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Charley Rush's Tavern (site)
National Pike
Farmington, PA 15437From Searight's The Old Pike 1894:
Next we come to Charley Rush's old stand. This was a famous stopping place. Charles Rush settled here in the woods in 1838, built the house, which he occupied as a tavern until he died in 1846, in the prime of life. He always kept a big team on the road, under the management of a hired driver. He was a brother of Boss Rush, and the father of Henry Clay Rush, a prominent and influential citizen of Uniontown. He was fond of horse racing, and always kept fast horses. His son Henry Clay was his favorite rider, who, when a small boy, appeared on the race course arrayed in the jockey outfit, and exactly filling the regulation weight. He would cut a sorry figure now, on the back of a race horse. Charles Rush was kind and charitable in disposition, but when exigencies required, would not decline a fisticuff. Many an overbearing bully has felt the damaging effects of his well-aimed blows. He entertained strangers and travelers at his hospitable board, whether they had the means of paying their bills or not, but always preferred that impecunious guests should inform him of their condition before engaging accommodations. On one occasion an Irishman tarried with him over night, and in the morning, after breakfast, informed him that he had no money to pay his bill. 'Why didn't you tell me that last night?' sharply inquired Mr. Rush. 'And faith, sir,' replied the Irishman, 'I'm very sorry to tell you of it this morning.' Rush, pleased with his wit, absolved him from his bill, gave him a parting drink, and allowed him to go 'Scot free.' William L. Smith, esq., ex-county commissioner, married the widow Rush, and occupies the old stand as a private residence. Samuel Rush, a farmer, and brother of Charles, lived about three miles from here, back in the country. He was a contractor on the road, and an energetic, honest and highly respected citizen. He was the father of Marker Rush, the proprietor of the well known Rush House, near the Union Depot, in Pittsburg. Marker must have inherited his fondness for the sports of the day through his uncle Charles, as his father was not given to worldly indulgences.
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Last updated: 2014-04-05 16:33:27 |
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