The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1865-09-06
(From the State Journal Aug. 80, 1869
Death of the Governor of Ohio.


Death of the Governor of Ohio.
For the first time in the history Of
Ohio. It's executive offices were yesterday
closed and draped in mourning, and flags
hung at half mast in the Capital, because
Its Chief Magistrate was dead.
JOHN BRoUGH, the third Governor ma
tive to Oho-W William Dennison being
the frst--and the only one whose official
career has been closed by death, departed
this life at his home in Cleveland, about
one o'clock yesterday.
This announcement will not be unex-
pected to the great body Of the people Of
our State, yet it will convey severe
shock to every community, and deep
regrets over the loss of life which pos
sessed great public utility, will be enter
tanned wherever official integrity and
remarkable executive capacity are re-
spected.
John Brough was born at the old pio-
neer town, Marietta, in the year 1911.
His early advantages for culture or pro-
motion in life were limited. In 1923 he
entered the printing Office Of the Marietta
Gazette as an apprentice, but seeking
educational advantages, in 1925, obtained
a situation in the office of the Athens
Mirror, and took a place in class of the
Ohio University. To what extent his
studies in college were pursued we are
not advised, but in 1881 he became pro-
prietor of a Democratic paper, published
at Marietta, Which was called The WASH
ington County Republican. Seeking
wider sphere. Mr.. Brough sold the Re-
publican in 1888. and in conjunction
with his brother Charles H., purchased
the Lancaster Eagle. Under the man
agement Of the Broughs the Eagle mme-
diately gained influential rank among the
Democratic journals of the State.
In 1885 John Brough was elected
clerk of the Ohio Senate, which post he
filed with ability until 1898, when he
was called to represent the counties of
Fairfield and Hooking in the Legislature.
In 1889 he was chosen Auditor of the
State Of Ohio. by the General Assembly,
and served in that capacity until 1915.
He took charge of the finances of our
State at a period of serious monetary
depression when extensive internal i'm
provements were being prosecuted.
when the resources of the State were not
equal to lis expenditures, and conse-
quently when heavy loans were necessar-
lily negotiated. He bent his energies to
ouch a revision of the financial system OF
the State--such changes in its revenue
laws and such engagements of its basis
of taxation, as render his six annual
reports among the most valuable of our
public documents. John Brough was
one of the few Auditors of Ohio who
have comprehended the fact that the
position Of chief of its financial bureau is
the most important Office within the gift
of its people. With great courage and
comprehensive power Auditor Brough
exposed wrongs and suggested remedies,
aud was very instrumental in the organi
cation Of the financial system which has
placed Ohio among the States whose
credit is above reproach or suspicion.
In lS46, retiring from the Office Of
Auditor. with an enviable reputation as
a far-sighted public officer. John Brouch
opened law Office in Cincinnati, aud
united with his brother Charles H.. in
the management of the Cincinnati En-
quirer. He entered actively into politics,
and was regarded as the ablest speaker
which the Democratic party then had in
Ohio. Thoroughly informed in public
affairs -possessed-ipgenious 10 ar.
gument, and shrewd in the evasion Of
knotty points-fayored with powerful
Soius and an engaging manner, John