New England Temperance Leader John Gough Provides Autograph

JOHN BARTHOLOMEW GOUGH (August 22, 1817 – February 18, 1886) was a temperance leader.  Gough was born in Sandgate, Kent, England, but was sent to the United States after his father died. He arrived in New York City in August 1829.  He went to work with family friends on a farm in Oneida County, NY, and later entered in a book-bindery in New York City to learn a trade. Gough fell in with troublesome companions and became an alcoholic.  He developed a passion for the stage and made a couple of efforts to become an actor, but gained little favor.  Gough lost his wife and child.  In October 1842, he found himself in Worcester, MA, when a Quaker induced him to attend a temperance meeting, where he signed a temperance pledge.  After several failed attempts at remaining sober, Gough devoted his life to lecturing on behalf of temperance reform. He traveled through the New England states and was paid 75 cents for every lecture.  He soon became famous for his eloquence. Gough continued lecturing until the end of his life.  He is buried in Worcester, MA.

One-page, 5 ¼ x 6 ½ ALS, Worcester, June 1, 1878, to G. F. Farmer.  “Please excuse the delay in replying to your request for an autograph. The letter was mislaid among a large number of letters. I now cheerfully comply with your request...John B. Gough”

Mailing folds. Light toning. Mounting residue on verso.

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