This is a look at the Johnson / Heffley Family history. I hope that this web page can become a collection of information and a resource for family and friends. I plan to update, and/or, correct this page as new information is discovered. Thanks for your help.Web site manager:Eugene (Gene) D. Johnson, son of Ellsworth and Rowena Heffly Johnson. Grandson of Iver and Anna Ryan Johnson and Adam LeRoy (Roy) and Wilhelmien (Minnie) Heffley.
469-675-1316
This page was last updated June 12, 2004
New information on the father of John Gordon (c.a. 1739) has been discovered. This new information is from an artilce that appeared in a Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin titled "George Gordon - Sheriff of Frederick County", by Corinne Hanna Diller.
For additional information on the Gordon Family refer to these pages:
John Gordon Family (Mary Duke)
John Gordon Manuscript
The life and Times of George Gordon
There has been considerable research over the years to find the origin of the John Gordon family. As you can see reading the Gordon family discussions on this web site, it isn't clear who his parents were and whether he came from Germany or Scottland. However, one of these questions has been answered by Corinne Hanna Diller (who his parents were). She has published her research with an article in the Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin titled: "George Gordon - Sheriff of Frederick County". This represents a considerable amount of research and it is well appreciated as a significant contribution to the study of the Gordon History. I have included the article below:
GEORGE GORDON SHERIFF OF FREDERICK COUNTY
by Corinne Hanna Diller
George Gordon was a Justice of the Peace in Frederick County when the county was first established in 1748.1 He became Sheriff in March 1748/9, and served through till his death in 1766. In this capacity his name is found in many Frederick County records.
Among his first actions in Maryland was being granted Power of Attorney from William Black, merchant of London on 23 Feb. 1733/4.2 This document refers to George Gordon as a merchant. On 30 June 1737, George Gordon merchant, granted Power of Attorney to Alexander Black, merchant of Anne Arundel County.3 Later George Gordon would marry the sister of the Black brothers.4
George Gordon owned many tracts of land in several counties during his lifetime. On 30 December 1734, George Gordon, merchant, purchased 100 acres, part of Knave's Disappointment at the mouth of Rock Creek from James Smith.5 On 14 Dec. 1737, he purchased 700 acres called The Exchange and New Exchange Enlarged from Arthur Nelson.6 George Gordon was granted 150 acres called Gordon's Purchase in Prince George's County on 24 October 1739.7 In 1751 George Gordon was involved in the development of Georgetown.8
On 1 October 1739, Charles Carroll filed suit against William Black regarding a disagreement between the partnership of Darnell & Black.9 A deposition was made by Alexander Black, age 25, merchant of Anne Arundel County, who said he was a brother of the defendant. Gordon's merchant activities must have stretched pretty far west. On 24 May 1740, in Prince George County, the inventory of Edmond Cartledge was filed, with appraisal by Capt. Thomas Cresap and Mr. Van Swearingen; admin. by Mr. George Gordon "surviving administrator," total £107.0.O.10 Edmond Cartledge was a trader at Tonoloway Creek (present Hancock, Maryland), and Cresap was a trader at present Old Town, Maryland. The Swearingens had lived around Shepherdstown, West Virginia, for several years before this date.
On 20 Aug. 1741, James Russell certifies that he has received full payment from Mr. George Gordon on a mortgage on a Mill.11 After this time George is found as a mortgage holder, never again as a debtor. The deeds, wills, and inventories he signed his name to as a witness are too numerous to list here, and I will not detail all his land holdings either. On 29 October 1745, in the case of Lyonel Loyde and Edward Cooper versus Henry Darnell and George Attwood and the executors of William Diggs, regarding quit rents, George Gordon of Prince George County made a deposition stating he was 45 years old.12 Among the mortgages that George Gordon gave was on 11 April 1751, to Nathaniel Wickham for 190 acres of Locust Hill and 100 acres called Turkey Thickett, both on Monocacy River.13 This is referred to again on 3 November 175914, when Nathaniel Wickham signed off on the same property described in the 1751 mortgage, in favor of George Gordon.15 He was taxed on these tracts. On 30 October 1750, Dr. Charles Carroll wrote a letter to Mr. Samuel Bell of Bladensburg, sending it by way of Mr. George Gordon.16
A deed dated 7 March 1752, from James Waldrop of Prince George County, merchant to Richard Clegatt Jr., is for 250 acres called Friendship, described as on the west side of Rock Creek adjoining land that Mr. George Gordon bought of Benjamin Stoddert.17 On 22 August 1754, Elizabeth Holmead and nephew James Holmead made a deed of freedom to Negro Duk, age 39, effective at the death of Elizabeth.18 This document was witnessed by George Gordon. One year later, on 22 August 1755, Elizabeth Holmead, widow of James, made a deed of gift to "well-esteemed friends George Gordon and Alexander Beall" and again mentions her nephew James Holmead.19
In the 22 August 1754 issue of the Maryland Gazette, notice is given that George Gordon will soon move to Woodyard, in Prince George County, and is selling a house in Georgetown on the Potomac River.20 As will be seen below, Woodyard at Upper Marlboro was the home of his step-daughter Hannah Williams West. George Gordon continued to be found on documents in Frederick County still acting as Sheriff.
There are other Gordon persons in the area who may be related, though the relationship has not been shown. In 1756/7, Alexander Gordon was assessed on 25 acres of Gordon's Chance and Alexander Holland is assessed on 25 acres of Gordon's Chance.22 (The Holland family were associates of his son John Gordon.) Also assessed on the 1756/7 list is William Black of London, resident of England on 700 acres part of New Exchange, and 150 acres part of Gordon's Purchase, and 435 acres of Black Acre.22 The tract Gordon's Purchase is referred to several times as the property of George Gordon, including 16 June 1762, when James Dickie ofAnne Arundel County, merchant, made a statement about this land having been conveyed by him on behalf of George Gordon of Prince George County, to William Black of London.24
George Gordon was a slaveholder, as evidenced by a deed dated 4 February 1760 whereby he assigns Negro Jack to Joshua Harbin.25 On 3 June 1760, depositions were taken regarding boundaries of the tract Philadelphia, at the mouth of Rocky Creek, on the Potomac River, adjoining Sa/em.26 Col. George Beall, age 65, swore that about 45 years ago John Powell bought the tracts and that he and subsequent owners James Smith and George Gordon, had all shown him the boundary trees. He further stated that the land was surveyed 33 years ago by William Black, who was reported sued regarding the extent of the land.
George Gordon is found for many years in the Frederick County, Maryland debt books (land taxes). In 1753 he is assessed for 236 acres called Knave's Disappointment.27 In 1759 he was designated as "Esq." and assessed on the same 236 acres, plus 435 acres called Black Acre.28 In 1761 George Gordon, Esq., is assessed for 236 acres of Knave's Disappointment, 100 acres called Mattingham and 290 acres of Locust & Turkey Thickets.29 In the 1766 debt books, the "heirs" are assessed on the 236 acres, and 100 acres called Nottingham.30 The same two tracts are assessed to the heirs through 1773, the last year that I had film of the debt books.
First Wife
The given name of the first wife of George Gordon is not known, though her family can be proved. On 10 October 1739, George Forbes of St. Mary's County made his will.31 He named, among others, James Forbes, son of my deceased nephew John; my brother Thomas Forbes of Scotland; my granddaughter Mary Gordon, under age, to have 400 acres of Simm's Forest as head of Elk River in Cecil County32 and money in the Bank of England; my son-in-law George Gordon to be executor and legatee if Mary Gordon dies without heirs; to be buried in grave of son George Forbes in Bradneck, St. Mary's County, without extravagant drinking at funeral; legacy to widow Mary McWilliams; also executor is Kenelm Jones (sic, Jowles); a codicil the same date mentions his sister-in-law Dryden Forbes and her son James Forbes. This will was proved on 31 October 1739 in Maryland. It was also proved on 16 June 1742 in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, in England.33
The estate of George Forbes provides further proof that this is the same George Gordon. On 14 December 1740, Kenelinn Cheseidine of St. Mary's County, son and heir of Kenelinn Cheseidine, brought suit against George Gordon and Kenelinn Greenfield Jowles, as executors of George Forbes, and Ann Greenfield executrix of Thomas Trueman Greenfield, and Dryden Jowles now called Dryden Forbes, executrix of Henry Peregrine Jowles.34 It gives details of Cheseldyne family relationships, and goes on to state that George Forbes late of St. Mary's County, merchant, had married Mary, eldest daughter of Keneline Cheslldyne Sr.
Mary Gerard Cheseldyne, daughter of Kenelm Cheseldyne Sr. and Mary Gerard was the second wife of George Forbes. The suit filed 23 May 1743 by Keneliin (sic) Cheseldyne (3rd) against George Gordon states that his grandfather Keenlinn Cheseldyne died in 1708 leaving three daughters, Mary Hayes, Susanna Greenfield, and Dryden Cheseldyne.35 Therefore, she was not married to George Forbes before that date. The earliest Mary can be shown to be his wife is 9 May 1719, in the account of the estate of John Jameson of St. Mary's County, which meantions a payment ot Kenelm Cheseldyne per George Forbes who married the adminx. of Cheseldyne.36 Mary Cheseldyne Hayes Forbes would not have been the mother of George Gordon's wife.
On 9 December 1741, in Prince George County, a document was filed stating: whereas George Forbes of St. Mary's County, Gent, deceased, in his will dated 10 October 1739 did make Mr. George Gordon of Prince George County, Gent., and Kenelm Greenfieid Jowles of St. Mary's County, Gent, to be his executors... proved the will, returned the inventory, and Kenelm Greenfield Jowles now renounces executorship.37 And again in 1741, in St. Mary's County, the estate of Gorge Forbes is mentioned with William Black appointed attorney for George Gordon and Kenelm Greenfield Jowles.38
On 22 August 1738, in the case of Charles Caroll (Jr.) versus John Warren, Gent., of St. Mary's County, a deposition was made by George Forbes, who said he was age 52.39 However, it is likely he was older than this, if he had a daughter who was the mother of the children of George Gordon. Ann Phippard, age 53, also deposed in this case involving the land of Justinian Gerard, son of Thomas.
Second Wife
George Gordon's second wife is known only from one reference. On 30 November 1739, in Prince George County, accounts of the estate of Capt. James Greenfield were filed by administrator Mr. George Gordon and "his wife" Eleanor Gordon.40 Her identity can be proved, showing that she was NOT the daughter of George Forbes, discussed above. In 1731 James Greenfield had made several deeds with his wife Eleanor.41 These were deeds of trust regarding part of his estate, mentioned in his will dated 21 November 1733, and proved 26 March 1734 in Prince George County.42 In Calvert County on 14 January 1733/4, Thomas Smith, Gent., made his will naming wife Mary, and daughter Eleanor Greenfield; proved 5 July 1734.43 And on 14 June 1739, in Calvert County, Mary Smith widow of Thomas made her will naming grandson Walker Greenfield, son of James and my daughter Elinor; proved 12 September 1739.44 Hence, she was Eleanor Smith, married by 1731 to James Greenfield, still called Greenfield in 1734, but called "Gordon" by late 1739. Nothing more is known of her.
Third Wife
George Gordon married third to Christian, sister of William and Alexander Black, and widow of Richard Williams. Her first husband had dated his will on 18 November 173845, calling himself Richard Williams of Parish St. Dunstan, Stepney, Middlesex, a mariner. He directed his estate to be divided in half between his wife Christian and daughter Hannah Williams, and as executors his "brothers" William and Alexander Black, merchants of London. Richard Williams' will was proved 11 June 1750 in Maryland. Richard Williams had owned land in Prince George and Anne Arundel Counties.46
As seen above, in 1754 George and Christian (Black, Williams) Gordon moved to the estate of her daughter Hannah. Hannah Williams had married on 5 March 1752, at Woodyard to Stephen West. A number of records refer to him as a merchant, of Woodyard or of Upper Marlboro.47 On 17 June 1767, Stephen West filed a supersedeas (judgement) against Nathaniel Wickham Jr.48 This was for a debt of £5.9.9 plus 43 pounds of tobacco. Recall that Nathaniel Wickham was the man that George Gordon gave a mortgage to in 1751, and the land was repossessed in 1759. On 11 December 1790, in the Georgetown Weekly Ledger, is found an advertisement for Hannah West's storehouse on the county wharf.49 Stephen West had died in 1790, and Hannah died in 1815.50
George Gordon's Estate
George Gordon of Prince George County made his will on 10 May 1764. He named his wife Christian, daughter Mary Belt, wife of Capt. Tobias Belt, and son John Gordon "now in East Indian Service " He also named grandchildren George Forbes Hamilton, Charles Evans Hamilton, Horatio Belt, Joshua Belt, Lucy Belt, Dryden Belt, and Hannah West. The will leaves a legacy to "my wife's daughter" Hannah West, now wife of Stephen West. Other relatives named were "cousins" George and Cuthbert Gordon in Leethe; brother Thomas Gordon of Toddenlester, on Strath Haven, Bromshire, North Bnttain; and wife's niece Elizabeth Simpson near city of Edinborough in neighboorhood of Briston Hall. Executors were wife Christian' friend Charles Graham, and friend Jno. McPherson. Witnesses were Robert Darnall, Henry Bradford, and John Rider Nevel(?). The will was proved on 25 September 1766. Widow Christian Gordon renounced her husband's will.52
His will offers some wonderful clues to his ancestry, however, I have not had any success so far in learning more about his origin's George Gordon was still active after he made his will. On 21 June 1765. Evan Shelby took out a mortgage, which mentioned that George Gordon of Prince George County had sued him and had claim against him.53 George Gordon continued in his office of Sheriff till his death.
The known children of George Gordon and Miss Forbes:
1. daughter, (married by 1743)
2. Mary Gordon, (married c. 1745)
3. John Gordon, born 1735/1739.
1. Daughter Gordon. In his will in 1764, George Gordon named his grandchildren George Forbes Hamilton and Charles Evans Hamilton.54 They were too receive lots in Georgetown and a warehouse. Their parents are not identified. However, the estate of George Forbes once again gives us a valuable clue. On 23 May 1743, Kenelm Cheseldyne (3rd) filed suit against George Gordon, and others.55 This suit restates the Cheseldyne family relationships, and explains that the current plaintiff is the third of the name. The suit says that George Gordon believes that Mary Phippard, mother of the complainant, and Kenelm Cheseldyne (Jr.) his father, were never legally married. Present was George Hamilton, identified as having "married a daughter of George Gordon."
On 18 April 1767, Elizabeth Evans made her will in Prince George County, leaving legacies to Lucy and Levin, children of Capt. Tobias Belt, to Mary wife of Capt. Tobias Belt, and also mentioning George Forbes Hamilton and Charles Evans Hamilton.56 Her will was proved on 8 June 1767. It is not known what relationship she may have been to the Gordon family. On 12 June 1750, in Frederick County, a deed was made by Nathaniel Beall, and was witnessed by George Hamilton.57
In 1778 a George Hamilton is found in the Prince George County Oaths of Fidelity.58 The two sons named in the 1764 will are said to have died by 1782.59 That there was a third brother is not documented till 1804, when on October 22 depositions were taken.60 At the request ofAquilla Beall did come Upton Beall, of Montgomery County, and Aquilla Beall of Washington, D.C., whereas Brooke Beall their father died intestate, the widow and children seek an agreement among themselves to divide the estate. There were further depositions in October 1805.61 This refers back to the will of George Gordon in 1766, and land he left to his two Hamilton grandsons. It states that George F. and Charles E. went to sea and died, and that Thomas Hamilton's will was declared not valid in 1783. The widow Ruth Beall had been daughter of Thomas Hamilton, who had inherited land from his brothers. The depositions further state that Thomas Hamilton was the eldest brother of George Forbes Hamilton and Charles Evans Hamilton. Under the laws of primogeniture, if George F. and Charles E. Hamilton died without heirs, their land would have automatically reverted to their brother.
Thomas Hamilton's estate had been the subject of a chancery case on 14 January 1782 in Prince George County.62 His wife was Ann, children Elizabeth Tanihill, Sarah Beck, Andrew, Mary, Nancy, Charlotte Hamilton, William, and Ruth Beall.
Some researchers have claimed that George Gordon only had one daughter, who was married twice. I do not think this is the case, for several reasons. First, if she married George Hamilton before 1743, and had at least three children by him, then remarried and had nine more Belt children (the last in 1763) this seems highly improbable. Second, the estates of the two Hamilton boys who died by 1782 reverted to Thomas Hamilton, with no indication that the Belt children had any claim. (Note all the on-going lawsuits of the Cheseldyne siblings over their brother-in-law's estate.) Third, the 1743 document that names George Hamilton says that he married "a" daughter not "the" daughter of George Gordon, implying more than one daughter. Fourth, George Hamilton was alive in 1750 when he witnessed a deed (above). The daughter Mary Gordon was giving birth to children by Tobias Belt as early as 1746.
2. Mary Gordon was not married at the time of her grand-father's will in 1739. In the will of her father in 1764 she was called Mary Belt wife of Capt. Tobias Belt. He also mentioned her children Horace Belt, Joshua Belt, Lucy Belt, and Dryden Belt. Probably all of her nine chilldren were born between 1746 and 1763, which makes it odd that her father only named some of them, being the two eldest sons and two eldest daughters.
Tobias Belt was assessed in Frederick County in 1756/7 on 192 acres called Lost Hatchhett, on 290 acres called Oronoka, and 120 acres called Belt's Delight.63
According to the 1767 rent rolls for Conococheague Manor64 _George Gordon had leased 500 acres in 1737. In 1767 the tenant on this land was Dr. Charles Neale, and the lease was held by Mary Gordon, age,35, and john Gordon_age 32, children of the lessee, and James Forbes, age 40, son of John, of St. Mary's County. A note in 1767 says "querie if all alive." The record-keeper might not have been familiar with the lease-holders. This was for land in present Washington County, Maryland. These leases "for three lifetimes" were placed in the names of three family members. A man usually chose the youngest children at the time of the lease, so the family could hold the land as long as possible. The ages given here do not seem right, but I have seen other leases where the ages were not right, either. Since her father's will names the oldest children of Tobias Belt as her children, Mary is likely older than this.
On 18 April 1767, Elizabeth Evans made a will in Prince George County, directing her brother Walter Evans to pay a legacy to Joseph Evans of Frederick County, and legacies to Lucy "eldest daughter" and Levin, children ofCapt. Tobias Belt, to Mary wife ofCapt. Tobias Belt, and to Charles Belt, son of Joseph and Ann.65 This was proved on 8 June 1767. It is not known what relationship she may have been to the Gordon family. Note however, that this will names a child of Tobias and Mary who had not been named in the will of George Gordon in 1764.
In 1778 Tobias Belt and Horatio Belt are found in the Prince George County Oats of Fidelity.66 Tobias Belt died in 1785. Mary Belt is found on the Prince George County census in 1790 with one male over 16, one male under 16, three females, and 27 slaves She died in 1795.67
3. John Gordon was born about 1739, per tradition. The 1767 lease referred to above would have him born in 1735.
Tradition says that John Gordon was married on 6 June 1760, along the Monocacy River, to Mary Duke.68 She is claimed to be the daughter of Basil Duke. Some have said this is the prominent Dr. Basil Duke of Baltimore, however that man was not born till 1767, so he could not be her father. A Basil Duke was a soldier under Capt. J. Beall in Frederick County in 1757.69 This appears to be the man who died intestate in 1767 in Charles County. When his inventory was filed on 16 March 1767, next of kin were listed as Benjamin Duke and Andrew Duke.70 His administrator was James Duke. All these men are sons of James Duke, who named them in his will dated 6 February 1754 in Calvert County.71 George Gordon is found in deed records of Calvert County, so it is not unlikely that John Gordon would have known Calvert County people. On 16 July 1736, in Calvert County. Arthur Jones conveyed 150 acres of Troster's Purchase to Alexander Black and George Gordon.72 In the same place on 23 December 1720, Arthur Jones had conveyed 75 acres of Troster's Purchase to Otho Holland.73 This is particularly interesting in light of John Gordon's later association with the Holland family in Frederick County, Maryland and in Pennsylvania.
The first transaction found for John Gordon is a bill of sale dated 14 April 1759, calling himself a planter, whereby John Gordon sells livestock, tobacco, crops, and some household goods.74 This could have been to raise capital in preparation for his jaunt with the East India Company. He is said to have been married in 1760, then does not appear in Frederick County again until 1768. In 1768 and 1769 he received grants for a total of 3,503 acres.75 On 17 August 1773 a supersedeas was recorded against William Gordon, with sureties William (Forbes?,difficult to read) and John Gordon.76 On the same date William (Forbes/Fooroy?) and John Gordon were sureties for William Robertson.77
John Gordon was designated in his father's will in 1764 as being "in East Indian Service." Though other executors were appointed by that will, John Gordon is subsequently found handling the estate On 21 January 1768, John Gordon sold to Samuel Boon part of Knave's Disappointment adjoining Georgetown, beginning at a stone market "SB". John Gordon signed his name, but there was no dower released. Then on 16 March 1768, John Gordon, son and heir of George Gordon, late of Prince George County, deceased, sold to Stephen West of Prince George County, merchant, Lot 75 in Georgetown near the River, and Lot 79 in Frederick Town.79 Again John signed his name, but no dower was released, because he was selling land belonging to the estate, not to himself.
On 29 January 1776, John Gordon and Thomas Holland enlisted under Capt. Thomas Ewing.80 This name is significant because Holland family members later went to Pennsylvania with John Gordon, and two Holland children married two children of John Gordon. John Gordon swore an Oath of Fidelity in Prince George County in 1788.81 On 11 November 1790 there is a bounty land warrant for John Gordon, for serving as a private on the Maryland Line.82
John Gordon was married twice.83 His first wife Mary Duke is said to have died between 1785 and 1789 in Monongalia County (West) Virginia. He is said to have married second to Sibyl Main, a widow with four daughters, who was never accepted by his family. Nothing further is known about his second wife.
By 1793 John Gordon had gone to Washington (now Greene) County, Pennsylvania, where he granted 270 acres to William Gleaves.84 On 14 December 1793, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Sarah Inkins (Jenkins/Henkins) and John Gordon jointly leased land to William Mooney in the Rich Hills.85 Later John Gordon was the sole owner of this property.86 Greene County, Pennsylvania was set off from Washington County in February 1796. The Inkins/Henkins/Jenkins family is found in southwestern Pennsylvania as early as 1780, when a petition was signed to create the new state of "Westylvania" in what is now southwestern Pennsylvania and northwestern West Virginia.87 This petition included Robert Henkins, Richard Henkins, Joshua Jenkins, William Jenkins, John Goodin (Gordon?), and John Ankrom, the latter having been a neighbor of John Gordon in Frederick County, Maryland.
John Gordon is on the 1800 census of Greene County, Pennsylvania in Franklin Twp., on page 64, with one male under 10, one male 26-45, one male over 45, three females under 10 and one female 26-45. This is most likely the household of John Jr.
In 1810 in Greene County, in Franklin Twp., on page 20, household #41, John Gordon has two males under 10, one male 16- 26, one male 26-45, one male over 45, and three females under 10. two females 10-16, one female 16-26, and one female 26-45. The headstone for John Gordon states he died 29 March 1816, aged 77, buried in Gordon Cemetery, Franklin Twp., Greene County, Pennsylvania. This large granite obelisk says he was born in Scotland, and came to America via Germany. However, this is not the original headstone, and is probably the third stone to mark his grave.88 "Mary Duke wife of John Gordon" is also carved on the headstone.
Children of John Gordon and Mary Duke, all born in Frederick County, Maryland:89
4. i. Elizabeth Gordon, 1761.
5. ii. John Adam Gordon, 3 November 1762.
6. Hi. Mary Gordon, 1764.
7. iv. Eleanor Gordon, 22 October 1765.
8. v. Philip Duke Gordon, 1767.
9. vi. Basil Gordon, 13 July 1770.
10. vii. William Gordon, 5 November 1772.
11. viii. George Gordon, 1774.
12. ix. John Gordon, 1775.
4. Elizabeth Gordon was born in 1761 in Frederick County, Maryland. She married Christopher Guseman (by whom she had two children), and Lewis Snell. She died in 1834, at age 73, in Green County, Pennsylvania.90
5. John Adam Gordon was born 3 November 1762, in Frederick County, Maryland. He married in 1781 to Cassandra Holland (who died in 1805, leaving seven children), and to Sarah Johnson. He died on 29 January 1816 in Greene County, Pennsylvania.91
Adam Gordon is found on the 1810 census of Greene County, Pennsylvania in WhitleyTwp., page 69, #18, with one male under 10, one male age 10-16, one male 16-18, one male over 45, one female under 10, one female 10-16, and one female 16-26.
A newspaper article dated 16 April 198692 tells about the purchase of over 1000 acres in 1796 by John Adam Gordon in Whiteley and Franklin Twps., and shows a photo of the family home.
6. Mary Gordon was born in 1764, in Frederick County, Maryland. She married Jacob Holland. She died on 13 September 1845.93
7. Eleanor Gordon was born on 22 October 1765, in Frederick County, Maryland. She married Louis Karns. She died in 1853, in Ohio.94 On 8 September 1800, there was a deed filed in Monongalia County, (West) Virginia from Lewis and Nelly Kerns, to Samuel Hanway.95 They sold 64 acres adjoining Anthony Carroll, who was the father-in-law of William Gordon, below.
8. Philip Duke Gordon was born in 1767, in Frederick County, Maryland. He married Judith Crull and had two daughters. He died in 1845 in Pennsylvania.96
9. Basil Gordon was born on 13 July 1770, in Frederick County, Maryland. He married in 1794 in Pennsylvania to Elizabeth Dillinger, and had eight children. He died on 16 April 1853 in Pennsylvania.97
10. William B. Gordon was born on 5 November 1772, in Frederick County, Maryland. He married in 1793 to Mary Carroll (1773-1814) and married in 1815 to Mary Cain (1790-1868). William died 8 November 1849.98 He is buried in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, near Somerset, Reading Twp., Perry County, Ohio. He had eleven children with his first wife, and eight with the second all of whom went to Perry County, Ohio.
His first wife Mary Carroll was daughter of Anthony Carroll and Mary.99 Anthony Carroll had been a British Navy captain, who left his position, and moved to Monongalia (now Preston) County, (West) Virginia in 1774, and lived there till his death in 1830.
His father John Gordon is said to have lived for some time in what is now West Virginia before going to Pennsylvania. I have not found evidence of the Gordons living there, however William must have been there at least long enough to take a bride. As seen above, Eleanor Gordon Karns made a deed there in 1800 adjoining Anthony Carroll. A deed dated 4 April 1800 in Monongalia County, (West) Virginia, shows Anthony "A" Carroll and Mary "X" Carrel selling 400 acres to James Carrel.100 The tract is described as being on Greens Run, a branch of the Cheat River, where he had settled in 1784. This location is now in Preston County, (West) Virginia. Anthony Carroll made a will dated 25 August 1829, proved 1 February 1830.101 He named his (second) wife Temperance, and children including "Polly".
William Gordon is not on the 1790 census of Washington (Greene) County, Pennsylvania. He is found on the 1800 census in Greene County, Pennsylvania in Whitley Twp., page 70, with three males under 10, one male 16-26, one male 26-45, two females under 10, and one female 16-26.
In the 1805 proceedings of the court of Harrison County, (West) Virginia, is a case starting that William Gordon "not found in this county" and others on 16 September 1800 had assembled at the home of Jacob Means, and assaulted Edward Jackson surveyor of Randolph County.102 The lengthy proceeding found the defendant guilty, "conditional on approval of court at Allegheny County, Pennsylvania." Apparently William Gordon was part of a posse from Pennsylvania who had been sent to retrieve Edward Jackson after he had jumped bail.
There is an ornate headstone inscribed "Mary wife of William Gordon died 3 June 1812, aged 38 years, 9 months, 24 days"103 in the Gordon Cemetery, Greene County, Pennsylvania.
On 24 September 1818, warrant #13 was issued to William Gordon, for four acres in Greene County, Pennsylvania; the patent was issued 24 February 1819, for 5.2 acres.104 William Gordon was in Pennsylvania as late as 1830. From 1840 onward he is found in Reading Twp., Perry County, Ohio. William Gordon made a will dated 2 October 1849, and proved 10 November 1849.105
11. George Gordon was born in 1774, in Frederick County, Maryland. He married Eleanor White, and has twelve children. He died 24 September 1831, in Pennsylvania.106 He is found on the 1810 census of Greene County, Pennsylvania in Whitley Twp., page 69, #13, with one male age 26-45, three females under 10, and one female age 16-26.
12. John Gordon was born in 1775 in Frederick County, Maryland. He married Nancy Rinehard, daughter of Simon who had been killed by Indians.107 They had eleven children. He died circa 1830, in Greene County, Pennsylvania.108 He is probably the John Gordon found on the 1800 and 1810 census for Franklin Twp., Greene County, Pennsylvania. His children went to Perry County, Ohio.
Endnotes
1. This Was the Life (1979) by Millard Rice., pages 3 & 31, and many others. On page 3, in March 1748/9, is a mention of George Gordon "Jr." This is the only time this designation is found, and is probably an error.
2. Prince George County, Maryland Deeds, Liber T, page 134; L.D.S. #14,249. See also pages 135, 145, 186, 371.
3. Prince George Co., Maryland Deeds, Liber T, page 471, L.D.S. #14,249.
4. George Gordon acted on behalf of the Black brothers many times, including four times in Liber T alone (1734-5). William Black also had land in Calvert, Anne Arundel, and St. Mary's Counties, Maryland.
5. Prince George County, Maryland, Deeds, LiberT, page 215-216; L.D.S. 14,249.
6. Prince George County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber T, pages 557- 558 & 674; L.D.S. #14,249.
7. Settlers of Maryland 1731-1750, by Peter W. Coldham, page 89. Gordon's Purchase is mapped in The Land Tracts of the Battlefield of South Mountain (1999) by Curtis L. Older, page 109, on Little Antietam Creek, in present Washington County, Maryland.
8. History of Montgomery County, Maryland" (1879) by T. H. S. Boyd., page 49, (1960 reprint), Regional Publishing Co., Baltimore.
9. Abstracts of Chancery Court Records of Maryland, 1667-1782 (1996) by Debbie Hooper, page 85.
10. Inventories, Book 27, age 267.
11. Prince George County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber Y, pages 469- 470; L.D.S. #14,250.
12. Maryland Chancery Court, Vol. 8, page 61.
13. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber B, pages 423-424.
14. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber F, pages 940-941.
15. Wickham made a petition in 1761, starting he had been in prison for debt for five years. See Pioneers of Old Monocacy by Tracy & Dern, pages 342-343. Wickham had been a Justice of Frederick County 1748-1755, see Rice, page 285.
16. Maryland Historical Magazine, 24:33.
17. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber B, pages 533-535.
18. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber E, page 522.
19. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber E, pages 514-517.
20. Green, page 144.
21. Western Maryland Genealogy, Vol. 8, page 81.
22. Western Maryland Genealogy, Vol. 9, page 30.
23. Western Maryland Genealogy, Vol. 7, page 131, and Vol. 9, page 32.
24. Frederick County, Maryland Deeds, Liber H, pages 54-55; L.D.S. # 13,938. Also see Liber F, pages 169-170.
25. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber F, page 941.
26. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber F, page 1059-1061.
27. Maryland State Archives, film #SR7994; tax page 12, index page 67; some pages torn, also on page 12; William Black of London, part New Exchange 700 acres, Gordon's Purchase 150 acres, part Friendship 400 acres, Black Acre 435 acres.
28. Maryland State Archives, film #SR7995; page 72.
29. Maryland State Archives, film #SR7995; page 45.
30. Maryland State Archives, film #SR7996; page 48.
31. Liber 22, page 101. Inventory in November 1739, Liber 24, page 322, and Liber 25, page 335.
32. George Forbes was taxed on Simms Forest in Cecil County, Maryland in 1739, 1749 and 1754. See Inhabitants of Cecil County, Maryland (1993) by Henry C. Peden, pages 98 & 109, Family Line Publ.
33. American Wills Proved in London 1611-1775 (1993) by Peter Wilson Coldham, page 171.
34. Maryland State Archives, Chancery Court, Vol. 8, page 339.
35. Maryland State Archives, Chancery Court, Vol. 8, pages 344 & 369.
36. Accounts, Liber 1, pages 445; see also Liber 2, page 417. Also St. Mary's County Administrator's accounts, pages 331, 388,399.
37. Prince George County, Liber Y, page 440.
38. Liber 26, page 335. For more information about George Forbes: Scots on the Chesapeake 1607-1830(1992} by David Dobson, page 50.
39. Abstracts of Chancery Court Records of Maryland 1669-1782 (1996) by Debbie Hooper, pages 83-84.
40. Accounts by Skinner, page 56.
41. Prince George County, Maryland Deeds, Liber Q, pages 304, 406,412.
42. Book 21, page 20.
43. Book 21, page 174.
. 44. Book 22, page 112.
45. Liber 28, page 318.
46. Settfers of Maryland 1701-1730 (1996) by Peter Wilson Coldham, page 247.
47. Western Maryland Genealogy, Vol. 10, page 51.
48. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber J, page 1396- L D S #13,939.
49. Western Maryland Genealogy, Vol. 10, page 58.
50. For more information about Williams and West: Across the Years in Prince George County by Effie Bowie, pages 764-766. Early Families of Southern Maryland (1993) by Elise G. Jourdan, Vol. 2, pages 88-91; Biographical Dictionary of the Maryland Legislature by Johns Hopkins Press, Vol 2 pages 878-879.
51. Liber 34, page 313.
52. Liber 34, page 359.
53. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber J, pages 529-534- LD.S. #13,939
54. Liber 34, page 313.
55. Maryland State Archives, Chancery Court, Vol. 8 pags 344 & 369.
56. Liber 35, page 103.
57. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber B, pages 185-187.
58. Maryland Records, Colonial & Revolutionary by Gaius M. Brumbaugh, page 257.
59. The Hamiltons of Maryland (1981) by Dolores S. Miltenberger pages 8 & 15.
60. Prince George County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber L, pages 455- 463.
61. Chancery Ledger B, page 63. See also Maryland & Delaware Genealogist, Vol. 30, pages 25-26. (There are many more details about the Hamilton and Beall families and reputed defrauding of the heirs.)
62. Maryland & Delaware Genealogist, Vol. 30, pages 25-26.
63. Western Maryland Genealogy, Vol. 7, page 133. Tobias Belt found in 1759, Maryland State Archives, film #SR7995, page 20.
64. Brumbaugh, page 47.
65. Liber 36, page 103.
66. Brumbaugh, pages 271, 306.
67. For more about the Belt family, see: Early Families of Southern Maryland by Elise G. Jourdan, (1993) Vol. 1, pages 286-294 (erros about his wife's name).
68. The Gordon Family History (1926) by Donald Gordon.
69. Maryland Historical Magazine, Vol. 5, page 276.
70. Liber 97, page 65; Abstracts of Inventories of Prerogative Court of Maryland 1766-1769 by V. L Skinner, page 72.
71. Liber 29, page 106.
72. Calvert County Rent Rolls, Upper Hundred of the Cliffs. Calvert County, Maryland Rent Rolls 1651-1776 (1994) by T.L.C. Genealogy, page 4. [George Gordon has also been found in Charles County, for instance, on 22 July 1734, the administrative account of the estate of Thomas Harris mentions a payment to George Gordon; Liber 12, page 406.]
73. Calvert County Rent Rolls, page 4.
74. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber F, page 702.
75. Grants, Liber 1, pages 176 and 187.
76. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber L, page 602; L.D.S. #13,941. -
77. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber L, page 601; L.D.S. #13,941.
78. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber L, page 166; L.D.S. #13,941.
79. Frederick County, Maryland, Deeds, Liber L, pages 220-221; L.D.S. #13,941.
80. Maryland Archives, Vol. 18, page 12.
81. Brumbaugh, page 252.
82. Bounty Land Warrant #11266-100.
83. The Gordon Family History (1926) by Donald Gordon, who says this family was Catholic, and that they were "stout, active, healthy, a little rough, above the average size, with dark hair and complexions: and that they spoke with a thick accent.
84. Early Adventures on Western Waters (11980) by Mary Kegley, Vol. 1, page 35.
85. The Ten Mile Country (1973 ed.) by Howard Leckey, pages 434- 438.
86. Leckey, page 434.
87. Leckey, pages 141-153.
88. Grave site visited by James Hoy, of Great Falls, Virginia (photos of headstones in my possession).
89. Children and wife's name are from: The Gordon Family History (1926) by Donald Gordon. And The Ten Mile Country (1973 ed.) by Howard Leckey, pages 434-438.
90. Gordon, and Leckey.
91. Ibid.
92. Greene County, Pennsylvania Observer-Reporter Section B, first page, "Ancestral Home Owned by Gordon Descendants."
93. Gordon and Leckey.
94. Ibid.
95. Monongalia County, Virginia, Deeds, Vol. 2, page 178.
96. Gordon and Leckey.
97. Ibid.
98. Ibid.
99. For Carroli information: Monongalia County, (W) Va. Deed Records 1784-1810 (1994) by Rick Toothman, pages 106, 134, 135, 136, 208. The Monongalia Sto/y(1974) by Earl L. Core, Vol. 1, page 260, Vol. 2, page 158. History of Preston County, West Virginia (1882) by S. T. Wiley, page 456, which says Mary Carroli married William Gordon. Monongalia County (W) Va. Records of the District, Superior and County Courts (1992) by Melba P. Zinn, Vol. 1, pages 25, 216, 217, Vol. 2, page 178, Vol. 4, page 12. Sims Index of Land Grants of West Virginia (1952). Dyer's Index of Land Grants of West Virginia (1896) 1787 Tax Lists of Virginia (1987) by Netti Schreiner- Yantis.
100. Monongalia County, Virginia, Deeds, Volume 2, page 336.
101. Co. Va. Wills, Volume 1, page 48.
102. Monongalia County (W) Va. Records of District, Superior & County Courts (1992) by Melba P. Zinn, Vol. 3, pages 36-37.
103. Photo by James Hoy, in my possession.
104. Penna. Warrants, Book H, Volume 16, page 452. Also, Pennsylvania Archives, 3rd Series, Vol. 26, pages 631-632.
105. Perry County, Ohio, Will Book AB, page 378, Case 3114.
106. Gordon, and Leckey.
107. Leckey, page 326.
108. Gordon, and Leckey.