Frank Gough was born on October 11, 1864, in Yadkin County, North Carolina. Gough moved to Robeson County around age eighteen, becoming one of Lumberton's most promising and prominent businessmen. He served as state senator representing Robeson County in the session of 1917 and was appointed to the State Prison Board by Gov. Thomas W. Bickett, a position he held from 1917 to 1921. Gough died in Lumberton on May 22, 1930.