Biography - PHILANDER GOULD
Furnishing an apt illustration of what may be accomplished by earnest
effort and a will that knows no failure, Philander Gould affords an
excellent example. He was born in Lewis county, Virginia (now Upshur county,
West Virginia), one of twins, Ansel A. being the other, February 13, 1817.
His father, Ebenezer, was a native of Massachusetts. His mother, whose
maiden name was Elizabeth Meeks, was also a New Englander. They lived a few
years in Virginia, thence went to New York In 1835, in company with his
father, Philander came to Edwards county, a penniless boy. He wanted to
work, but in a manner that would accomplish the most good for himself. His
plan was to buy wild land and improve it.
Joel
Churchill, at the time a merchant in Albion, assisted him, by furnishing
money with which he bought forty acres of land. On this tract he went to
work, and steadily, year by year, has he improved his financial condition,
until now he is one of the largest tax-payers of Edwards county. Failures he
has met with a stout heart, and overcome; reverses and monetary losses he
has sustained, but they have left no impress upon him.
He was married to Sarah Knowlton, a native of Amherst, Mass., Oct. 30, 1836. By her he had ten children, all of whom are living. She died January 10, 1876. He was again married to Martha L. Courtrecht, daughter of John Courtrecht, a native of New York, Sept. 10, 1876. By her he has two bright, intelligent children. He is a firm, uncompromising Republican in political faith.
Extracted 29 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 A Combined History of Edwards, Lawrence, and Wabash Counties, Illinois, pages 314-315.
