Garret Bush was a native of Pinebrook, New Jersey. He and his older brother, Elias, joined the 7th New Jersey Volunteers in 1861 and were placed in Co. C.
Based on his birthdate and his enlistment records, Bush’s descendants believe he lied about his age to join the army. While his papers show that he was 22 at the time of his discharge, his birthdate actually makes him 19 at his date of discharge, meaning he enlisted at the age of 16.
Family oral history states that Bush fought in the Peach Orchard at Gettysburg and had a bullet go through his hand when he was leaning against one of the trees.
After being wounded at Gettysburg, Bush was moved to the Veterans Reserve Corps where he served out the remainder of his enlistment. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 3, 1864.
He returned to his quiet civilian life and married, living to the age of 73 and passing away in 1918.
He is buried in Denville Cemetery in Denville, New Jersey. A Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) plaque accompanies his grave.
Special Thanks to descendant, Robert Doremus, for the information and photographs.