William Stough
Madison Township. Stough, William, Insurance Agent, Justice, and soldier, was born, January 22d, 1821, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, of American parentage of German descent. He was educated in the common schools and when quite young was apprenticed to learn the cabinetmaker's trade in Mansfield, Ohio. Having perfected himself in his calling he entered into the business himself, and removed to Williams County, Ohio, where he also followed the lumber business in connection with cabinet making. After twelve years, he engaged in general merchandise in Pulaski and Bryan, where he continued for five years. In 1861 he entered into the army as Captain of Company H, 38th Ohio Volunteers, and served with that command for one year resigning in consequence for ill health. He returned home, where he remained for a year, and then returned to the service as Captain in the 9th Ohio Calvary. In September, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of Major, and fifteen days thereafter again promoted, receiving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel for efficient services, and held that rank at the close of the war. He holds brevet Colonel and Brigadier-General commission for meritorious conduct, March 10th, 1865; these are for services rendered at the surprise of Kilpatrick's command by Wade Hampton and Wheeler at Monroe Cross Roads, near Fayette, North Carolina; and in the "History of the Ninety Second Illinois Infantry" he is highly complimented for the efficient services he then rendered. He was honorably discharged from the service in August, 1865, and returning home was elected Justice of the Peace for three terms in succession, and still holds that office, and has held that office sor six terms in Williams County. In 1870 he was chosen Mayor of Bryan. He is also engaged in the insurance business. He has been connected with the Republican party since its foundation. He was married in 1840 to Sarah A. Redding, of Richland County, Ohio, who died in September, 1864.
From The Biographical Encyclopedia of Ohio of the Nineteenth Century, page 600, Galaxy Publishing Company, Cincinnati and Philadelphia, 1876, S.A. George & Co., Stereotypers & Electrotypers