My Genealogy Hound

JAMES H. GOULD. There is no enterprise that has more materially promoted the manufacturing and commercial interests of Seneca Falls than The Goulds’ Manufacturing Company, which, for years after its establishment in 1848, was known as Downs & Co.’s Pump Works. Its history has been one of constant success, and it is now one of the largest concerns of the kind in the entire world. Steady employment is furnished four hundred hands, and the manufacturing plant covers two acres, upon which twelve large buildings are situated.

The products of the factory embrace a general line of iron and brass lift and force pumps, including cistern and pitcher pumps, well and force pumps, single and double acting; hand and house force pumps, hand and power rotary pumps, boiler feed pumps, hydraulic rams, iron and brass pumping cylinders of every style, patent garden pumps, fire engines, etc., the different styles and kinds rnanufactured making an aggregate of nearly one thousand. The mechanical equipment of the works is complete, every facility being provided for the satisfactory management of the business. In order to avoid any possible defect, all pumps are examined by an expert before being shipped; the couplings are all tool-cut, and all castings are from metal patterns. A force of competent hydraulic engineers is employed, and special pumping apparatus of every kind is manufactured to order.

In 1890 this company began manufacturing triplex power pumps, which are now recognized to be the most efficient and economical type of power pumps ever built. This department of the company’s business employs fully one hundred men. The pumps have become so popular and so much in demand that several other manufacturers have taken them up. This company is the only one in the United States that can show an electrically operated water-works plant, it having installed one in San Antonio, Tex., in 1892, and one in Canandaigua, N. Y., in 1895. The power house and pumping plant are about four miles apart, but are operated automatically by means of switches.

In addition to the factory in Seneca Falls and the warehouse at No. 16 Murray Street, New York, the firm has branches in Chicago and St. Louis; London, England; and Bremen, Germany. They also have representatives in every civilized country. The success of the works was due originally to Seabury S. Gould, father of our subject, and for many years President of the company, a man of keenness of intellect and decision of character. Since his death the position of President has been held by James H., who has constantly added to the value of the plant and to the reputation of the products.

In the city where he still resides, the subject of this notice was born October 21, 1844, being the son of Seabury S. and Hannah B. (Hoskins) Gould. His father, who was a son of David Gould was born and reared in Connecticut, removed thence to Seneca Falls in 1835, and some time afterward became interested in the firm of Downs & Co. This establishment was founded in 1848, and was carried on under that name until 1872, when it was incorporated as The Goulds’Manufacturing Company. S. S. Gould retained his connection with the concern until shortly before his death, which occurred in 1886, at the age of seventy-four. His wife is still living, and occupies the family homestead, a substantial brick dwelling situated in Seneca Falls. As was her husband, she is a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a liberal contributor to its various enterprises. She is a niece of Charles L. Hoskins, for many years a prominent merchant of this place, and still a resident of the city.

Among five children, James H. Gould is the eldest son. He obtained his early education in the schools of Seneca Falls and prepared for college in the academy here. In 1861 he entered Yale College, where he pursued his studies for some time. Upon leaving that institution he spent some time in New York City. In 1868 he entered The Goulds’ Manufacturing Company as general manager, and held that and other positions until he became its President in 1886. As a business man, he is keen, sagacious, possessing shrewd discernment and foresight, methodical in his habits, and careful in his management of affairs. In 1890 he was chosen President of the Exchange National Bank of Seneca Falls, of which he had been Vice-President since 1885, and still fills the former office. In addition, he is connected with other important institutions and industries of the place.

In 1870 Mr. Gould was united in marriage with Miss Emma A. Silsby, daughter of H. C. Silsby. They had one child, Mary S. In 1879 Mrs. Emma A. Gould died, and in 1882 our subject married Miss M. P. Perry, of Brooklyn, daughter of Joseph A. Perry. Of this union two children were born, Frederick S. and Emily P., both of whom are living. The family occupies one of the handsome homes of Seneca Falls, a substantial brick structure, surrounded by well kept and attractive grounds. Politically Mr. Gould is a stanch Republican and recognized as one of the influential men in this part of the state.