He was born on 15 December 1815 at 28 Buccleuch Place the only son of Rev William Goold.

He took a degree at the University of Edinburgh and then studied divinity at the Theological Hall in Paisley.

[6] In 1854 he was elected successor to Andrew Symington, his mentor and wife's uncle, at the Theological College in Paisley.

[7] He succeeded Thomas McLauchlan as Moderator of the General Assembly; he was the first from a Cameronian background to serve in this role.

[9] He died at home 28 Mansionhouse Road in the Grange, Edinburgh on 29 June 1897 aged 81.

[11] He married 1846, Margaret Spiers (born 5 August 1822, died 25 October 1876) daughter of William Symington, R.P.C.