By: Michelle Jones, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
SALEM, N.J. – John Fenwick had an impact that went far beyond his founding of the City of Salem.
About 250 years ago, a town was born and history was made, yet some would have preferred it never existed. But thanks to the bravery and determination of a couple in love, Gouldtown, NJ, was born and still thrives today.
Gouldtown is located within the Bridgeton City limits and next to Fairfield but was originally a tract of land purchased by Fenwick. However, the town was not established until after Fenwick’s passing by his unwelcome grandson.
The tradition of Gouldtown’s settlement is mostly oral with some documentation to substantiate claims. The story goes as follows:
John Fenwick had a granddaughter named Elizabeth Adams. Elizabeth fell in love with a former slave who had a last name of Gould. However, their love was forbidden. In fact, John Fenwick made very clear in his will that Elizabeth would be disinherited if she did not recant her love for Gould and leave him forever.
Instead Elizabeth carried on a relationship with Gould that resulted in at least two children. Some accounts say they may have had as many as five children together. But to make matters more interesting, within months of her grandfather’s passing, there are records indicating a marriage between Elizabeth Adams and Anthony Windsor. Yet no other records of Windsor are available, causing suspicion that this was a marriage of convenience or even fictitious in order for Elizabeth to receive her inheritance.
Despite this speculation Elizabeth and Gould were said to have loved one another and were ridiculed for their life together. Eventually their son Benjamin Gould and his Finnish wife, Ann, would go on to found Gouldtown, making it a safe haven for interracial couples and “mixed blood” children.
To this day Gouldtown residents take great pride in their history. As far back as recorded history takes us, Gouldtown was a peaceful community made up of white, black, interracial, and immigrant families.
Today Gouldtown remains a large residential community that was once the home to the toll booth separating Bridgeton and Millville.
Gouldtown has many small businesses, good schools, and families homes scattered throughout.
If it were not for the deep love and bravery held by Elizbeth Adams and Gould, this community would not have the incredibly rich history as a founding multiracial community of early America.
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