Ben Rush PTA - Who was Ben Rush?

Benjamin Rush

December 24, 1745 - April 19, 1813

Patriot, Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Look to the right of John Hancock's signature, just above Benjamin Franklin's.

Consulting Physician to the Lewis and Clark Expedition

He convinced Lewis and Clark to take along his highly toxic "Thunderclapper" laxative pills.

On the Money

Ben Rush is pictured on the $2 bill. (Who are the rest of those guys? See the key here.)

Buried near the Liberty Bell

You can visit the Ben Rush home site, the hospital where he worked, and his grave when you are in Philadelphia. All are a short walk from the Liberty Bell.

Founder of Dickinson College

Dickinson is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Father of American Psychiatry

. He invented the tranquilizer chair!

Anti-Tobacco Crusader

Ben Rush was opposed to tobacco. Despite this, his picture was used to sell "Ben Rush Cigars".

Benjamin Rush PTA

Benjamin Rush Elementary School, Redmond, Washington