BIO: George Tomb BUSH, Centre County, Pennsylvania

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the 
Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical 
Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, pages 44-45

George Tomb Bush.  Beginning his career with the prestige of a well-known name, 
with health, and seemingly all the good gifts that a reasonable mind could ask 
at Fortune's hand, the subject of this sketch has made such use of his 
advantages as to have already attained distinction in his chosen lines of 
effort.  A son of the late Daniel G. Bush, of Bellefonte, Centre county, he was 
born in that city September 24, 1867.  At six years of age he was sent to school 
in Bucks county, Penn., and prepared for a course at college.  He went to 
Swarthmore College, near Philadelphia, where he spent four years.  He then 
entered the Pennsylvania State College, and remained until 1887, taking a 
complete course in chemistry.  At his father's death he was called home, and has 
since remained there, assisting his mother in the settlement and handling of the 
estate, and later engaging in business.
   Real estate and insurance (principally life) occupied his attention for a 
time, and in 1890he purchased his present store where he carries a large and 
well-selected stock of stationery and sporting goods, but still keeping up his 
work in life insurance, of which he has made a thorough study, and is considered 
a well-posted man on that subject.  He is an active member of the Board of Trade 
of Bellefonte, and often participates earnestly in the various discussions that 
arise.
   An enthusiastic Democrat, Mr. Bush takes an active share in political work, 
and enjoys a large acquaintance among the party leaders.  For several years he 
was a member of the city council of Bellefonte, and in 1894 he was made a 
delegate to the Democratic County Convention, serving as secretary of that body; 
was also chosen as delegate to the State Convention of that year, and has served 
in like capacities several times since.  
   Mr. Bush possesses a remarkable physique, and is noted for his achievements 
as an athlete.  His interest in cycling dates back to 1890 when he became 
prominent in the League of America.  He was first elected to the State Board of 
Representatives of that organization, and soon after elected a member of the 
National Assembly of that body, and his legislative abilities have been so well 
recognized that he has been continued a member of those bodies ever since, and 
he is now one of the most active workers in the League and its work for good 
roads.  As a referee in bicycle races he has a reputation for accuracy and 
impartiality, and is called to attend many of the noted contests in this and 
other States in that capacity.  Early in life, while at college, he took great 
interest in football, and in this line he has also been active for many years, 
managing a team at Detroit, Mich., in 1892.  Of late his energies in that line 
have gone from the player to officiating as referee at games, his accustomed 
impartiality and good judgment standing him in good stead.
   With all his other gifts Mr. Bush wields the pen of a ready writer, and for 
many years he has been a general correspondent for leading dailies.  His pet 
hobby is philately, and his collection of stamps, comprising about eight 
thousand varieties, is the envy of most other devotees in that line.  He is also 
a charter member of the American Philatelic Association, the leading society of 
philatelists in the world.  Fraternally, he is a member of the Bellefonte Lodge 
of Free Masons, the Royal Arch Chapter, and Constans Commandery No. 33, Knights 
Templar, all of Bellefonte, and takes great interest in these organizations, 
holding many minor offices, and is at present captain-general of the Commandery.
   Mr. Bush inherits much of his father's foresight and quickness of decision 
and thought, as well as administrative ability, and his word is his bond, as his 
father's was before him.  His good judgment and impartiality in all matters is 
well known, he many times being called in as arbitrator in business affairs.  He 
is a member of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution, and also of the 
Nittany Rod and Gun Club, a hunting and fishing organization which has four its 
home the old Gregg mansion at Hecla Furnace, Centre county, Pennsylvania.