Alfred Gould, one of the first pioneers to the
Sourislord - Coulter
area was born in Plattsville, Ontario in 1856. He and his neighbor
David Elliot journeyed west and arrived at Sourisford in May 1880.
Early photographs show they had a meager beginning, living in tents
until a log cabin could be constructed.
When the log building was constructed, another building was also
constructed to the west at the foothills. This other building became
the centre for considerable activity over the next six years, as it
became a trading centre or general store for both
Indians and new homesteaders. Altred Gould played an important part in
both the store and the community as evidenced by the formation of a
Pioneer's Association in 1889. He served as its first president.
Alfred Gould married Rachel Snyder in 1886 in a ceremony, witnessed by
his fellow pioneer David Elliot. In the period between
1880-1887 they homesteaded at Sourisford in the location of log house
on the north bank of Antler Creek which is located on N,W. 22-2-27.
The Goulds in 1889 look up residence in Pierson purchasing where they
operated a general store under the name of “Gould and Elliot",
buying and shipping grain in anticipation of the railway line. In
1902 when they came back to the Sourisford area.
At this time they constructed the stone house from fieldstone and
mortar, This house was located at the fork of the Souris River and
Antler Creek.
Following the establishment of a railroad to Coulter, Alfred Gould
built and operated a store there.
Throughout his life Alfred Could took an active Part in the business
and public life of the community. He continued to lake an active part
in the Pioneer Association and served on the R.M. of Arthur council
from I900 to 1910, and also was interested School Board affairs and
served as Sourisford's first
postmaster, also Coulter's first postmaster when that office was
established.
Adapted from Our First Century, page 550
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