Colonel James Gordon, III

Colonel James Gordon

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Gordon_Sr.
• https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~duffy/genealogy/reports/gordon/rr01...

Children

i. James (1750-1796)
ii. Mary (Molly) (1752-1813)
iii. Hannah (Died as Child). Born on 29 January 1754 in Lancaster County, Virginia. [Bible entry: Hannah Gordon, born 29 January 1754 about 11 in the morning.]. Hannah died in Lancaster County, Virginia on 18 October 1757; she was 3.
iv. Elinor (Died as Infant). Born on 27 November 1755 in Lancaster County, Virginia. [Bible entry: Elinor Gordon, born 27 November 1755, between 1 and 2 in the morning.]. Elinor died on 17 July 1756 in Lancaster County, Virginia.
v. John (Died as Infant). Born on 11 April 1757 in Lancaster County, Virginia. [Bible entry: John Gordon, born 11 Apr 1757, between 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning.]. John died on 17 August 1757 in Lancaster County, Virginia.
vi. Elizabeth (Betty) (1758-?)
vii. Daughter (Died as Infant). Born on 9 September 1760 in Lancaster County, Virginia. [Bible entry: We had a dead daughter, born 9 September 1760.]. Daughter died on 9 September 1760 in Lancaster County, Virginia.

Profile Painting

Colonel Gordon's painting attributed to John Hesselius (1727/28–1778), Oil on canvas, Gift of James W. Gordon, Jr., 1982.35

Posed proudly and modeling a handsome wig that signified his new wealth, merchant James Gordon (1714–1768) clearly was pleased to have attained in Virginia the financial success that had eluded his family in northern Ireland. This image is a provincial creation, a combination of a contemporary pose with a landscape backdrop from an earlier tradition.

A deeply religious man, Gordon primarily invested his wealth in land, slaves, the goods in his stores, a sloop, and a large library of 391 books.

Mary Harrison and married Colonel James Gordon and lived in "Vervielle" Northern Neck Lancaster County

James Gordon born 1714 came with his brother John to Virginia in 1738 from Newry, county Down, Ireland. He was the son of James Gordon, of Sheepsbridge and Lisdaff, in that county, a Presbyterian, whose ancestor came from Scotland to Ireland probably at the time of the Ulster Plantation. He settled in Lancaster county, was a justice of the peace, colonel of the militia and a prominent planter and merchant. He was one of the pioneers of Presbyterianism in Eastern Virginia, and was intimate with Samuel Davies and James Waddell, “the Blind Preacher”, who married his daughter Mary. He married (first) Milicent Conway, (second) Mary, daughter of Colonel Nathaniel Harrison, of Surry county and dying June 2, 1768, left issue. James Gordon kept an interesting diary which has been published in the “William and Mary Quarterly Magazine.”
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Col. James GORDON

Born in 1714 in Sheepbridge, Barony of Newry, County Down, Ireland. James died in Lancaster County, Virginia on 2 Jan 1768; he was 54. [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.

Religion: Presbyterian.

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.

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."

Entries in the Journal of Colonel 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 Colonel 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, Captain Harrison, who arrived yesterday in the Potomac. I was much afraid these goods had miscarried.

June 13, 1759: Sent off Robert 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 Colonel 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. Joseph 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," Captain 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 Colonel 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 Captain & Robert 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: Captain Williams from Norfolk came here with West India goods.

June 7, 1760: Bought pork, coffee & sundry things from Capt. Williams. Captain 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 Captain 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 Captain 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," Captain 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, Captain Carnaby. There are five or six ships more arrived from London & one from Glasgow.

June 21, 1762: Captain 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, Captain Ganrith's flat was awaiting for me, about orders for Tobacco. Ordered them 10 hhds. Captain 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: Major 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 Captain got them off by promising them some rum.

December 8, 1762: My brother came from Urbana, with letters by the Nelson, Captain 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 Captain 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: Captain 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 Governor 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 Captain 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.

"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.

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."

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.

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 Colonel 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.].

On 12 Nov 1748 when James was 34, he second married Mary HARRISON[1],[2],[10],[6],[3],[4],[5], daughter of Col. Nathaniel HARRISON & Mary CARY, in Middlesex Co, VA.[9],[10],[2],[1] [Bible entry: 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.]. Born in 1725.[2] Mary died in Lancaster Co, VA on 13 May 1771; she was 46.[10],[2],[9] [Bible entry: 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.].

Entry in the Journal of Colonel James Gordon:

Jan. 27, 1761: My wife went with me to the Mill, & had the satisfaction to see her grind pretty good meal. We are hopeful she will have good custom, for the neighbors as well as myself are quite tired with the usage we have had at Col. Selden's Mill.[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]

10 ix. Nathaniel (1763-1820)

11 x. John (1765-1842)

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~duffy/reports/gordon/rr01_...

He was a Scotch-Irishman who emigrated from Newry, County Down, Ireland, and settled in Lancaster County, Virginia.