Polk Co. IAGenWeb

BUSH, F. P. - Was born in Cleveland, Ohio, October 28, 1848. When a child his parents removed to New Haven, Connecticut, the place of their birth. His mother's maiden name was Charlotte W. Kimberly, a descendant of the Kimberly who came to New Haven in 1638. His father's ancestors came from England in 1812. Young Bush passed his youth in New Haven, where he was educated. In 1868 he entered the employ of a dry goods firm as salesman, where he remained until 1877. From New Haven he removed to Iowa, locating in Des Moines. Two years he was engaged as traveling agent for Tone Brothers. In September, 1879, he bought a half interest in connection with W. H. Langan in the confectionery establishment with which he is now identified. The house with which he is connected was established during the year 1871. The firm is known by the name of Chapin, Merritt & Co. They are not only enterprising and active men, who constantly study the demands of their trade and the wants of their customers, but in addition to this they are ingenious and skillful confectioners, being practical manufacturers of a superior line of goods. Their confectionery is manufactured from the best quality of pure sugar, and the popularity of their goods, which is generally acknowledged throughout a large region of country, has resulted in a trade fully justifying the metropolitan pretensions of the house. To this firm is the city indebted for the successful operation of at least one manufacturing establishment, and to the prosperity of its manufacturing interests must the city look for future and permanent growth.