JOHN GORDON. Among the well-known pioneer families of Donegal township, the name of Gordon is one of the most prominent. Their ancestry is traced to one Alexander Gordon, grandfather of the present generation, who was born in Scotland, and immigrated to America soon after the war of the Revolution. Landing at Philadelphia, he proceeded to Washington county, locating in the southwest part of Donegal township, half a mile southeast of West Alexander. He then began to clear away the almost unbroken forest, and was soon thereafter married to Catherine McDonald, whose parents were also pioneer settlers. The young couple began their humble home, which was cheered by the following children: William, Margaret, Barbara, Jane, John, Ethel, Hugh and Nancy, all of whom lived to an adult age, but are now deceased. The father and mother lived to a good old age, and always resided on the farm after coming here. Hugh Gordon was born in 1804, on the farm now occupied by his son John, and received his education in the common schools. In 1853 he was married to Margaret Beeks, born August 27, 1820, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Henry) Beeks. Mrs. Beeks was a native of Ireland, and came to America in an early day; while her husband, Jacob Beeks, was born in Maryland, whence he moved to Washington County, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Gordon were born two children: Catherine (Mrs. W. S. Armstrong, of West Finley township) and John (subject of this sketch). Hugh Gordon first brought his bride to the old homestead, where he followed farming and dealing in stock. By close attention to business and honorable methods of dealing, he succeeded in securing both the esteem and friendship of his neighbors, and in accumulating a considerable property. He and his wife were members of the M. E. Church. He died in 1876; his widow is yet living with her sons on the home farm. John Gordon was born February 24, 1854, in the same house where he is now living. He assisted with the work on the home farm and attended the common schools. On September 25, 1889, he was united in marriage with Etta Mitchell, who was born August 8, 1860, daughter of William and Mary Mitchell, residents of Buffalo township, this county. They have one daughter, Maggie May. Mr. Gordon has had charge of the home farm since his marriage, and is engaged in general farming and dairy work. He is a popular young farmer, and in political opinion is a Republican, but not an active politician.

Text taken from page 1335 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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