John T. Coughlin (January 1, 1873–June 13, 1936) was an American politician who served as mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts. Coughlin was born in Fall River on January 1, 1873, to Thomas and Margaret (Foley) Coughlin. One of Coughlin's cousins, John W. Coughlin, served as Fall River mayor from 1891 to 1894. Coughlin

read law Reading law was the method used in common law countries, particularly the United States, for people to prepare for and enter the legal profession before the advent of law schools. It consisted of an extended internship or apprenticeship under the ...

in the office of Hugh A. Dubuque and graduated from the

Boston University School of Law Boston University School of Law (Boston Law or BU Law) is the law school of Boston University, a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. It is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States and considered an eli ...

in 1900. In 1904, Coughlin defeated Fall River Mayor George Grime by 749 votes. In 1908 he was urged to run for Governor or Lieutenant Governor, but did not believe he was ready for a statewide race. He was a candidate in the

1909 Massachusetts gubernatorial election The 1909 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1909. Incumbent Governor Republican Eben S. Draper was re-elected, defeating Democratic nominee James H. Vahey with 48.64% of the vote. Democratic nomination Candidates * ...

, but was defeated at the Democratic state convention by

James H. Vahey James Henry Vahey (December 29, 1871 – April 7, 1929) was an American lawyer and politician. Early life Vahey was born on December 29, 1871, in Watertown, Massachusetts. His parents were Irish immigrants who came to the United States in 1869 ...

384 votes to 198. Coughlin did not run for reelection in 1910 and was succeeded by Thomas F. Higgins. Coughlin died on June 13, 1936, at Baker Memorial Hospital following an operation.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Coughlin, John T. 1873 births 1936 deaths Boston University School of Law alumni Massachusetts Democrats Massachusetts lawyers Mayors of Fall River, Massachusetts