John W. Rush--Among the many citizens of Pottawattamie County who are worthy of biographical mention in a work of this character we find the above named gentleman.

Mr. Rush was born in Warren County, Iowa, May 28, 1854, son of William Rush, a native of Indiana. His father was of German extraction and was born in Kentucky.

When a young man William Rush came to Warren County, Iowa, where he married Elizabeth Hart, who was born in Macoupin County, Illinois, daughter of John Hart.

In 1860 Mr. Rush and his wife moved to Hamilton County, Iowa, and from there, in 1865, went to Montgomery County, same State, settling two miles and a half northwest of Red Oak. They now live nine miles north of Red Oak.

Mr. Rush has been a farmer all his life. Politically he is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Christian Church.

They have reared seven children, namely: J. W., Mahala, William, Henry, Nancy, Sarah and Daniel.

The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. Arriving at the age of manhood, he was married in February, 1881, to Miss Mary Powell, a lady of intelligence, who was born in Montgomery County, Iowa, daughter of Andrew and Mavinda (Sample) Powell, of that county. They came from Indiana to their present location.

In 1882 Mr. Rush came to Pottawattamie County and bought eighty acres of wild land in section 21, Waveland Township. This he improved and to it added eighty acres more, which he acquired by purchase. He has a good story and a half frame house, 14 x 22 feet, with a one story L, 16 x 24 feet. Other improvements on his farm are a barn, sheds, feed lots, wind pump, etc., and every thing is well arranged and convenient for stock-raising. The whole premises has an air of thrift and prosperity. In 1884 Mr. Rush went to Elliott, Iowa, where he engaged in the loan and real-estate business, and after remaining there two years returned to his farm in this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Rush have three children: Jessie, Clarence and Lucian. They lost one child, Clara, who died in infancy.

Mr. Rush is a Democrat, and is the present Township Clerk. He is one of the leading members of the Christian Church, of which he is an elder. He is also an active worker in the Sabbath-school, being superintendent of the same. He is regarded by all who know him as a man of the strictest integrity.

Contributed By: Mona Sarratt Knight