My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH RAYMOND SMART GOULD, a veteran of the Civil War and a resident of Belchertown, where he was for many years engaged in mercantile business, was born in Bristol, England, January 3, 1833. His father, Joseph Gould, and his grandfather, Isaac Gould, were natives of Bristol, England. His father and an uncle emigrated to America, and, as far as is known, were the only members of the family to cross the ocean, except Joseph R. His uncle is supposed to have settled in Boston.

Mr. Gould’s father, who was a cabinet-maker by trade, married when quite young, and soon after that event came to the United States. After residing for a period of eight months in New York he settled at Coventry, Conn., where he was employed as a carriage-maker by Lyman Hyde for thirteen years. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company H, Twenty-fifth Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He served for a little more than a year, his term of enlistment, and participated in several memorable actions. Subsequent to his discharge he returned to Coventry, where he continued to reside until the death of his wife. He then came to Belchertown and passed the remainder of his days with his son, his decease occurring at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife’s name before marriage was Mary Ann Raymond. She was a daughter of Olson and Mary Raymond, respectively natives of England and Scotland. Olson Raymond died in his native land. Mrs. Raymond subsequently came to the United States and resided at Coventry until her decease. Mrs. Gould’s mother, who died at the age of fifty-two years, reared seven of her twelve children; namely, Jane, Joseph, Mary, Martha, Olive, Sarah, and Julia.

Joseph Raymond Smart Gould attended the public schools of Coventry. At the age of nine years he commenced to earn his own living. Until he was fourteen he was employed much of the time in and about the glass works. He then began an apprenticeship of seven years at the house-painter’s trade, which he subsequently followed until 1862. On August 8 of that year he enlisted in the same company and regiment that his father had joined, and was present at the battles of Irish Bend, Port Hudson, and Fort Donelson, and participated in the eventful Red River campaign. He was honorably discharged from the service August 16, 1863. Returning immediately to Coventry he purchased a water-power, established a carriage factory, and conducted it for a period of five years. He then moved to Belchertown, where he purchased a farm. After managing this successfully for five years more he sold it and purchased property in the village, whither he removed for the purpose of entering mercantile life. He first established a meat market, later adding a stock of groceries. This venture proved most profitable. He secured a very large patronage, which he steadily maintained until 1893, when the building and stock were destroyed by fire. Immediately following upon the disaster he purchased the Leach corner, which adjoined his property. Upon this he erected a handsome block, seventy feet front, having a depth of fifty feet in one part and of thirty-five feet in the remainder. The ground floor is occupied by merchants, and the upper floors are used for offices and as the headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic.

In 1858 Mr. Gould was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Corbit, of Palmer, Mass. He has three children: Mary, William, and Henry R. Mary married G. B. Demorest, of Hackensack, N.J., and has one daughter, Sarah B. William wedded Gertrude Allen, and has one daughter, Florence G. Henry R. married Blanche Bridgman, and has three children, namely: Joseph R. S., Henry R., and Frances Lilly.

Mr. Gould is a member of Vernon Lodge, A. F. & A. M., a comrade of J. Griggs Post, No. 97, Grand Army of the Republic, and is connected with Richardson Grange. He has invariably supported the Republican party since its formation. He has served the town very acceptably as Road Commissioner, and was for eleven years a Selectman. He resides at his very pleasant home on Jabez Street, both himself and wife being members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.