My Genealogy Hound

S. R. BUSH is a member of the firm of Bush & Bull, an incorporated concern, which has a capital stock amounting to $100,000. The house is the largest of the kind in Easton, affording employment to about sixty clerks, and the stock carried is largely dry goods, notions and similar articles. The firm own a branch store at Williamsport, Pa., and one. at Watertown, N. Y., and in these various locations do an immense business each year. Their specialty is in handling bankrupt stocks of goods, and their success has been quite unprecedented.

A native of Wayne County, Pa., Mr. Bush was born August 17, 1845, to M. T. and Margaret A. (Royce) Bush. His ancestors originally lived in Norwich, Conn., but his paternal grandfather, George Bush, was born in Wayne County, where he followed farming and lumbering. He was a prominent man, and at one time was a representative of his district in the State Legislature, and was a member of the State Commission which had for its business the improvement of the Delaware River, that it might be made thoroughly navigable. Politically he was a Democrat, and was greatly interested in public affairs. His son, M. T. Bush, was born in the year 1813, and was both a farmer and merchant. In his early life he was a school teacher, and at one period was an oil operator. He had two children: George B., a real-estate dealer of Rochester, N. Y., and our subject. Like his father before him, he was a Democrat, and held several local offices. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and for a number of years was Superintendent of the Sunday-school. His father was prominent in Masonic circles, while he held membership with the Odd Fellows’ fraternity.

The early years of S. R. Bush were quietly passed on his father’s well kept farm, and his elementary education was such as was afforded by the public schools of Wayne County. Afterward he was a student in Liberty Academy, of Sullivan County, N. Y., and also in Damascus Academy, of his native county. Upon the completion of his education he went into his father’s store as a clerk, and there remained for about five or six years. On the expiration of that time he went to the celebrated Pennsylvania oil-fields, in the northwestern section of the state, and became an extensive dealer in real estate. When two years had elapsed he went to Newburg, N. Y., where for about four years he was employed in a dry-goods store.

It was about 1871 that Mr. Bush came to Easton to take charge of the store for A. K. Chandler, of Newburg, N. Y., and some nine months later, in connection with Mr. Bull, he purchased the store which has since been conducted by the firm. From time to time its facilities and stock have been greatly increased, until it is by far the finest store of the kind to be found in Easton. The firm’s other branch enterprises have met with good success, and their trade is very extended. Messrs. Bush and Bull are interested in the Easton Transit Company and are always foremost in any movement which has for its object the industrial upbuilding of the city.

In 1875 Mr. Bush wedded Mrs. Susan Fisher, daughter of Samuel Steavenson, of Hunterdon County, N. J. To Mr. and Mis. Bush has been born one son, F. Royce, who is now engaged in fitting himself for college. Mr. and Mrs. Bush are members of the Lutheran Church of Easton, and number many warm friends in this city. Politically the former is a Republican, and though fully alive to the duties of citizenship pays but little attention to political affairs, finding his time fully occupied by his extensive mercantile interests.