The Haven Inn was licensed by William Crowther in 1854 and stood on section 39 Haven Road, at the bottom of Russell Street.
In April 1858 the name was changed to the Northumberland Arms.
John Marsden took the hotel over from Crowther in March 1860 and changed the name to the Steamboat Tavern.
The hotel was rebuilt about 1864 with Henry Silvester Bush as landlord.
Frederick Stock took over in 1872, but died two years later.
The Steamboat Tavern had closed by 1887.

In 1862 Henry had the Beaver Inn in Marlborough
In 1862 a Marlborough Provincial Directory was published which says that Henry had the "Blenheim" hotel

In 1864 he had the Steamboat Tavern in Nelson

In 1869 he had the London Tavern in Nelson
In 1869, 9th April, his wife Ellen died aged 31 and is buried in PLOT 038, BLOCK 05 of Wakapuaka cemtery

In 1872 Nelson Electoral Roll he said he was in Haven Rd, in the Steamboat Tavern (as was his father Abraham) ...
In 1872 he remarried to Margaret Mears
- they had:
1877 - Arthur Silvester - 1964
- married Selina Maude Browne
1879 - Mabel
1880 - Edgar George Reginald - 1951
- married Mae Elizabeth Towne
1881 - Amy Theresa - 1965
- married John Symons
1883 - Charles Frederick - 1965
- married Evelyn May Crook

In 1873, 28th Nov, his father Abraham died of heart disease at his home in Russell St. He said he felt unwell, undressed, got into bed and died in a few minutes. He is buried in Plot 038, Block 05 at Wakapuaka cemetery
- Abraham also had a number of hotels in Nelson, some the same as Henry so they were possibly in partnership

In 1877, 8th Aug, his mother died and is buried in Plot 038, Block 05 at Wakapuaka cemetery

In 1881 he had the Masonic Hotel in Blenheim
- he later sold it to George Holdsworth

In 1925 Henry died aged 93 (birth year 1832)
- he also had a brother Thomas Bush 1829-1905

.. At this stage do not know how many children Ellen had. She would be easier to trace if you had her parents names too ..

Hi Ngairedith,

Thank you so much for all that info. The pieces of the puzzle are slowly coming together now.

1858 Abraham Bush was running "Traveller's Rest" in Appleby. 30th May, 1860 Abraham runs first ad for taking over "Northumberland Arms" from Mr Crowther. Abraham runs last ad 5th Sept,1860. Oct 1860 Abraham takes over or is living at the "Steamboat Tavern", Haven Rd. He ran it until 1870 poss 1872.

Regarding children of Ellen & Henry Silvester, there are quite a few on the BDM's but parents were not listed back then so that makes it more difficult. I have the feeling that it might be childbirth related as to her death.


Thanks so much again,

Historyhead