My Genealogy Hound

ALEXANDER GORDON, Swissvale, was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1813, and when five years of age moved with his parents to York county, Pa. John Gordon, a native of Cumberland county, Pa., and of Scotch descent, married Marie, daughter of Jacob and granddaughter of Peter Gardner. The latter, a native of Germany, was among the first settlers of York county, Pa., and an extensive landowner. John Gordon was a merchant in Baltimore, and an extensive trader to the West Indies and South America. He was father of seven children, and died when comparatively young. His widow died in Allegheny City at a ripe age. Alexander Gordon was educated at the schools of York county. In 1832 he came to Pittsburgh, where for a number of years he was engaged in the commission and forwarding business. He was then connected with the coal business for thirteen years, being one-fourth owner of a 700-acre tract, which was successfully operated, and was known as the Duquesne Coal company, he being president and treasurer of the association. In 1880 Mr. Gordon retired from active business, and has since resided at Swissvale. He married, in 1849, Miss Edwards, daughter of Matthias Ogden Edwards, who was a descendant of Jonathan Edwards, president of Princeton College. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon: Rev. John Gordon, Orra Edwards, Alexander, Jr., George B. (solicitor for the P. R. R. Co.), and William G. Mr. Gordon was quartermaster during the Mexican war for a short period. He has always taken an active part in politics, and was prominently identified with the organization of the republican party, being one of seven delegates to the Buffalo convention. He and family are members of the Presbyterian Church.