John Stanton Gould facts for kids
John Stanton Gould (born 1810, died August 8, 1874, in Hudson, New York) was an important American figure in the 1800s. He was a Quaker, a scientist, and someone who worked to help others. People who help others and give money to good causes are called philanthropists.
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John Stanton Gould's Life and Work
John Stanton Gould was a member of the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs and their work for social justice.
A Smart Student and Speaker
John Gould received a very good education, especially in science. He loved to learn and was known as a hard-working student. He also became a popular writer and speaker about scientific topics. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with many people.
Helping Farmers and Agriculture
John Gould owned a farm in Columbia County, New York. He was very interested in making farming better and more efficient. For several years, he was the president of the New York State Agricultural Society. This group worked to improve farming methods and help farmers across New York. John Gould did a lot to help this society grow and succeed.
Working for Social Change
John Gould was also a strong supporter of temperance. This means he believed in limiting or stopping the use of alcohol. Even though he was involved in politics, his beliefs about temperance were very important to him.
Politics and Public Service
In his earlier years, John Gould was part of the Whig Party. He was even a member of the New York assembly in 1846, representing his party. Later, he often worked with the Republicans. However, his commitment to temperance was always his top priority, even more than his political party. He was known as a prohibitionist, meaning he supported laws to ban alcohol.
Prison Reform Efforts
John Gould was also very interested in making prisons better and fairer. For many years, he was a director and leader in the New York Prison Association. This organization worked to improve conditions for prisoners and to reform the justice system.