Peter Rush, Sr.

Not the same as Priv. Peter Rush

See page 30... https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89064678089&view=1up&seq=...

HISTORICAL and GENEALOGICAL ACCOUNT of the RUSH FAMILY by SYLVESTER R. RUSH FESTNER PRINTING COMPANY. OMAHA, 1925

http://www.members.tripod.com/~lolson/syl-rush.htm

17. PETER RUSH (William--John--John--John) was born in or near Philadelphia. He is spoken of as a land owner (1753) in Bedminister Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. (Somerset Historical Quarterly Review, Vol. II, p. 187). His name appears on the Bedminister Township Day Book as a resident in 1760. But it is omitted from the "Poll List" of voters in 1797. Since most of his family migrated about that date to western Pennsylvania it may be inferred that Peter Rush's death took place shortly prior. The Review further says (Vol. VI, p. 80), "The oldest Rush in Somerset Co. as to whom we have found any data, was Peter Rush, Sr., of Bedminister Township, who subscribed one pound in 1756 toward building St. Paul's Lutheran church at Pluckemin. This man we believe to have been a brother to William Rush (18) and the father of Michael, etc. Most of this Rush family seem to have left the county soon after the Revolution, and, as there is neither a will nor letter of administration on the estate of Peter, as shown by the records at Trenton, he may also have left the State when an old man. Some members of the Rush Family, however, remained in Bedminister and Bernards Twp. until a very recent period and may be there still. --Editor Quarterly."

The family tradition of this man is very meagre and in some respects erroneous. His name was unknown. Even his home in Somerset Co. was confused with the later residence of his sons, Michael and William, as being in Morris Co., N. J. No record of his marriages or the names of his wives has been handed down. His nationality has been confused undoubtedly with the maternal side of the family. Fortunately the church records of New Jersey have preserved his signature attached to a church subscription, 1756. The following is a facsimile tracing of that signature: It will be noted that he adds to his name "senor." His son, Peter, was four years of age at that time. The Old English s is used, together with other distinctive English characters. This signature alone is pursuasive evidence of the English birth and training of Peter Rush.

Issue by first wife:

• 19. Michael, b. 1747; d. Feb., 1835.
• 20. William, b. Fall of 1749; d. Apr., 1844.
• 21. Edward, b. 1750; known as the "American Dwarf."
• 22. Peter, b. 1752; d. 1819.
• 23. Daniel.
• Two daughters whose names are unknown.

Issue by second wife:

• 24. Koon.
• 25. George, b. -; d. 1782.
• 26. John, b. 1758; m. Rebecca -
• 27. Jacob.
• Names of daughters unknown.