History of Topsfield's Blacksmiths
by Bill Whiting, 3/16/2025
The history of Topsfield’s blacksmiths probably started with Edmund Bridges who owned land as early as 1661, but left Topsfield before 1668. At least 10 other blacksmiths have been identified. The last Town blacksmith was John R. Gould. In 1899 John Gould came from his home in Maine to join his brother James as an apprentice in James’ blacksmith shop on Washington street which was located between # 20 and Town Hall.
Note the sign, J. A. Gould Shoeing and Jobbing. The brothers were blacksmiths and farriers (one who trims and shoes horses’ hooves). In 1907 Gould bought # 7 Central Street built in 1850, which had been a carpenter shop. About 1915 a portion of the old shop was moved to # 8 Pemberton Road which had been built for Gould in 1908. This ell of the shop was made into the barn at # 8 while the rest was demolished and a new blacksmith shop was erected. In 1905 Gould married Marion Averill of Topsfield.
After James left for Maine, John carried on alone and worked for many years in his shop on Central Street.
With the advent of automobiles the business of the “village smithy” declined and many blacksmith shops disappeared. In Topsfield however, John Gould continued to serve area farmers and continued the shoeing of riding horses for many years.
In this 1964 photo John was 83 years old. John Gould served the community until 1974.
