Biography - Lyman A. Gould
LYMAN A. GOULD, who is one of the firm of Gould Brothers, dealers in grain and also Vice-President of the Commercial State Bank of Windsor, Shelby County, is one of the representative men of the place, having first class business ability, and known as a practical, far-seeing manager whose judgment of commercial affairs may be depended upon. His firm is recognized throughout the county as one in whom implicit confidence may be placed, and it may he said of him of whom we write, that he has cultivated "high erected thoughts, seated in a heart of courtesy."
Lyman Gould is a son of David Gould, who was born in Drummondsville, Canada West in 1802. His mother was Sarah (Symonds) Gould, a native of Windsor, Conn. David Gould was a farmer in occupation. He had removed from his native place to Niagara County, N. Y., with his parents when about two years old, and there he spent his life, his decease taking place in the county in which he had lived for so many years, in 1880. The mother still survives (1891) at the age of eighty-one. Nine children entered the home circle, and of these our subject was the fifth in order of birth. He was born in Cambria, Niagara County, N. Y., August 30, 1841. Reared on his father's farm, he remained under the home roof until the spring of 1870.
He early enjoyed the advantages of a good common-school education in the State that prides herself on the thoroughness of her district school system. He was thus fitted for practical commercial life, his native shrewdness and wit helping him out in emergencies. In the spring of 1870 he came to Decatur, this State, and was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company for about eight months. In the fall of that year, however, he came to Windsor, and was with his brother, of whom a sketch may be found in another part of this volume, and was engaged in buying grain for the firm of E. & I. Jennings. He was thus engaged for one year, and in the following spring, 1872, in company with his brother, George F. Gould, he built the elevator at Windsor, and since that time, they have been large dealers in the cereals. In 1883, they dissolved partnership, George F. disposing of his interest to another brother, F. D. Gould, and since that time the firm has been known as Gould Brothers. They enjoy the distinction of being the chief grain buyers in Windsor, and indeed, there are not many who deal so extensively in this article of commerce south of Chicago.
He of whom we write is the possessor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in Richland Township. This he rents. He has been Vice-President of the Commercial State Bank since the autumn of 1890. Mr. Gould's domestic life is all that could be desired. His wife is a Cleveland, Ohio, lady. They were there married October 15, 1873. The lady's name in her maiden days was Miss Clara A. Ford. They are the parents of four children, whose names are as follows: Horatio Clark, Kate C., Mary A. and Lyman A., Jr. Mr. Gould has been a member of the City Council for several years and also School Director, in which position he has done efficient work. In his political preference he is a staunch Democrat. The Free Tariff plank in that platform is such as appeals most directly to his business interests. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gould are deeply interested in religious work, our subject having been a member of the church since 1866. First a Congregationalist, since coming to this State he has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife has been a member of the Congregational Church from girlhood.
Extracted 07 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 222-227.
