GEORGE FREDERICK GOULD (1912-1991)

How many American numismatic book authors were the victim of murder? I am aware of one, George Frederick Gould. He was the author of Merchant Tokens of Montana 1889-1939. It was published in 1978 with a plastic comb binding and 170 pages.

The Lewis County (WA) Sheriff responded to a call on November 6, 1991. George F. Gould, 78, of Curtis, Washington, was found dead in his Chevrolet Suburban on International Paper Co. Road a quarter mile east of Wildwood, Washington. The car was found stalled up against an embankment.

An autopsy was performed and found that Gould had died from blows to the head. The Sheriff called the death suspicious.

On April 14, 1993, George H. Gould, age 46, the son of the victim, was taken into custody and charged with first degree murder. The sheriff believed that the death occurred a few days before the body was found. They believe they have the murder weapon.

Usually when I find a newspaper story indicating an arrest, it is followed by stories of a trial and conviction or acquittal. I could not find any follow-up article.

George F. Gould was born in Bristol, Connecticut, on September 9, 1912. He was the son of Walter John Gould (1865-1937) and Jane Innocent Gould (1867-1951). Walter was a tool maker.

George F. Gould is a relatively common name. There are many newspaper articles and public records that cannot be confirmed to be about the author.

In 1940, George was single and still living in Bristol, Connecticut, and worked in the mill department for Wallace Barnes Corp.

George was married to Ann with a son, George H. Gould and a daughter Sharon A. Gould.

By 1950 he was living in Clackamas, Oregon, with Ann and George. At one time he lived in Butte, Montana. After that he had a series of moves. In 1966 he advertised from P. O. Box 1208 in Hollywood, California. In 1968 to 1971 he advertised from P. O. Box 1432 in Everett, Washington. In 1977-1982 he advertised from P. O. Box 9552 in Seattle, Washington. In 1983- 1991, he lived in Curtis, Washington.

George F. Gould was not a member of the American Numismatic Association. He was probably a member of the American Vecturist Association. There was also another George Gould who was a member. In the 1970's, George was an active member of the Token and Medal Society (TAMS). In 1970, he was involved with the formation of the Merchant Token Collectors Association.

There are huge gaps in this story I was unable to fill. Perhaps some reader of The E-Sylum can help fill those gaps.

   

 

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