He died in March, 1879, aged sixty-nine
years.
JOHN B. GOUGH
(1817-1886)
THE CONQUEST OF A BAD HABIT
Happily few human beings sink to the depths in which John B. Gough
found himself at the age of twenty-five years. By sheer force of will
he raised himself from the slough in which he wallowed, till he
attained a position honored among men, and performed a service of
exceptional usefulness to society.
His story, as told in his own vivid words, is one of the most absorbing
in the annals of self-help. His example must have helped thousands
among the myriads whom he thrilled by the dramatic recital of his
experience.
From his "Autobiography."
I boarded in Grand Street at this time, and soon after laid the
foundation of many of my future sorrows. I possessed a tolerably good
voice, and sang pretty well, having also the faculty of imitation
rather strongly developed; and being well stocked with amusing stories,
I was introduced into the society of thoughtless and dissipated young
men, to whom my talents made me welcome. These companions were what is
termed respectable, but they drank. I now began to attend the theatres
frequently, and felt ambitious of strutting my part upon the stage.
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