A lifelong resident of the town of West Warwick, Rhode Island, James F. Gough is well known throughout this section of the State. In early life he succeeded to the undertaking business established by his father and has since continued its direction. His is the oldest undertaking enterprise in the town of West Warwick.
Mr. Gough was born on August 20, 1887, at Arctic, in the town of West Warwick, Rhode Island. His parents were Peter J. and Adeline T. (Bryant) Gough, both natives of Arctic, and both now deceased. The father was engaged in the undertaking business at the time of his death in 1902.
James F. Gough was educated in the public schools of his birthplace and at La Salle Academy in Providence. He was only fourteen years old when his father died. Called upon to shoulder the burdens of life at this early age, he immediately entered the business established in 1884 by James F. and Peter J. Gough, and has continued as its sole proprietor ever since, operating under the name of James F. Gough, funeral director. Mr. Gough has carefully maintained the highest standards of service in carrying out his professional duties. He has procured the best and most modem equipment and spared no pains to render the fullest satisfaction to the community in his work.
Mr. Gough is an independent voter in politics, and has always maintained a keen interest in civic affairs. He is a member of the Rhode Island Funeral Directors’ Association, and the National Funeral Directors’ Association, and of several local clubs or organizations, including the West Warwick Country Club, the J. P. Gibson Council of the Knights of Columbus, Narragansett Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Catholic Foresters of America. He is Past Grand Knight of the local council of the Knights of Columbus, and District Deputy for the State Council. Mr. Gough attends St. James Roman Catholic Church at West Warwick. Golf and baseball are his principal diversions.
In 1911, James F. Gough married Mary C. Murphy, who was born at Fall River, Massachusetts. They are the parents of two children: James E., and Claire C.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.