GOUGH, Willard - Putnam

Willard Gough, son of John and Eliza Carpenter Gough, was born in Jackson township, Putnam County, Indiana, October 6, 1857 and departed this life April 6, 1942, at the age of 84 years and six months. The father, John Gough, was a farmer in early life but later was a grist and saw mill operator. He was killed when a team of oxen ran away and threw him from the wagon near the mill on Walnut Creek southeast of Roachdale when the son Willard was two years of age. The mother was later married again and was reared by his step-father on the home farm which he began working when but a mere lad. He received a very serviceable education and at the death of his step-father took charge of the farm and successfully managed it until he was 21 years old. Politically he was a democrat and served a term as trustee of Franklin township.

He married Mary Rogers September 6, 1878, and to this union five children were born. The mother of these children passed to her rest October 22, 1900. He was again married to Mrs. Laura Rettinger on August 12, 1907, who passed away November 26, 1929. He was a very useful man in life and leaves to mourn his departure four children: Grover O. of near Beech Grove; John B. of near Roachdale; Mrs. Nettie Underwood of Crawfordsville, and Mrs. Verna Wetmer of Tampa, Florida. One daughter Mrs. Nellie Gillen passed away April 28, 1929. Fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren also survive, one of whom is Otha C. Faller Jr. in the U.S. Army in Alaska. Other survivors are two half-brothers; Lee and Phillip Williams of Indianapolis and a nephew Albert James of Indianapolis who having been left an orphan when a small boy was taken into Willard Gough's home and cared for until he was of age. Burial was made in Roachdale cemetery. Also a 2nd obit was in 4/16/1942 paper.  --- thanks so much to Marilyn Walker