Carman G. Blough: His personality and formative years

              The Accounting Historians Journal Vol. 9, No. 2 Fall 1982
Richard A. Scott MclNTIRE SCHOOL OF COMMERCE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
and
Elizabeth G. Ward
PEAT, MARWICK, MITCHELL & CO.
CARMAN G. BLOUGH: HIS PERSONALITY AND FORMATIVE YEARS
Abstract: The article briefly explores the personality and psychological makeup of Carman G. Blough and discusses some experiences during his formative years that made Blough the person he was.
What was Carman Blough like and what were the experiences that influenced his formative years? John L. Carey singled out these features:
... he was attracted by public service. He was vigorous, industrious, and self-confident, but open-minded and judicious—not doctrinaire. When convinced he was right he stood his ground, but he could disagree without being disagreeable. His candor, complete honesty, and good nature inspired confidence. He was not without the gift of diplomacy. He got along well with people. He had a sense of humor. He could relax convivially. He had no pretentions.1
There was another side, one where an explosive temper lurked. Paton described an episode involving a five-star general. During a horseshow attended by Blough and his daughter, the general— a big man attired in full uniform—remained standing in front of the two, blocking their view. Blough asked him several times to sit down, without success. Finally, he
. . . jumped up, grabbed the general's coat, yanked violently, and yelled: "Sit down, damn you, or I'll knock you down." And he cocked his fist at the ready.2
At times his temper could fuel a defiant attitude. In 1932 he studied for the Ph.D. degree at Harvard University. After one year