The Weekly Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, O. [Ohio]) 1861-1???, 1865-09-12
Onr 9ate Gurermur.
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE
LIFE OF JOHN BROUGH.


John Brough was born at Mariettl, on
the 18th September, 1871. His father, John
Brough, an Englishman by birth, came to
this country in 1906, in the same ship with
Blennerhassett, with whom he afterwards
remained on the most friendly relations un-
til his unfortunate connection with the Burr
conspiracy. Mr.. Brough's mother was a
native of Pennsylvania, and was a woman
of great force OF character, and it was from
her that John Inherited the strong mental
characteristics for which he was so re-
markablc. lie was the Oldest of three
sons, but second in family of five children.
Ills two sisters still survive him.
The Governor received "A good common
school education, but his father died in
1922, leaving him, as well as the other
members OF the family, to depend upon
their own eXertious for support. John
weut into the printing Office OF Royal Prem
tisS, of Marietta, setting type but few
months, when he entered the Ohio Univcr-
sity at Athens, where he pursued scientific
course with the addition of Latin. While
here he worked night and morning at his
trade aud attended to his studies during the
day.
During this time he is said to have put
up as much type every week as a hand con.
stauty employed, aud kept at the head of
every department of study i'll the college.
lie was fleet of foot and the best ball-play-
er at college. III short, lie displayed the
great energy of character which mas made
him so prominent public man. lie ac-
quired good English and classical educa-
ton.
He studied law in the same manner--with
whom we are unable to learn.
ENTERS THE EDITORIAL PROFESSION.
In 1882 he went to Parkersburg, Va,
where for several mouths he edited the
Gazette of that place. He then moved to
Maii tia. where he published and edited
the Washington County Republican, a
Democratic paper. In 1888 lle moved to
Lancaster, and purchased the Ohio Edgte,
which he continued to edit with marked
ability until 1888, spending almost every
winter in Columbus, during which time he
acted as Clerk to tho Upper House of the
General Assembly.
EXP sEs CORRUPTION.
1t was during this time that he exhibited
great capacity for financial affairs, and he
was taken into the confidence of old and
well-tried leaders of both political parties.
He saw through the corruption of the
Auditors Office, and the tendency of the
dominant party toward reputation sccur-
ing the information which enabled him 10
deuounce the whole system so effectually
when a member of the House of Represen-
tative in 1889 h
ELECTED AUDITOR.
This bold, honorable and manly course
made him State Auditor in 1888, although
iiercely opposed and threatened by Medary
and BIZ Allen, who could not understand
how man could take ground against cor
rupt measures of his own party, even where
the public interests were at stake. But the
best and purest members Of the Legislature
Of the Wing party voted for John Brough,
aud he was elected Ever afterwGrd
Medary and Allen wele his bitter, malig
nant aud uncomprOmising enemies BrouGh
continued to act as Auditor for six years,
in that time perfectly revolntiOnlzing the
man"er of doing business in that office, and
building up an enviable reputation for ex.
ecutive ability aud probity of character.
NE BECOMES DIsGUsTED WITH POLITICS.
Willie Mr.. Brough was still Auditor OF
State, he bought the PhRnic, in Ciucn-
natl Of Moses Dawson, changed its name
to the EBquirer, and put in his brother
Charles Brough as editor. After the close
Of his official term, he practiced law in Cincin-
matt, and also wroIe editorials tor his paper.
1here is seme evidence that Mr.. 3rough
had an honorable ambition to represent the
state in the United States Seuate, for which
position his broad and comprehensive
views of public policy aud bis great ability
as public speaker admirably fitted him /;
but in 1913, becoming disgusted with the
pro-slavery inclinations Of some OF the
leaders Of the Democratic party, and the
corruption of that organization, he resolved
90 have nothing more To do with politics
save as an eector and he sold one-half Of
the Enquirer to ii. ii. Robinson.
RAILWAY KING.
lie was made President OF the Madison
& Indianapolis Railroad Company, making
Madison his place Of residence. lie con
tinued as President of this road until 1888,
and was remal kably successful in It's man
agemeni; so much so that il may he said
that he thereby laid the foundation Of the