Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 507-508; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Richard E. Gould operates a farm of two hundred and twenty
acres in Fairview Township, which is a part of the old Travers estate.
The best traits in the English character find an exemplification in him
and are combined with some sterling qualities derived from his maternal
ancestors, who were German. His father, Edwin Gould, was born in
Exeter, England, and came to America when a young man of about
twenty-three years, in company with members of the Travers family, so
prominent in this section of Illinois. Mr. Gould married Sophia Ernst,
who bore him seven children, our subject being the second in order of
birth.
The other members of the parental family are Sally, a teacher in
the schools of St. Louis, Mo.; William F., book-keeper for Donk Bros.
Coal Company, of St. Louis; Edwin J., book-keeper for the Ludlow Saylor
Wire Company, of St. Louis; Walter Carr, railroad clerk at Sedalia,
Mo.; Harry P., a resident of Fairview, this county; George A., an
employee in the Ludlow Saylor Wire Company.
The father of this family was possessed of more than ordinary
enterprise, and, being a ropemaker by trade, worked up a good business,
finally building a large rope manufactory in St. Louis. He embarked in
the manufacture of cotton cord for tying bales, investing a large
amount of capital in the enterprise. About that time the wire band for
the same purpose was invented, and taking the place of the cotton tie
formerly used, so affected the business of Mr. Gould as to almost cause
his insolvency. Beginning again at the bottom of the financial ladder,
he climbed upward, but never regained his former position. When he died
he was worth about $5,000. He was the first manufacturer of iron and
steel rope west of the Mississippi River.
The subject of this brief biographical sketch was born in St.
Louis, Mo., December 2, 1859, the day John Brown was hung. He grew up
in his native place, followed his father's trade for some years, and
then found employment as a distributing clerk in the post-office
department of his native city. He was filling that position at the time
of his marriage and continued to make his home in St. Louis for a year
longer. He then came to this county to reside.
After the death of his father our subject came up to this county
to visit his parent's old-time friend--the Travers family. He found
much to admire in the character of Agnes A., the youngest living child
of Charles and Jane (Hutchins) Travers, and determined, if possible, to
win her for his wife. His wooing proved successful and on September 2,
1884, the young couple were joined in the bonds of holy wedlock. Mrs.
Gould was born at White Oak Springs, Wis., and was but eleven years old
when she came to this State. After acquiring a preliminary education
she entered the Normal School at Normal, but after attending some time
her health failed, and she was obliged to abandon her studies before
graduation. Reared by parents who have not lost their belief in the
wisdom of English laws and English customs, she became capable of
managing a home, fitted for the duties which might devolve upon her in
society, and estimable in character.
Mr. Gould is a Republican in principles, but inquires into the
character and fitness for office of a candidate for his suffrage, and
lays by party prejudice when by so doing he can secure better service
in any Governmental position of trust. He is a very intelligent man,
possessing sound sense, coupled with various manly qualities, such as
win respect from his fellow-men. He and his wife belong to the
Episcopal Church. Their home, though modest, is an abode of comfort and
a center from which pleasing influences extend.
