2. Col. James GORDON.[1],[2],[6],[3],[4] Born
in 1714 in Sheepbridge, Barony of Newry, Co Down, Ireland.[1],[2],[7],[8] James
died in Lancaster Co, VA on 2 Jan 1768; he was 54.[1],[2],[7],[9],[5] [Bible
entry: Col. James Gordon departed this life 2 January 1768 in
his fifty-fourth year. His death occasioned great sorrow among
all his acquaintances as he was possessed of almost every noble
virtue as father, Christian and friend. Will proved in Lancaster
County Court 18 Feb 1768.]. Occupation: Planter and Merchant of
Lancaster County, Virginia.[1],[10],[2],[8],[5] Religion:
Presbyterian.[1],[10],[2],[8],[5] Immigrant Ancestor.
Colonel James Gordon emigrated to the Colony of Virginia from
County Down, Ireland, around 1738. He settled in Lancaster County,
Virginia, at Merry Point on the Corotoman River, a tributary of
the Rappahannock River, where his mansion house was still standing
in the 1900's. He pursued the vocation of a planter on an extensive
scale and engaged and prospered in the exportation of tobacco
from Virginia to Whitehaven, England. His factor at Whitehaven
was a Mr. Taylor; and his commission merchants were Youart &
Bowes. He owned ships of his own that were used in the trade.
In return for his tobacco, he brought back many articles of foreign
production which he disposed of in his two stores in Lancaster
County, Virginia, demonstrating his ability as a resourceful merchant.
He was a Colonel of the County militia of Lancaster. Colonel Gordon
was a man of great piety and a bulwark of Presbyterianism in his
part of the Colony. He was one of the founders and supporters
of the Presbyterian Church in a section of the Colony dominated
by the Church of England. Yet, he was so highly esteemed for his
virtues and abilities that he was a member of the local vestry
which managed the affairs of both the church and the county at
that time. Not uncommon for his day, Colonel James Gordon was
an owner of slaves, many of whom he bought from slave ships coming
into the Rappahannock River, and he operated a distillery on one
of his plantations. For many years he kept a journal in which
he recorded not only his business transactions but many local
happenings of interest, including persons who were visitors to
his plantation. This journal was lost soon after the close of
the Civil War, but a fragment of it had been copied. This fragment
covers the period between 1758 and 1763. It was published in volumes
11 and 12 of the "William and Mary College Quarterly"
in 1902-3. The general knowledge of Colonel Gordon is derived
largely from this old Journal. His daily entries betray a fervant
piety, a generous hospitality, an unselfish devotion to his family,
as well as an interest in his friends and neighbors, and an affection
to his country which combine to illustrate the Christian citizen
and patriot. [1], [2],
[7], [8],
[5]
It is said of the brothers James and John Gordon who came to Virginia,
" They were enterprising and successful merchants, and became
wealthy and influential. The brothers were closely connected through
life. James, however, was the most active in religious matters.
A man of enterprise and of popular manners, habits of hospitality,
of extensive landed and personal property, by education and principle
a Presbyterian, he stood firm in his religious opinions and practice,
and received the reward of his faith and devotion. A man of system,
he was in the habit of keeping a journal, in which he made daily
entries in a brief manner of his domestic concerns, his mercantile
affairs, his farming operations, and events of interest in the
neighborhood." [10]
In a publication on the "Gordons in County Down" in
the Banbridge (Ireland) "Chronicle" author, Mr. Philip
Crossle writes that Colonel James Gordon of Lancaster County,
Virginia, was probably the James Gordon of Ireland who matriculated
in Glasgow University between 1722 and 1729 [Note that Col. James
Gordon, born in 1714, would have been quite young in 1722 to attend
university.] and that he seems to have been a merchant in Newry,
County Down, Ireland, prior to his coming to Virginia. Colonel
Gordon's facility and skill in literary composition as illustrated
in his Journal would indicate that he had received a collegiate
or university education. [8]
Entries in the Journal of Col. James Gordon in which James writes
of his business affairs:
Jan. 10, 1759: Capt. Andrew Green, of the Gallia, from Whitehaven,
arrived at Urbana last night, and this day came here with letters
for me, and a cargo of goods for Mr. Beale at Back Creek, but
I thought it best for the Capt. to carry them up the river, as
I could not get a vessel to carry them round. Sent for Robert
Chin, but could not agree with him for his vessel. Mr. Crisewell
intends setting up school to-morrow.
Jan. 15, 1759: Tobacco is got to 30-1 p ct. It seems it will run
very high this year. I'm at a loss what to think of it.
Feb. 6, 1759: Went with my wife to the C. H. Store. Met several
of my customers there. Dined at Mrs. Conway's.
May 22, 1759: Went to the C. H. Store. Customers dealing very
fast. Then went to Col. Conway's & dined; late before I got
home.
May 26, 1759: People busy getting hills ready for Tobacco.
June 4, 1759: I'm now afraid that several Whitehaven ships are
taken, or lost in coming in.
June 12, 1759:...This day rec'd letters & invoice of a large
cargo of goods by the Nelson, Capt. Harrison, who arrived yesterday
in the Potomac. I was much afraid these goods had miscarried.
June 13, 1759: Sent off Robt. Hening with letter up Potomac to
get a vessel to bring round the goods. Now very hot--this being
the first day I have thought hot this year.
June 25, 1759: Got all our goods landed, paid the shipper and
began to open them. Found them not well bought & great mistakes
in them.
June 29, 1759: Sent most of the goods up to the C. H. Store, about
1200 pds worth.
July 5, 1759: Yesterday got our wheat reaped & in the house.
Got most of our rye in to-day.
July 10, 1759: Went to Col. Conway's & bought 3 1/4 gals.
new brandy. Our new store looks very well.
July 12, 1759: Mowing oats & laying by corn. We have a great
custom now at the C. H. Store.
July 26, 1759: Rode out with Mr. Fisher to see my plantation.
Aug. 22, 1759: Set off early for Nothd. Called for Dicky Spann
at the Court House Store--then went to Mr. Chichester's plantation--found
affairs pretty well there; then to my own plantation near to his.
Aug. 30, 1759: Very busy with our cider & brandy. Sent my
letters to the Richmond.
Aug. 31, 1759: Harry Hinton got the letters on board the Richmd,
but was obliged to get a pilot-boat.
Sept. 16, 1759: Capt. Robertson from Whitehaven arrived.
October 4, 1759: Rec'd a letter from Mr. Jos. Taylor of Whitehaven,
giving me an account of my dear mother & sisters at Newry.
October 9, 1759: Writing to Messrs. Hartley & Sons. A large
schooner went past today, with two top sails.
October 31, 1759: Writing almost all day, letters to go by the
"Welcome," Capt. Crossthwaite, who I daily expect here.
November 1, 1759: Writing almost all day, letters to Engld.
Dec. 1, 1759: Went to the C. H. Store to see Barbee & Bridger--both
unwell. Got all our corn in here--a very poor crop, but I hope
a good crop fo Tobacco.
Dec 31, 1759: Cousin Sam. Hening, Mr. Criswell, Mr. Chichester,
my wife & Nancy all dined at the mouth of Jonah's Cove on
oysters. Very agreeably ended the old year, for which & all
other mercies I adore & praise the Divine goodness, for He
is good & His mercy endureth forever. Mr. Richd. Span ("Dickey")
was married yesterday to Miss Priscilla Churchill ("Silla"),
daughter of Col. Churchill. The weather prevented the marriage
on Saturday, as was intended.
Feb. 11, 1760: Mr. V. came with goods from London & Whitehaven.
Sowed oats in the apple orchard.
Feb. 12, 1760: Got all the goods up. No damage has yet appeared.
March 3, 1760: The planters are getting their Tobo. inspected
as fast as they can, as they seem alarmed with the news of the
French farmers stopping payment--who buy most of the Tobacco.
March 12, 1760: ...Opened the Bristol goods. The glass broke very
much.
March 31, 1760: Making up goods all day for the Forest Store.
Sent our people for corn to Indian Town & to Urbana for rum.
April 2, 1760: Went to our General Muster.
April 25, 1760: A vessel came ashore about 10 o'cl. I went on
board & ordered our boat to follow--sailed up in the ship
& came to anchor off Urbana. A large ship from Liverpool came
in to-day. The war in Europe is going on, great preparations making
on both sides.
April 29, 1760: Went aboard the "Woodford"--a fine ship,
delivered the Capt. notes for about half his load--dined on board.
May 17, 1760: At home, writing. This eveg. the "Welcome"
came to off Corotoman.
May 23, 1760: Finished all my letters & papers & delivered
them to the Capt. & Robt. Hening. It has been a busy time
with me, with writing letters to my friends in Ireland & about
Mr. Chichester's affairs & my own in England.
June 2, 1760: Went about the plantation, found everything amiss
almost; the things of this life much disquiet me, my people are
so careless.
June 5, 1760: Tobo. seems to rise; much planted to-day.
June 6, 1760: Capt. Williams from Norfolk came here with West
India goods.
June 7, 1760: Bought pork, coffee & sundry things from Capt.
Williams. Capt. Laxham has brought in a large cargo, but offers
very little for Tobacco.
June 9, 1760: Went with my sister & children to Urbana, called
on board Capt. Ganrith. I signed a bond with Capt. Robertson of
the "Carlisle," for £2000. (as he had no plantation
certificate) before he could clear out his ship.
June 11, 1760: Opening goods all day & sent two loads up to
the C. H. Store.
June 12, 1760: Sent our boat on board the "Johnson"
with a cask of goods that came by mistake, & for the remainder
of my goods & another cask that is not mine.
June 16, 1760: Planting peas the second time, the pigeons had
pulled them up. Eleven or twelve top-sail vessels arrived in this
river.
June 19, 1760: Capt. Bower from Whitehaven arrived with a large
cargo consigned to me. Little news but what we had heard before,
having had 12 weeks' passage.
June 23, 1760: Opening goods all day, found them all right, but
very high charged.
July 30, 1760: Writing letters for Capt. Crossthwaite. Went to
Edwards' Mill that Jno. Morris & I have bought for 10 pds.
equally concerned. Began to plaw for wheat.
July 31, 1760: The people threshing. Writing for goods to London
& Liverpool.
October 2, 1760: Busy with Barbee all day getting my pocket-book
posted & agreeing with him about keeping store for me another
year.
Nov. 2, 1760: Sunday. At home reading Marshall & Whitefield,
two authors I much esteem.
Nov. 4, 1760: Twenty seven hampers of bottles landed for me from
Bristol. A Glasgow ship went up to-day. Mr. Isaac Smith from Phila.
here.
Nov. 12, 1760: Agreed with John Schon to be my overseer at Belfield's.
Jan 6, 1761: Went on board the New Englandman, Mr. Criswell with
me--bought molasses, sugar &c, on pretty good terms.
Jan 22, 1761: This day received an invoice of a large parcel of
goods from London.
February 2, 1761: Signed writings with Barbee Davis to keep store
for me. Tobacco, I believe, will be dearer than last year. A few
goods arrived to me from Liverpool.
March 19, 1761: The Militia was called out to proclaim King George
III, which was done in pretty good order. The officers joined
& gave the men 50 or 60 gals. of punch.
March 25, 1761: Our overseer, Mr. Boatman, came with the news
of the "Welcome," Capt. Coperthwaite, being arrived
in Corotoman, consigned to me.
May 23, 1761: Writing letters for Whitehaven.
June 9, 1761: Yesterday received an account of our goods being
arrived from London. Sent Barbee off to Williamsburg to meet Col.
Harrison to get money from him.
August 28, 1761: Sent letters to Whitehaven by the "Dove."
January 11, 1762: Went on board the Russia Merchant, Capt. Carnaby.
There are five or six ships more arrived from London & one
from Glasgow.
June 21, 1762: Capt. Kendall of the "Elizabeth" from
Whitehaven came here with letters & invoice from Youart &
Bowes & acquainted me that he was taken by a French Privateer
off Newfoundland, & had their fine cargo plundered, that they
were bringing in to my address, about £1700. They took out
of the vessel about £1100 & then agreed with Capt. K.
for £300 ransom for the vessel & the rest of the cargo.
This affair will give me much trouble, as the vessel & remainder
of the cargo must be sold on account of the Insurers.
June 23, 1762: Went to Mr. Tapscot's--stayed all night.
June 24, 1762: Mr. T. came with me to Mr. Chichester's before
breakfast. When I got to Lowry ferry, Capt. Ganrith's flat was
awaiting for me, about orders for Tobacco. Ordered them 10 hhds.
Capt. Thornton's flat was likewise waiting with my goods. I dispatched
both.
July 3, 1762: We got most of the goods landed this day out of
the "Elizabeth," & put them into our warehouse at
the landing to be ready on Monday for sale.
July 5, 1762: This day was advertised for the sale of the "Elizabeth"
& her remaining cargo. Though we gave such public notice in
two of the Virginia Gazettes, there were but few people, &
had not Mr. Mills & Mr. Elam from Norfolk come, I w'd have
been confused about setting up the vessel or goods. But they seemed
resolved on having the vessel, & run her up very high, so
that I was obliged to give £815 before I c'd get her; &
I had most all the goods bought in on the owner's account. The
sailors were so rude as to give me great uneasiness, & told
me as the vessel was sold they were at liberty & intended
to leave us. I told them I had bought her for the owners. But
I got all settled with them by promising them wages from the first.
Spetember 22, 1762: Maj. Campbell brought the news that the Havana
has surrendered to the English, & that the treasures found
there amounted to ten millions.
November 24, 1762: This day the Elizabeth sailed out of Corotoman
& down Rappahannock, which gives me great comfort, for they
were the most troublesome crew I ever was concerned with. This
day they seemed to insist on another hand, but the Capt. got them
off by promising them some rum.
December 8, 1762: My brother came from Urbana, with letters by
the Nelson, Capt. Harrison, but none from Youart & Bowes,
which I don't approve. I am afraid they will take some advantage
of me if they can; so I wrote to Mr. Taylor not to let my interests
suffer in any respect.
December 9, 1762: I find Youart & Bowes are not men to be
depended on; so I sent a list of goods to Mr. Hartley. Capt. Sergeant
sailed from Corotoman in the morning, but came up again in the
evening, as the wind was against him.
December 11, 1762: Went on baord Capt. Allen from Cape Ann. Bought
rum, sugar & molasses to the value of £40. When I returned,
found Mr. Waddel, who it gave me great comfort to see well returned.
January 17, 1763: A large ship came to in the mouth of the Corotoman;
went on board her, & found it was the Peggy, Capt. Greig,
from Lisbon, belonging to London.
February 8, 1763: Sent for John Atkins about making seats in the
meeting-house. Capt. Thompson from Norfolk at out house, &
brings the agreeable news of a Peace being confirmed.
February 22, 1763: Our crop of Tobacco at Belfields proves pretty
good.
May 20, 1763: Capt. Dymer delivered me a letter from Mr. Jos.
Taylor advising me that the Elizabeth was again taken Jany. 3rd,
and carried into Spain. Unfortunate vessel ! But Mr. Taylor writes
that Youart & Bowes were well pleased with my conduct, &
highly obliged to me for the steps I had taken for their interest,
& will pay all the bills I draw on them on that acct., which
gave me great ease of mind, as I had heard they had protested
my Bills...
Aug. 25, 1763: This being the day the Govr. appointed for a day
of Thanksgiving for the Peace, Mr. Waddell gave us a very affecting
sermon, tho' very unwell.
Sept. 15, 1763: At home, writing letters to go by Capt. Scott,
of Liverpool. Shipped 13 hhds. on board him.
Sept. 16, 1763: Spoke about a school for Mr. Waddel. Bought Bell's
land for £300.
Sept. 20, 1763: Mr. Waddel went with me round the land I bought
of Charles Bell. We think it worth the money given for it.
Sept. 23, 1763: Rode to the lower plantation with my wife in the
chair. Finished making cider; made 1500 gals.[5]
In October 1747 James Gordon bought 250 acres of land between
the branches of the Corotoman from John Bell. The 1654-1666 Lancaster
Record Book #2 traces this tract as a part of a patent of 5,200
acres to Edwin Conway which took up most of the entire area of
the peninsula. Then through several transfers it had come to John
Tayloe who sold it to Edmonds whose heir had sold it to John Bell.
The deed to James Gordon included all houses, outhouses, gardens,
orchards, woods, underwoods, timber, fences ... all singular appurtenances
thereunto belonging in any wise ... and all rights, title and
interest. James Gordon took possession in November 1747. The above
description leads to the belief that this was already an established
plantation. James Gordon called it Gordonsville. The Northern
Neck Historical Magazine has a description of Gordonsville and
calls it Verville, the name later given it by the Curries and
the name by which it is now known. The house is in a subtle pink-gold
brick with the gambrel roof used in early American times associated
with Dutch architecture. The center section is a full two stories
with one and a half story wings. It has an interior plan with
a central hall. The door into the dining room is at the left of
the approach entrance and the door to the living room at the right
side, just inside the meadow entrance. The beautiful moldings,
fireplaces and woodwork are original as are many of the window
panes. The house was sometimes open for Virginia's Historic Garden
Week. [2] "The Land Between Waters
Virginia's Lancaster County" by Maurice Duke and published
2001 by The Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library on page 16
has a photograph of Verville and describes it as follows: "Verville,
one of Lancaster's oldest residences, is still occupied today.
Just east of the Merry Point Ferry landing, the house was built
'up in the forest,' as the eighteenth-century term was. It denoted
a residence constructed away from the hustle and bustle of the
waterfront." The house dates to ca. 1740's. [11]
Col. James Gordon's portrait was painted in 1750 by Hesselius
and had been in the possession of one of his descendants. Several
pieces of silver plate which belonged to him were engraved with
the crest of a hart's head proper surmounted by the motto "Bydand"
meaning "Fidelity." [1],
[12]
The Lancaster Order Books record some of the activities of James
Gordon. In 1743 he took the oath as justice of the peace which
was repeated during the years to at least 1756. In 1745 he appears
at court in an effort to unite the two parts of Christ Church
Parish, to propose that the tobacco inspector set the price of
transfer tobacco at nine hundred and fifty per hundred weight,
and to act on a commission to check the warehouse scales. The
following year he and Peter Conway are appointed "forthwith
to agree with some person well and sustantially to repair the
prison of this county and charge it on the next Court levy.' Little
did the two know then that Peter Conway's eldest granddaughter
would one day marry James Gordon's 13th child. In 1746 James Gordon
is on the list of tithables. In 1757 James was appointed surveyor
of the highway from Mrs. Robbs to the Davis warehouse and made
a motion for a road to run to Crab Point. James Gordon was also
a Colonel in the Lancaster County militia. [2]
ENTRIES IN THE BIBLE OF COLONEL JAMES GORDON
[The Bible was owned by James Newton Gordon]
James Gordon married Sunday, March 28, 1742, to Miss Millicent
Conway, youngest daughter of Col. Edwin Conway of this county.
Ann Gordon born 29 March, 1743 between 11 and 12, Tuesday.
We had a son born Monday, 15 April, between 3 and 4 o'clock and
died ye 18'.
Mrs. Ann Conway, wife of Col. Edwin Conway and daughter of Col.
Hack of Northumberland County died 28 August, 1747 in the 50th
year of her age. She is greatly lamented, being a gentle woman
of an amiable character.
Agatha Gordon, born Sunday, 19 October 1746, between 6 and 7 in
the afternoon. (She d. at 10 mo.)
Sarah Gordon, born Friday, 10 December 1747, between 7 and 8 at
night.
My dear wife departed this life, 2 February 1747/8 in the 20th
year of her age. She was a most loving and excellent wife and
very much lamented.
I was married on Saturday, 12 November 1748 at Col. Armistead
Churchill's to Miss Mary Harrison, youngest daughter of Hon. Nathaniel
Harrison of Surry.
James Gordon was born 2 August 1750 at Col. Armistead Churchill's
about 2 in the afternoon.
Mary Gordon, born 17 July 1752 between 11 and 12 in the day.
Hannah Gordon, born 29 January 1754 about 11 in the morning. (She
died 18 October, 1757, when Gordon enters, "a most delightful
child.")
Elinor Gordon, born 27 November 1755, between 1 and 2 in the morning.
(She died July 17, 1756.)
John Gordon, born 11 April 1757, between 1 and 2 o'clock in the
morning. (He died 17 August 1757.)
My dear child, Sally, died the 7th of June, in her 11th year.
She was a most sensible, fine girl.
Elizabeth Gordon, born 6 August 1758 between 1 and 2 in the morning.
My daughter Ann was married 9 June 1759 to Richard Chichester
of this county.
We had a dead daughter, born 9 September 1760.
Sarah Gordon was born 6 May 1762 (died 5 August, same year).
Nathaniel Gordon, born 28 August 1763.
Col. Edwin Conway departed this life 3 October 1763 in his eighty-second
year.
Millicent Chichester, born 13 March 1765.
My dear daughter (Ann) Chichester departed this life 20 April
1766 in the 23rd year of her age. She had an excellent sweet temper.
John Gordon, born 9 October 1765 between 6 and 7 in the morning.
[The record in the Bible is now continued by others.]
Col. James Gordon departed this life 2 January 1768 in his fifty-fourth
year. His death occasioned great sorrow among all his acquaintances
as he was possessed of almost every noble virtue as father, Christian
and friend.
Mrs. Mary Gordon departed this life, 13 May 1771 in the forty-sixth
year of her age. She was a zealous servant of the Lord Jesus Christ
and a great loss to her family and friends. "O, that the
example of the above pious servants may be fully observed by their
numerous offspring." [2]
The Virginia Gazette obituary on January 14, 1768, describes James
Gordon as "one of the most admirable men of his time."
An obituary also appeared in the Williamsburg Gazetter in January,
1768, as follows:
"About 9 oclock at night Col. James Gordon died in his 54th
year. His death was occasioned by a mortification that had afflicted
the vital parts and an exquisitly painful abcess upon his ankle
increased the load of inward distress all of which he bore with
remarkable control of mien and behavior, frequently thanking his
God and Savior (whom he dearly loved) that he was enabled to wait
His pleasure with any degree of Christian resignation.
He spent the last thirty years of life in said county in trade
in which he supported an irreproachable character as merchant
and paid a just regard to the interests of others as well as his
own. He was mild, generous and obliging by nature and from principle
which made him dear to the poor that they now weep for him so
justly esteem him. By all his death is much lamented. He seemed
to have all the amiable moral virtues. A discerning traveller
a few years ago said he had not met with anyone in several provinces
possessing so many real excellencies. [2],
[5]
James Gordon's will was dated January 1767. It was proved 18 February
1768 in Lancaster County, Virginia. The will mentioned his five
surviving children all still under the age of twenty-one. His
eldest son, James, was given Gordonsville.
Will Abstract:
To James, all land and appurtenances in Lancaster County, seven
Negroes, £500 sterling when he arrives at twenty-one or
marries.
To Mary, all land bought from Charles Bell and eight Negroes.
To Elizabeth, seven Negroes and £500 sterling when twenty-one
or married.
To son Nathaniel, all land in Lancaster County bought from Mr.
John Bellfield and John Griggs, £500 when twenty-one or
married and seven Negroes.
To son John, £1500 sterling.
To granddaughter Milicent Chichester, £100 at twenty-one
or marriage.
To dear friend the Rev. James Waddell, £50 sterling.
To brother John Gordon's children the monery he is indebted to
me and £100 sterling to each. Also to John all my right
and title to lands in the kingdom of Ireland which was devised
to me in the will of my father.
To my cousin George Gordon, £100 sterling.
To cousin Samuel Henning, all he is indebted to me.
To cousin Robert Henning, all he is indebted to me.
To friend Bridger Haim, £50.
To wife Mary, during her widowhood, the use of the estate, in
lieu of the jointure before marriage. James wishes all to live
together, undivided, until the children are twenty-one or married
if his wife remains unmarried.
The value of James Gordon's personal estate was appraised at £8041.16.62.
[2]
On 28 Mar 1742 when James was 28, he first married Milicent CONWAY[1],[2],[5], daughter of Col. Edwin CONWAY (~1682-1763)
& Ann HACK (~1697-1747), in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[2],[8],[9] [Bible entry: James Gordon married
Sunday, March 28, 1742, to Miss Millicent Conway, youngest daughter
of Col. Edwin Conway of this county.]. Born in 1727.[2],[9] Milicent died in Lancaster Co,
VA on 2 Feb 1748; she was 21.[2],[9] [Bible entry: My dear wife departed
this life, 2 February 1748 in the 20th year of her age. She was
a most loving and excellent wife and very much lamented.].
They had the following children:
| 6 | i. | Anne (Nancy) (1743-1766) | |
| ii. | Son[1] (Died as Infant). Born on 15 Apr 1745 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[9],[2] [Bible entry: We had a son born Monday, 15 April, between 3 and 4 o'clock and died ye 18'.]. Son died on 18 Jun 1745 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[9],[2] | ||
| iii. | Agatha[1] (Died as Infant). Born on 19 Oct 1746 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[9],[2] [Bible entry: Agatha Gordon, born Sunday, 19 October 1746, between 6 and 7 in the afternoon.]. Agatha died on 8 Sep 1747 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[2] | ||
| iv. | Sarah[1] (Died as Child). Born on 10 Dec 1747 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[9],[2] [Bible entry: Sarah Gordon, born Friday, 10 December 1747, between 7 and 8 at night.]. Sarah died in Lancaster Co, VA on 7 Jun 1758; she was 10.[1],[9],[2] [Bible entry: My dear child, Sally, died the 7th of June, in her llth year. She was a most sensible, fine girl.]. |
| 7 | i. | James (1750-1796) | |
| 8 | ii. | Mary (Molly) (1752-1813) | |
| iii. | Hannah[1] (Died as Child). Born on 29 Jan 1754 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[10],[2],[9] [Bible entry: Hannah Gordon, born 29 January 1754 about 11 in the morning.]. Hannah died in Lancaster Co, VA on 18 Oct 1757; she was 3.[1],[10],[2] | ||
| iv. | Elinor[1] (Died as Infant). Born on 27 Nov 1755 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[10],[9],[2] [Bible entry: Elinor Gordon, born 27 November 1755, between 1 and 2 in the morning.]. Elinor died on 17 Jul 1756 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[10],[2] | ||
| v. | John[1] (Died as Infant). Born on 11 Apr 1757 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[10],[9],[2] [Bible entry: John Gordon, born 11 Apr 1757, between 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning.]. John died on 17 Aug 1757 in Lancaster Co, VA.[10],[2] | ||
| 9 | vi. | Elizabeth (Betty) (1758-?) | |
| vii. | Daughter[2],[10],[5] (Died as Infant). Born on 9 Sep
1760 in Lancaster Co, VA.[10],[2],[9]
[Bible entry: We had a dead daughter, born 9 September 1760.]. Daughter
died on 9 Sep 1760 in Lancaster Co, VA.[10],[2],[9] Entry in the Journal of Col. James Gordon: Sept. 10, 1760: Between 11 & 12 last night my wife was delivered of a dead child--a girl, & I adore the Almighty God, she is as well as can be expected. Sent for Mr. Chichester & Nancy, but they were coming before Gustin got there.[5] |
||
| viii. | Sarah (Sally)[1],[5] (Died as Infant). Born
on 6 May 1762 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[2],[9],[10],[5]
[Bible entry: Sarah Gordon was born 6 May 1762.]. Sarah
(Sally) was baptized in Lancaster Co, VA on 5 Jun 1762.[5]
[Baptized at the home of the parents by Mr. Todd, minister.]. Sarah
(Sally) died on 1 Aug 1762 in Lancaster Co, VA.[1],[10],[2],[5] Buried on 2 Aug 1762 in Lancaster
Co, VA.[5] Entries in the Journal of Col. James Gordon in which James refers to his daughter as Sally: May 6, 1762: This morning my dear wife was happily delivered of a daughter & both as well as can be expected. June 5, 1762: This day Mr. Todd preached. a great deal of company came home with us, as our little child Sally was this day baptized by Mr. Todd. July 25, 1762: Sunday. My wife could not go with us to the first sermon, as Sally was so sick, but she got to the last. We had a very full house & two fine sermons. July 28, 1762: Our poor little Salley has been very unwell for several days but before I returned after dinner she was taken with fits--had a vast many & we do not expect her recovery. July 29, 1762: Last night sent for Mrs. Churchill here to see Sally. A great company here, which is rather disagreeable, as the child is so unwell. But these trifles we sh'd bear with more patience than we do. July 31, 1762: Our poor little child Sally very ill, so that my wife went to Dr. Flood for medicine & directions for her, but of no service, as the child is so ill. August 1, 1762: About 9 o'c. our dear child left us. Oh, happy change! May we all be prepared for such, & may this awaken us to set our affections on things above! August 2, 1762: Our dear little Sally was this evening about 5 o'c. put into her grave, without the Church ceremony read over her, which I believed seemed to some very strange.[5] |
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| 10 | ix. | Nathaniel (1763-1820) | |
| 11 | x. | John (1765-1842) |
| 12 | i. | William (1748-1837) | |
| ii. | John[1],[2]. Born
abt 1750 in Sheepbridge, Barony of Newry, Co Down, Ireland.[1] John died in Templegowran,
Co Down, Ireland on 22 Mar 1833; he was 83.[1] Buried
in St Patrick's Churchyard, Newry, Co Down, Ireland.[1] John Gordon had received Templegowran lands in County Down, Ireland. He had a profitable flour mill and also manufactured oatmeal. He was church warden of the Parish of Newry and took part in the Volunteer Movement preceding the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Although John, like the rest of his family, was Protestant, he was considered a subversive for being a subscriber to the petition by Protestants for Catholic Emancipation in April of 1812. He died childless in 1833. [1], [2] John married Anne BARRETT[1],[2]. |
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| iii. | George[1],[2]. Born
? in Sheepbridge, Barony of Newry, Co Down, Ireland.[1] George
died in 1785 in Sheepbridge, Barony of Newry, Co Down, Ireland.[1] [Will dated 14 Oct 1785.]. George Gordon owned part of the lands of Sheepbridge, County Down, Ireland, which were conveyed to him 17 September 1779, by his uncle, John Gordon of Middlesex and Richmond Counties in the Colony of Virginia. George was a part of the Volunteer Movement preceding the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and was first Lieutenant of the Donoughmore Volunteers. Donoughmore was the adjoining parish to Sheepbridge. He died unmarried. [1] |
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| iv. | James[1],[2]. | ||
| v. | Elizabeth Sarah[1],[2]. Born
in 1763 in Ireland.[1] Elizabeth
Sarah died in Greenwood Park, Newry, Co Down, Ireland on 27 Jun
1847; she was 84.[1] On 9 Nov 1792 when Elizabeth Sarah was 29, she married Dr. William LIVINGSTON[1],[2], son of Rev. Samuel LIVINGSTON, in Presbyterian Church, Newry, Co Down, Ireland.[2],[1] William Livingston was of Greenwood Park, Newry, County Down, Ireland. [1] |
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| vi. | Daughter[2]. Daughter married John REID[2]. |
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| vii. | Daughter[2]. Daughter married Rev. GIBBONS[2]. |
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| viii. | Daughter[2]. Daughter married Ross THOMPSON[2]. |
| i. | Hannah[1],[2],[10],[4]. Born
in 1758 in VA.[1],[2],[10],[4] Hannah
died ? . Hannah married William BEALE[1],[2],[4], son of John BEALE. William Beale was of Fauquier County, Virginia. [1], [2] |
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| 13 | ii. | James (1759-1799) | |
| 14 | iii. | Churchill (1761-1802) | |
| iv. | John[1],[2],[10],[14],[4],[5]. Born
on 28 Sep 1762 in Richmond Co, VA.[1],[10],[4],[5] John died in 1836; he was 73.[1],[14]
[Note: John died unmarried.]. Entry in the Journal of Col. James Gordon in which James refers to his nephew's birth: September 28, 1762: Betty being better, set off on my journey about 8 o'clock. Got near Richmond glebe about 4 o'clock; dined there, & got to my brother's about 7, where I found great confusion, my sister being ill, & Mrs. Churchill, her mother, not coming according to expectation, made great uneasiness. About 9 o'clock my sister was happily delivered of a son, which gave great comfort to us all.[5] AFFIDAVIT - JOHN GORDON, SENR. The deposition of John Gordon Sen. of Louisa County Virginia aged seventy three years taken this 18th day of March 1835. This deponent being first sworn, deposeth and saith, that he was well acquainted with Churchill Gordon decd. who served in the Revolutionary War, in the naval service as a Midshipman, that the said Churchill Gordon was his brother. This deponent has no recollection at what time the said Churchill Gordon entered into the service but that he continued from the time he first entered into the service until he returned home, which was sometime after the seige of York. This deponent further saith that the said Churchill Gordon died and left the following children, Viz James A. Gordon, John H. Gordon, William S. Gordon, Eliza L. Gordon, Sarah L. Gordon and Ann S. Gordon, and further this deponent saith not. John Gordon Sen. [14] |
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| v. | Sarah[1],[10],[4]. Born on 21 Jun 1764 in VA.[1],[10],[4] Sarah died ? . Sarah married Kendall LEE[1],[10],[4]. Kendall was of Ditchley, Northumberland County, Virginia. [1], [4] |
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| vi. | William[1],[10],[4]. Born on 4 Aug 1766 in VA.[1],[10],[4] William died ? . William was of Richmond County, Virginia. He died unmarried. [1], [10] |
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| 15 | vii. | Mary (1768-1808) | |
| 16 | viii. | Nathaniel (1770-?) | |
| 17 | ix. | Lucy (1771-?) | |
| x. | Armistead[1],[2],[10],[4]. Born
on 5 Jan 1773 in VA.[1],[10],[4] Armistead died ? . Occupation:
Planter in Spottsylvania County, Virginia.[1] Armistead married Elizabeth CLAYTON[1],[10],[4]. |
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| 18 | xi. | Samuel (1775-1823) | |
| xii. | Priscilla[1],[10],[4]. Born in 1777 in VA.[10] Priscilla
died ? . Priscilla married Edmund EDRENGTON/EDRINGTON[1],[10],[4]. |
| 19 | i. | George (?-1786) | |
| ii. | Hannah[1]. | ||
| iii. | Sarah[1]. |
| 20 | i. | Samuel (-1815) | |
| ii. | John[1]. | ||
| iii. | William[1],[2]. Born
? in Ireland.[1] William died
in 1849 in Ireland.[1] [Note: Will
made in Ballyzony parish and probated in the Prerogative Court
12 April 1849.]. William was of Rockfield near Dundalk, Co Louth, Ireland, in 1792 and later of Ballanamagna in Ballyzony Parish, Ireland. [1] |
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| iv. | Anne[1]. Anne Gordon was of Newry, Co Down, Ireland. [1] |
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| v. | Elizabeth[1],[2]. | ||
| vi. | Eleanor[1],[2]. Eleanor married Unknown BRADY[1],[2]. |
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| vii. | Mary[1]. Born in 1766 in Ireland.[1] Mary died in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland on 9 Jan 1836; she was 70.[1] | ||
| viii. | Margaret[1],[2]. Born in 1773 in Ireland.[1] Margaret died in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland on 3 Jan 1837; she was 64.[1] |