When it comes to US political families, the Kennedys take the cake. Yet, the Bush family are arguably more successful, having produced two presidents, a vice-president, two congressmen and two governors – much more than the Kennedys ever did!
Indeed, whilst the Kennedys can claim to be America’s most prominent political dynasty, the Bushes are far more successful, both as businessmen and as politicians…
Origins of The Family
Although the Bush family goes back much further, the first Bush ancestor is John Bush Sr. who was born in the town of Messing, in Essex, England around the year 1510, passing away in 1590.
Fast forward to his son, John Jr. (1535-1595), his grandson, Reynold (1566-1603), the Bush family all lived in Essex. Born in 1593, John Bush Sr.’s great-grandson, John III, migrated to New England during the Great Puritan Migration (1620-1640).
Originally arriving in Maine, the Bushes soon made a home for themselves in Massachusetts, before spending the next century and a half moving around the other states within New England, such as Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York.
It would be here in New York, where Obadiah Bush was born on January 28 1797. The son of a blacksmith, and the grandson of a Revolutionary War captain, Bush’s life was guided by that of his father and grandfather.
When the War of 1812 erupted between Britain and the US, Obadiah soon enlisted in the military, serving with distinction.
After the war, Obadiah found work as a schoolmaster and later, justice of the peace, all whilst being an early abolitionist of some note (in no doubt thanks to his sister-in-law being famed abolitionist writer Abigail Norton Bush!) and later, a gold miner.
Beyond the family’s English ancestors (along the patrilineal line), the family is also related to the prominent Livingston, Schuyler and Beekman families along the matrilineal line too.
Establishing Themselves
Moving to California for the Gold Rush in 1849, Obadiah spent the next two years in the stifling California heat, where he struck literal and metaphorical gold and decided to go move his family westwards.
Whilst on the journey back to California with his family in 1851, Obadiah died of natural causes, leaving behind his wife of 30 years and seven children, among them being James Smith Bush.
In 1841, James Smith Bush graduated Yale, which eventually led him to study law and be accepted to the bar in 1847. 18 months after his father’s death, James’ wife died in childbirth thus prompting him to turn to religion to process his grief.
Not long after, James began to study divinity with the rector of the Episcopalian Church in Saratoga Springs and was ordained a deacon in 1855, where he became a prominent priest and religious writer in New England.
Through being a priest and religious writer, James was able to meet his second wife, Harriet Eleanor Fay, a woman who could trace her ancestry in the New World back seven generations to her fifth great-grandfather, John Fay, who arrived in 1656 aboard the Speedwell (the Mayflower’s sister ship).
Marrying her in 1859, the couple went on to have four children together, three boys and one girl. Whilst all were significant in their own way, by far the most significant was their middle son, Samuel.
Founding a Dynasty
Business Prominence
Entrance Into Politics
Political Prominence
Highest Office in The Land
Highest Office in The Land (Again)
Post-Presidency
Bush Family Today
Legacy
As one of the most important political dynasties we’ve ever seen, it’s probably not a huge surprise when I say that the Bush family have left a rather large impact on American politics as a whole…
For starters, both Bush presidencies have been controversial to say the least.
On his campaign trail, Bush Sr. repeatedly pledged not to raise taxes – a promise that won him many votes – yet when he came to the White House, he raised taxes, a fact that angered many of his allies within the GOP.
Then there’s Bush Jr.’s presidency, which was just as (if not more so) controversial than his father’s. Not only is Bush Jr. hated for the Invasion of Iraq, he also angered many by increasing the government’s debt, something that the US is still living with today!
Beyond that, several things have also been named in honor of members of the Bush family – the USS George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier, Bush School of Government and the George Bush Intercontinental Airport to name but a few.
Indeed, the legacy of the Bush family may not be over.
In the buildup to the 2016 election, Jeb Bush ran for the Republican nomination, before dropping out due to the popularity of other candidates – namely Donald Trump. Despite this loss, many expect that he may make another attempt in 2024.
By 2024, Jeb would be 71, making him potentially too old to be president. His son, George P. Bush, however, would be 48 which would be a perfect age to become president (although he would have to resign as Texas Attorney General if he wins it in 2022!)
Alternatively, George P. could run in 2028 and/or 2032 when he’s 52 and/or 56 respectively, when he’s got a little more experience under his belt.
What do you think of the Bush family? Are they truly as great in business as they are in politics (or vice-versa)? Tell me in the comments!