Gustavus Fisher Guild.
1859-1904.
The Medford Historical Society has lost another one of its members, who, though not taking an active part in its work, was always interested in the things for which the society stands.
Gustavus Fisher Guild was born in Canton, Mass., July 25, 1859, of old colonial stock.
He was the son of Horace Guild, Jr., and Mary C. Jones.
His greatgrand-father, Major Aaron Guild of South Dedham, participated in the battle of April 19, 1775, leaving his plough and oxen in the furrow and arriving at the scene of action in time to aid in firing upon the British as they retreated.
He saw other service in the Indian and Revolutionary Wars.
Mr. Guild's descent from John Guild, who came from Scotland to Dedham in 1636, is John1, Samuel2, Nathaiel3, Aaron4, Joel5, Horace6, Horace7.
He received his early education in the grammar and high schools of his native town, afterward taking a four years high school course at the Bridgewater Normal School.
He was always an eager, earnest student, and he supplemented his normal school training by several [p. 48] courses at the Harvard Summer School, pursuing history, modern languages and physical culture, in all of which branches he was an enthusiast.
Mr. Guild began his work as a teacher immediately on graduating from Bridgewater, in 1880, filling, most acceptably, positions in several of our large towns, and received rapid promotions.
He was in charge of a school in Marblehead when he received a call, in 1886, to one of the large boys' schools in Boston, the Brimmer School.
Here he labored faithfully and conscientiously for nearly eighteen years, a good friend and wise counsellor to his pupils, and a great favorite among his fellow teachers, who held him in great esteem on account of his many sterling qualities.
In addition to his regular employment during the day, he taught in the evening schools, being principal of the Lincoln, and, later, of the Franklin Evening School.
His executive ability and his untiring devotion to his work accomplished marvellous results, and the school under his charge ranked very high among the evening schools of Boston.
In our own city he has served on the school board, and was a zealous and valued worker on the parish committee of the First Parish Church.
Mr. Guild was a member of several educational clubs of Boston, a member of the Blue Hill Lodge of Masons, and also of Boston Commandery of Knights Templars.
He passed away at his home, 31 College avenue, Medford, August 23, 1904, aged forty-five years. His life was comparatively short, but ‘we live in deeds, not years.’
He has ‘fought the good fight;’ he has ‘finished his course;’ he has ‘kept the faith.’
May he receive the ‘crown of righteousness.’
