July 4, 1832 – died February 13, 1907) was an important American farmer and politician. He was elected to the Washington House of Representatives when Washington became a state in 1889. Bush is famous for helping to create Washington State University. He was also the first African-American person to serve in the Washington legislature. He worked hard to promote farming in Washington.
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William Owen Bush's Early Life
William Owen Bush was born on July 4, 1832, in Clay County, Missouri. His father was George Washington Bush. George was a well-known pioneer and fought in the War of 1812. William's mother was Isabella James.
In 1844, when William was 12, his family moved from Missouri. They traveled to Oregon with five other families. One of these families was led by Michael Simmons. He later founded the city of Tumwater, Washington.
When the Bush family reached Oregon, the local government had a law. This law stopped Black people from owning land. So, William's father moved the family north. They crossed the Columbia River into what would become Washington Territory. There, George Bush worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. He later started a farm in Thurston County, Washington.
There has been some confusion about William Owen Bush's family background. Some of his relatives said his grandfather had no African ancestry. However, William Owen Bush himself identified as African-American. People at the time described him as "negro." His father, George Washington Bush, was of mixed race. His mother was of German descent.
William Owen Bush's Career
Farming Success
In 1859, William Owen Bush married Mandana Kimsey. He started a farm 12 miles south of his family's land. William and Mandana had three children. Their first child, George O. Bush, died as a baby.
After his father passed away, William Owen Bush took over the family farm. He worked with his brothers. They made the farm very successful and wealthy. In 1872, Bush helped start the Western Washington Industrial Association. This group organized events to show off farm products. Bush was the first president of this group.
Grains from the Bush farm won gold medals. They won at the 1876 Philadelphia World's Fair. They also won at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. In 1893, he was chosen to represent the United States. This was for a special council on farming and grains.
Political Life
Washington became a state in 1889. After this, Bush ran for election. He was elected to the first group of lawmakers in the Washington House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican Party.
In 1890, he helped create and pass the state's first civil rights act. This law made it illegal to treat people unfairly because of their race. This applied to public places like restaurants and theaters. Bush is also known for suggesting the law that created Washington State University. He was elected to the legislature a second time. He served until 1895.
Later Life and Legacy
William Owen Bush died in 1907. He passed away at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He was buried at Union Cemetery in Tumwater, Washington. The Morning Olympian newspaper wrote about him after he died. They called him "one of the oldest and most famous pioneers of the state of Washington." The newspaper also said that "probably no resident of the state or territory throughout its history has done more to advertise the state than W. O. Bush."
