138 E. 3rd St.,
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Built 1847
Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.
Frederick Bush, who appears in the 1859-60 Directory as "Carpenter and builder, south side Third St. between Mulberry and Walnut Sts.," bought a lot from Evan Lilly and wife, Margaret A., January 21, 1847, and that year erected his home here.
Bush and his wife, Maria, issued a small mortgage on his "house and lot" in February, 1850," which was duly paid off and continued to reside here for several years.
Frederick Bush came from Virginia. His father, who served in the war of 1812 and 1815, was a tanner and later a farmer in Frederick County, Va., where the son was born in November, 1806. At the age of 17, he became a carpenter's apprentice, served for five years, and then on a contract with E. Milton, and without capital, came to Kentucky. For 15 years he worked as a contractor and builder in Fayette County. He married Miss Elliott, of Woodford County, in 1832 and resided there until her death in 1844, when he removed to Lexington, where he married a second time in 1846.
Bush built many fine residences and public buildings in Fayette and adjoining counties, among the latter being the Jessamine County Court House.
His son, Wm. E. Bush, became his partner in 1856, in which year he married Miss Sue E. Downing. In 1873 the firm bought the extensive planing mill of G.D. Wilgus. The son was a trustee of Sayre Female Institute and affiliated with many local organizations.
Transcribed by pb March 2003