It was simply an obscure family, struggling against terrible odds, and yet possessing intelligence sufficient to preserve some records and establish a graveyard.
The graveyard is a hallowed rallying place. Abraham's first possession in the land of promise was a family burying ground; and to this sacred spot as a last earthly resting place, his immediate descendants were taught to look.
To Abijah Gould were born Benjamin, Richard, Abijah Jr., Furman, Leonard and Hannah.
Furman Gould was for many years a licensed local preacher in the African M. E. Church and was an honored member of the Philadelphia Annual Conference. The older members of that Conference will readily remember his venerable appearance, coupled with his somewhat brusque and positive manners. He was a man who had views of his own, and the hardihood to express them.
Benjamin Gould quite early in life married Phoebe Bowen, a young woman brought up in the family of Reuben Cuff of Salem, N. J. To them were born Oliver, Tamson, Lydia, Jane, Abijah, Sarah, Rebecca, Phoebe and Prudence.
This Benjamin Gould, the brother of the Rev. Furman Gould, is doubtless well remembered by the older itinerant preachers, who labored in that section of the country, as for instance the Rev. Richard Barney and Bishop Wayman. He was a man of recognized worth, for many years chief steward of the church, of some literary culture, quite a wag, and very fond of practical jokes. He was a thrifty farmer for his times, and quite an extensive dealer in cordwood and hoppoles.
Phoebe Gould, his wife, was possessed of considerable intelligence and evinced a fondness for learning. Deeply pious, her mind was well stored with Bible truths and with choice hymns. She manifested a fondness for children, and could repeat from memory to their delight many long stories in verse; and she never failed to leave upon them an impression for good. She seemed to live in a very holy frame, and did not fail to bless all who came near her.
Benjamin Gould, the father of Rebecca Steward, passed away on the 18th of May 1851, and twenty-six years after on the same day of the month and at the same hour in the day, viz., May 18th 1877, Phoebe Gould, the mother, followed him to that better land. The heads of the family are gone over, and one by one the children who have walked in the footsteps of their parents are being gathered home after them. The latest grave is that which contains the precious dust of Rebecca Steward, fifth daughter of Benjamin and Phoebe Gould.