JOHN BROUGH, the twenty-sixth governor of Ohio, was born in Marietta, Ohio on September 17, 1811. He was orphaned at the age of eleven, and consequently went to work as printer's apprentice. While working, he attended Ohio University, however he never graduated. He eventually became a successful businessman with holdings in the newspaper and railroad industries. Brough first entered politics as clerk of the Ohio State Senate, a position he held from 1825 to 1837. He also served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1838 to 1839; and was the state auditor from 1839 to 1845. Brough had been affiliated with the Democratic Party, but when the Civil War had started, he switched his allegiance, supporting the Union's position on war. He next secured the Union gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor in the 1863 general election. During his tenure, military hospital conditions were improved; an impartial officer promotion system was initiated; and a tax was implemented that provided financial relief for military families. Four months before his term expired, Brough's became ill, and consequently passed away on August 29, 1865. Governor John Brough was buried in the Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.