Alfred Rush

Alfred Rush (died May 13, 1876) was a state representative in South Carolina during the Reconstruction era, serving two non-consecutive terms between 1868 and 1876. Rush was one of four men who represented Darlington County, South Carolina, three of whom were African Americans and one was white. Rush was elected to serve just a few years after the Civil War (1861–1865). He was ambushed and murdered on May 13, 1876.

Early and personal life Alfred Rush was born a slave of mixed-race heritage near Ebenezer, South Carolina to the Gee family. In 1811, John Gee settled in what was then Darlington County, South Carolina. His first homestead and his 1,400 acres of land was at the present Five Points. Gee was an early magistrate for the county.

The Gee family and their slaves attended the Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Rush was emancipated after the Civil War, but angry former Confederate soldiers and Democrats, led "a campaign of terror" in the post-war years.

He supported education and taxation for South Carolina during the Reconstruction era, writing the language for the Constitution of South Carolina that would provide free education for all. His stances and actions would likely have angered some of his constituents. Five other state legislators were killed before him during Reconstruction. A historical marker near the site of his murder commemorates his life.

Alfred E. Rush Academy in Quinby, South Carolina is named for him.