Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Rush (December 24, 1745 - April 19, 1813) was an American physician, educator, writer, and Founding Father. He was one of Pennsylvania's delegates to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He is called the "Father of American Psychiatry" for his work with mental illness.

Early life

Rush was born on the outskirts of Philadelphia. His father, a gunsmith, died when Benjamin was 6 years old and he was raised by his mother. He began his formal education at the age of 8 at the Nottingham Academy, which was run by his uncle. At the age of 13 he was accepted into the College of New Jersey, which is known today as Princeton University. Two years later he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Bibliography

• Brodsky, Alyn. Benjamin Rush: Patriot and Physician (New York: Truman Talley, 2004)