Probably no other person in the early history of Mitchell County influenced so many people for good as Professor Alva Bush. He came to Osage with his family from Fayette, Iowa, in January, 1863. The journey was made by team in a conveyance of his own construction. Professor Bush was born in Busti, Chautauqua county, New York, January 25, 1830. Through the influence of a sweet Christian mother he was converted in early life and joined the Baptist church. He attended the Jamestown Academy, near his early home. On April 28, 1853, he was married to Eliza Jane Moore. Later they came west, and for a time he attended Burlington Collegiate Institute, Burlington, Iowa. The family then moved to Fayette County.

He was ordained to the gospel ministry at Strawberry Point in 1859. He was always strongly drawn to the work of teaching. The opportunity to test his powers as a teacher came when Professor William Brush, president of Fayette College, was called to service in the Union army, and Professor Bush took his place for a time in the college. He liked the work so well that he promptly accepted the offer to start the Cedar Valley Seminary. When the family moved to Osage it consisted of the parents and three little daughters, the youngest of whom was a babe in arms. They lived in the old jail the first winter, and suffered much with the cold. The founding of the seminary is described in the chapter on schools. In the fall of 1865, Professor Bush was elected superintendent of Mitchell county schools and filled that office successfully four years. This helped to extend his acquaintance and influence in the entire county. He served as pastor of the Osage Baptist church from 1866 to 1873, and in 1877 and 1878. He also preached in many of the outside towns and schoolhouses, and helped to organize several nearby Baptist churches.

   In 1868 he received the honorary degree of A. M. from the old University of Chicago,: and in 1880 the degree of LL. D. from the University of Des Moines.

   Five daughters and one son came to bless the Bush home. That home was the center of good influences and good cheer for man , many years to a large circle of devoted friends. On June 26, 1881, Professor Bush died suddenly from a stroke of apoplexy. The whole community mourned his early death, for his was a singularly inspiring and lovable disposition and he had the respect and love of all who came under his influence. Having passed from this earth he still lives in the affections of his pupils.

   His wife lived until January, 1917, most of the time in the home of her youngest daughter, Mrs. Grace Gardner, and her life and influence was a blessing to her church and community. Mrs. Abbie Button, of South Dakota, Mrs. Grace Gardner of Osage, and Mr. Albert L. Bush of Boise, Idaho, now survive; while Mrs. Clara Call outlived her mother but a few months. There are a large number of grandchildren who honor the name and memory of their grandparents.

 

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Transcribed, March 2003 by Gordon Felland

Photo c/o Kathy Pike, March 2004