Corp. Ira Smith Gordon, USA

Had 12 children - nine are known Nora C.,John A.,Murray,Margarette,Frederick M.,Susan Geraldine,Bertha,Elmer F.,Elery

Sometime between 1870 and 1880, Ira went to Wyoming where he remained. His wife Lydia stayed in Luzerne Co, PA, where she is buried.

Ira was a Corporal in Company H, 187th Regiment, PA Infantry. His pension record of 1894 lists Lydia J. of PA as his widow.

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The following provided by Linda Rhoadarmer

Sundance Gazette, Friday, March 16, 1894

Ira S. Gordon, died March 13, 1894, at the home of Ed Wagstaff, of heart disease, aged 67 years.

The above announcement was made here shortly after Mr. Gordon’s death, and caused much surprise as he had spent the previous day in town transacting business. While here he had spoken to a number of his friends and to all of them he said “This is undoubtedly my last trip to town in life.” These words were spoken in all seriousness, but no one for a moment thought they were so soon to be fulfilled. Mr. Gordon has been suffering from heart disease all winter, and has been suffering untold agony. He saw Dr. Baker while in town and procured some medicine.

At the time of his death, Mr. Gordon was at the home of Ed Wagstaff, where he has been nearly all winter. On this day he seemed brighter and more cheerful than for many days; he ate heartily both morning and noon; soon after dinner he sat down on a chair and picked up a newspaper; a neighbor came in at this time and Mr. Gordon spoke pleasantly to him concerning the weather; shortly after this, probably a minute, the occupants of the room happened to glance towards him and saw his head thrown back and the paper on the floor. They approached and found him gone to his last long rest.

Mr. Gordon was possessed of one of those noble, generous dispositions which made for him substantial friends in every community where he was known. Firm in his opinions, but never obtruding them upon others; generous to a fault.

He had been a resident of this county for the past eight years. Living all the time on his ranch on Black’s Flat when not employed at his trade – that of a carpenter. He came here from Dallas, Penn., where he leaves a wife, three daughters and three sons to mourn his sudden taking away, besides one son – Murray L. – who has been living here with him for the past year.

Mr. Gordon was born in Orange county, New York and after reaching man’s estate went into the U.S. Army where he served through the great war of the 60’s with credit and distinction. After the war he settled down at Dallas, Penn., where he resided until coming to this county.

He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity and the G.A.R. His funeral was held here yesterday and conducted by Sundance Lodge No. 9, A.F.& A.M. A large number of sorrowing friends followed the remains to Mt. Moriah cemetery where he was interred with appropriate Masonic ceremonies.

Gordon, Ira S. BATTLE UNIT NAME: 187th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry SIDE: Union COMPANY: H
SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Corporal ALTERNATE NAME: FILM NUMBER: M554 ROLL 44 PLAQUE NUMBER: NOTES: none