Frederick H. Gouge


Frederick Hamilton Gouge was an American architect practicing in Utica, New York.

Life and career

Frederick H. Gouge was born May 5, 1845, in Trenton, New York, to Jacob and Laura Gouge. He grew up on the family farm and was educated in the district schools and the Rome Free Academy. In 1866 he enrolled at Hamilton College in Hamilton, New York, graduating in 1870 with a bachelor of arts degree. For two years he worked for a civil engineering firm, working on the Delaware and Bound Brook Railroad. In 1872 he went to Ithaca, where entered the office of Cornell University architect William Henry Miller, also a native of Trenton. They formed a partnership in 1873, and practiced together as Miller & Gouge for three years. In 1876 Gouge went to Utica, where he opened his own office as an architect. For the next several decades Gouge operated his practice as a sole practitioner. However, in 1913 at the age of about 68, Gouge formed a partnership with William W. Ames, forming the firm of Gouge & Ames. Ames had been employed by Gouge since 1884. Gouge practiced with Ames until his death, after which Ames continued the practice of Gouge & Ames up until his own death in 1949.
Gouge joined the American Institute of Architects in 1882, and was elected to the College of Fellows in 1888. He was also a member of the Western New York State Association of Architects, a chapter of the Western Association of Architects, which organization was merged into the AIA in 1889. He twice served as president of the Central New York chapter.
In addition to his professional affiliations, Gouge was a member of the Utica Chamber of Commerce and served a term as president. He was also a member of the Fort Schuyler Club and the Royal Arcanum.

Personal life

Gouge was married to Abbie Perkins Moore, a great-granddaughter of founding father Roger Sherman, in 1881. They had three children: Julia Sherman Gouge, Laura Moore Gouge and George Frederick Gouge. Gouge died March 6, 1927, in Utica and was buried at the Olden Barneveld Cemetery. His son George became a successful advertising executive in New York City.

Legacy

Gouge was architect of at least six buildings that have been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, though one has been demolished.