The Gordon Family from Carrick (Carrig), Glen Fincastle

Carrick at the top of Glen Fincastle in 1967 (left) and 2017 (right)

The surname of Gordon is unusual in the Blair Atholl area and it is possible that they originated as a single family in Glen Fincastle. One of the earliest records is that of the 1694 Hearth Tax which mentions Alexander Gordon in Glen Fincastle, but when the Gordons arrived and where they came from is unknown.

The 1705 list of the Duke of Atholl's fencible men (i.e. men, aged between 16 and 60, who could form a militia), mentions John Gordon, tenant in Carrick, and John 'Roy' Gordon, also tenant in Carrick. Both were needing decent swords. In 1709 Donald Gordon was tenant of a 5 shilling land at Carrick and was paying a stipend for the minister in Blair Atholl.

The earliest recorded birth is that of Grissel, daughter to Donald Gordon and Grissel Stewart in Carrick, 9 Mar 1718.

Blair Atholl Session Minutes, 4th January 1747

Grissell Gordon in Carrick, appeared before the Congregation and was rebuked. (Her illegitimate son John was baptised 27th November 1745).

(11th January 1747) Grissell Gordon in Carrick, appeared before the Congregation for her fornication with Patrick Stewart of (Easter) Invervack. (Patrick Stewart of Easter Invervack was a Captain in the Atholl Brigade during the 1745 Jacobite Rising. He surrendered and was pardoned on condition that he enlisted).

(18th January 1747) Grissell Gordon made her third appearance before the Congregation, was rebuked, and paid her fine, modified by the Session to a crown. Her father, Donald Gordon was ordered to get up her bill.

This is probably the same Grissell Gordon in Carrick who married John MacDonald in Fior of Fincastle, Dull parish, 5 Feb 1747.

The earliest recorded marriage is the proclamation of banns for Duncan Robertson in Carrick and Amilia Gordon in Carrick, Oct 1734. It is quite likely that the Patrick Gordon who married Elspeth Stewart, 9 Aug 1741 (Dull OPR), was her brother.

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Dull OPR, marriages, 9 Aug 1741

A certificate was given to Elspet Stewart in Fincastle to be married to Patrick Gordon in the parish of Blair.
Witnesses: Robert Stewart of Fincastle and Alexander Stewart of Tulloch

The Children of Patrick Gordon and Elspeth Stewart in Carrick

¹ Margaret, daughter to Duncan Cameron and Amily Gordon in Carrick, born 7 Jun 1770.

There is a cluster of Gordon marriages linked to Carrick, but whether these are other children of Patrick Gordon and Elspeth Stewart, or another family is uncertain.

Margaret Gordon (b ~1730); Charles Gordon (b ~1731); Donald Gordon (b ~1735); Elspeth Gordon (b ~1738)

The estimated dates of birth are based on the knowledge that girls tended to marry in their twenties, while the young men usually married in their thirties when they were more able to support a wife and family.

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Donald Robertson, alias Clarsair (i.e. the harpist), in Dauchinlialash and Margaret Gordon in Carrick, married 18 Dec 1750

The Children of Donald Robertson and Margaret Gordon in Dauchinlialash

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William MackIntosh in Tomnacuag and Elspeth Gordon in Carrick, married 16 Mar 1758.

The Children of William McIntosh (Mackintosh) and Elspeth Gordon in Tomnacuag

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In 1771 there was another family by the name of Gordon living on the Haugh of Blair, that of Donald Gordon and Janet McMillan. Although there is no proof, it is quite likely that Donald and Elspeth were related.

Donald Gordon in Meal Vennel, Perth, and Janet McMillan in Blair, married 8 Nov 1765.

The Children of Donald Gordon and Janet McMillan in Haugh of Blair

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Charles Gordon and Margaret Cameron in Carrick, Glen Fincastle.

The Blair Atholl OPR records that Charles Gordon in Carrick and Margaret Cameron in Edintian, married 1 Jan 1761. Their children were all born at Carrick but nothing more is documented about them in the parish records. However, in an article entitles 'Perthshire Pioneers in the Far West' by John Malcolm Bulloch, LL.D., which appeared in the Perthshire Advertiser, 22nd October 1930, it is stated that "The family tradition really starts with a Charles, who, we are told, built a "castle" in Blair Atholl, and one account suggests that he kept an inn and owned a ferry. At any rate, he was drowned in this ferry, his wife subsequently marrying a Robertson and emigrating to Antigonish, Nova Scotia".

Like many fanciful family traditions, there is no possibility that a tenant would build a "castle" in Blair Atholl, but behind it there may be a grain of truth. One of the settlements above Ardgualich, where Donald Gordon was living before he emigrated to Brudenell, is called Lurgcastle and Donald's nephew John Gordon lived there with his wife Helen Stewart. It is quite possible that Charles Gordon was also living at, or near, Lurgcastle, giving rise to the idea that he had built a "castle". If Charles drowned while working as a ferryman, it would most likely have been the Ardgualich ferry at the east end of Loch Tummel which operated between Ardgualich and Duntaulich on the south side of the loch. Many small settlements sold whisky in those days so, although it would be unlikely that Charles Gordon had an inn at Ardgualich, it is quite possible that refreshments were available while travellers were waiting to be taken across.

The notion that Charles Gordon drowned and that his widow married a Robertson are also possible as the Blair Atholl OPR (12th February 1773) records that John Robertson, residenter in Carrick, married Margaret Cameron in Carrick. The term 'residenter' is unusual, indicating that he was not living there as a tenant farmer, farm servant or artisan, and probably not from Blair Atholl parish.

The couple had at least three children: Christian, 22nd November 1773 (the Blair Atholl OPR gives the father as John Stewart in error); John, 2nd June 1777; and James, 17th November 1778. As Donald was only 10 years old when his mother re-married, it is assumed that he and his younger brothers were brought up by their step-father. Certainly, Donald was still living at Carrick when he married Christian McLaren in 1789. Whether some of the family emigrated to Antigonish at some time after 1778 is unknown. If they did, neither Henry Gordon nor Patrick Gordon went with them.

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(Generation 1) The Children of Charles Gordon and Margaret Cameron in Carrick

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(Generation 2) Donald Gordon and Christian McLaren, Brudenell Pioneers

On 18th February 1788 the Blair Atholl Kirk Session granted a testificate to Donald Gordon which read "These certify that the bearer hereof, Donald Gordon, is a native of the parish of Blair Athol. That he has resided in it from infancy. That he always maintained a fair, honest and inoffensive character, free from public scandal, or grounds of church censure. So that, there is nothing known to us that can hinder his reception into any Christian society or congregation. Previdence may order his lot. Given in the interval of Session at Blair Athol, 18th February, 1788". This character reference suggests that Donald Gordon left the parish for a year, to earn money so that he could get married.

Donald Gordon in Carrick and Christian McLaren in Grennich, married 16 Dec 1789. Their first child, Charles, was born at Carrick but the family then moved to Ardgualich where Isabel and Henry were born. Ardgualich was where the ferry crossed the end of Loch Tummel to Duntaulich on the south side.

Christian's father was James McLaren, the leader of the Brudenell Pioneers. In 1803, at the age of 61, he persuaded several local families linked to him by blood or marriage to emigrate with him to Prince Edward Island, Canada. The brig 'Commerce' sailed from Glasgow on the 10th August 1803 and arrived in Pictou.

The passenger list records James and his family as 'McLawson' and the cause of emigration as 'farm taken from him'. Donald Gordon, aged 40 was emigrating because his rent had been raised and he could not live by it. He was accompanied by his wife Christian, aged 31, and children: Isabella, aged 6; Henry, aged 5; James, aged 3; and Donald, aged 9 months.

Donald Gordon's descendants still possess a second testificate made out for him and his wife." These certify that Donald Gordon and Christina McLaren, a married couple, are natives of the parish of Dull, and resided here mostly from their infancy. they are of unexceptionable character and morals: so there is no reason known to us to hinder their reception into any Christian society, where Providence may order their lot. As attested by Archibald Menzies, minister; John Forbes, Elder; Patrick Stewart, Elder".

There is a fuller account of these early settlers at Brudenell Cemetery

Christian died in 1804 and was buried on Brudenell Island. In 1805 Donald Gordon married Jessie (Janet) McLaren, his wife's sister. She was a widow, previously having been married to James Stewart (23 Mar 1789, Blair Atholl OPR). James Stewart, his wife Janet, and four children follow James McLaren's family on the 'Commerce' passenger list so, like Christian, James must have died shortly after their arrival in Canada. As new settlers it would have made a lot of sense to amalgamate the two families.

Donald Gordon and Jessie McLaren had two sons: John, born ~1806 and Peter, born ~1811.

(Generation 2) The Children of Donald Gordon and Christian McLaren in Brudenell, PEI, Canada

(Generation 2) The Children of Donald Gordon and Jessie McLaren in Brudenell, PEI, Canada

¹ Source: 'Brudenell Pioneers' - anniversary celebration booklet about early settlers to PEI, 1953.
² Barbra Mustard, daughter of John Mustard and Isabella Mustard was born 2 Jun 1812, Nigg, Ross and Cromarty. Her brother James Mustard married John's sister Jessie in 1844.

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Henry Gordon and Margaret McDonald in Brudenell, PEI, Canada

Henry Gordon and his wife settled at Brudenell, Lot 52, King's, PEI, where their son James was born.

(Generation 3) The Children of Henry Gordon and Margaret McDonald in Brudenell, PEI, Canada

(Generation 3) The Children of Henry Gordon and Betsy Stewart in Brudenell, PEI, Canada

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The 1881 Canada Census lists James Gordon and Betsy (Stewart, b. Scotland) living in Lot 52, Kings Co., PEI along with daughter Margaret, aged 55, and son James, aged 39.

(Generation 3) The Children of James Gordon and Betsy Stewart in Brackley Point, PEI, Canada

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(Generation 3) The Children of John Gordon and Annie Crawford in Brudenell, PEI, Canada

(Generation 3) The Children of John Gordon and Barbara Rose Mustard in Brudenell, PEI, Canada

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The 1881 Canada Census lists Peter Gordon and Barbara ...... living in Lot 52, Kings Co., PEI.

(Generation 3) The Children of Peter Gordon and Barbara ...... in Brudenell, PEI, Canada

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The 1881 Canada Census lists Peter Gordon and Barbara ...... living in Lot 52, Kings Co., PEI.

(Generation 3) The Children of James Mustard and Jessie Gordon in Panmure Island, later Cardigan Head, PEI, Canada

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(Generation 4) Arthur Gordon and Ella Dewar in Brudenell

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(Generation 2) Henry Gordon and Christian McIntosh or Cattanach

The first marriage of Henry Gordon in Carrick is recorded in both the Blair Atholl and Dull OPRs.

Henry Gordon in Carrig (Carrick) and Christian Cattanach (i.e. McIntosh) in Park of Fincastle, Dull parish, married 1 Jun 1793 (Blair Atholl OPR).

Henry Gordon in the parish of Blair Atholl and Christian McIntosh in this parish gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage, 1 Jun 1793 (Dull OPR).

Their daughter Margaret was born at Edintian, but it is likely that Christian McIntosh died in childbirth or shortly afterwards as he married Elspeth Dow in January 1799.

(Generation 2) The Children of Henry Gordon and Christian McIntosh or Cattanach in Edintian, Fincastle

Henry Gordon in Edintian, Dull parish, and Elisabeth Dow in Tressait, married 8 Jan 1799 (Blair Atholl OPR).

Elisabeth's parentage is uncertain, but she may have been the sister of Charles Calmanach in Grennich. At this time the surname of 'Dow' was replacing that of 'Calmanach' and 'McColman'. Both of their sons, Charles and Peter, were born at Edintian.

(Generation 2) The Children of Henry Gordon and Elisabeth Dow or Calmanach in Edintian, Fincastle

At some time after 1806 Henry Gordon moved to Grennich and his second wife died. The death certificate of Henry's son Charles shows that Henry was a tailor, but the death certificate of his other son Peter claims that he was a farmer. If Henry was a tailor he would be able to move from one homestead to another quite easily. At the same time, many artisans also had a pendicle of land to farm as well as their main trade.

Henry's third wife was Girsel (Grace) MacDonald, the daughter of Alexander McDonald and Isabella Dow in Grennich, who he married 4th July 1813. There is no evidence that they had any children. It is possible that the couple returned to Edintian as a Henry Gordon in Edintian is listed for statute labour in 1822 (e.g. a civic duty to help maintain roads and bridges in the parish). After the death of her husband widow Grace McDonald lived with her step-son Peter who was farming half of Dalno. They later moved to Over Bohespic where Grace McDonald or Gordon, widow and pauper died, 5 Jan 1856 as certified by Peter Gordon, her stepson.

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(Generation 3) Charles Gordon and Elizabeth Miller in Perth

Henry's eldest son Charles Gordon left Blair Atholl and went to Perth to work as a labourer, where he married Elizabeth Miller on 30th August 1837.

Perth (OPR, marriages): The 19th day of August 1837, contracted -
Charles Gordon, labourer in St Paul's Church, parish of Perth and Elizabeth Miller in the Middle Church, parish of Perth, daughter of John Miller, farmer in the parish of Methven - Elder James Reoch - the person before named were regularly proclaimed and married the thirtieth day of August, said year, by the Rev. David Young, minister of the United Associate Congregation in Perth.

There were two children from the marriage: Henry, who was known as 'Harry', and Janet Hally.

Henry Gordon, lawful son to Charles Gordon, labourer in said parish (St. Paul's) and Elizabeth Miller his spouse, and baptised the 21st day of October said year (1838) by the Rev. Andrew Gray, minister of the West Church, parish of Perth.

Janet Hally Gordon, lawful daughter to Charles Gordon, merchant in said parish (St. Paul's) and Elizabeth Miller his spouse, and baptised the 9th day of May said year (1841) by the Rev. Andrew Gray, minister of the West Church, parish of Perth.

So, somehow, between 1838 and 1841 Charles had raised enough money to set himself up as a merchant. It is possible that Charles's father had died during this period and left money to both of his sons. However it was achieved, by 1841 Charles was a grocer and could afford to have a young female servant at home to help his wife, as shown by the census.

It is worth noting that a Daniel Gordon, aged 15 years, of independent means and born in Perthshire, was living next door, probably as a lodger. This may be a coincidence, but it might also be a relative.

The 1851 census gives Charles Gordon's address as 161 South Street, Perth. The family had a young female servant to help around the house.

In 1857 Charles's brother Peter died at his farm in Upper Bohespic, Blair Atholl parish. Initially the estate was taken by Peter Stewart in Tomintianda who claimed to be a cousin, but this was overturned by Charles's claim as brother.

By the time of the 1861 Census, the family had moved to 159 South Street, Perth.

Charles Gordon, cow-feeder, married to Elizabeth Miller at 159 South Street, Perth, died 17th October 1864. His parents were given as Henry Gordon, tailor, deceased, and Elizabeth Dow, deceased. The death certificate was witnessed by his son Henry, Strathmore Street, Bridgend, Perth.

(Generation 3) The Children of Charles Gordon and Elizabeth Miller in Perth

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(Generation 4) Henry Gordon and Eliza Whittet in Pitlochry

Henry Gordon, solicitor and bank agent, married to Eliza Whittet died at Pitlochry, 8th April 1870, aged 40 years. Parents given as Charles Gordon, dairyman, deceased and Elizabeth Miller. Informant was his wife Eliza.

Their son, C. H. Gordon, was a solicitor at 11 High Street, Perth, living at 'Rosenheim' on the Glasgow Road.

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(Generation 4) Alexander Stewart and Janet Halley Gordon in Perth

Just before her father died, Janet Halley Gordon and Alexander Stewart were married at Perth in 1863.

After the death of her husband, Elizabeth went to live with her daughter and son-in-law at 16 Atholl Street. They were only a few doors away from Charles's 2nd cousin Gilbert Gordon, the music teacher, John Gordon's eldest son.

1871 census 16 Atholl Street, Perth

By the time of the 1881 census Alexander Stewart and his wife Janet Gordon were living at 2 Kings place in Perth. Alexander was a master hairdresser and his eldest son, Alexander, was a lawyer's apprentice. All the other children, except Elizabeth, were scholars.

(Generation 4) The Children of Alexander Stewart and Janet Halley Gordon in Perth

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(Generation 3) Peter Gordon, tenant farmer in Dalno and Upper Bohespic

The Atholl estate records show that Peter Gordon was paying £25 as annual rent for half of Dalno from 1836 or 1839. The other half was farmed by Robert Stewart. In December 1842 Peter was £3 in arrears with his rent, but the Factor said that he was "a good man". Praise indeed!

Peter's step-mother, Girsel or Grace McDonald was living in the next house and farming some of the land. She was being assisted by James Gordon and the 1840 Blair Atholl estate census states that James Gordon was a member of Peter Gordon's family. The 1851 census shows that James Gordon was the son of Christian McDonald.

Elizabeth, Peter's neice, presumably was the daughter of his half sister Margaret, but nothing is know about this family.

Peter Gordon probably took over a tenancy in Upper Bohespic and farmed the land until his death in 1857. The property then was claimed by his cousin Peter Stewart in Tomintianda who seems to have had some sort of will. Peter Gordon's death certificate was witnessed by Peter Stewart, cousin.

The Will and Testament of Peter Gordon, farmer in Upper Bohespic, (Perth Sheriff Court, 9 Nov 1858)

At Perth the twenty ninth day of November eighteen hundred and fifty eight years. In presence of Edward Strathearn Gordon Esq., Advocate Commissary of the Commissariot of the County of Perth, compeared William Greig, solicitor in Perth as procurator for the executor afternamed and designed,and gave in the inventory of the personal estate of Peter Gordon, tenant at Upper Bohespic (duly stamped with eight pounds sterling of duty) and oath thereon after written desiring the same to be recorded in the Commissary Court Books of Perthshire, conform to Act of Parliament which desire the said Commissary finding reasonable, he ordained the same to be done according whereof the tenor follows.

Inventory of the personal estate of the deceased Peter Gordon, tenant Upper Bohespic, who died on the 3rd Day of March 1857:

1. Sum recovered by Executor from Peter Stewart, Tomintianda, who on the deceased's death took possession under an invalid will £90 18s 9d
2. Further sum recovered by Mr James Mitchell, Pitlochry, after the farm had been carried on, for the crop of 1857, and which sum Mr Mitchell remitted to the Executor £112 4s 6d
3. Rent and interest thereon recovered from Donald Douglas due at Martinmass 1857, £9 3s
4. Open account due by Duncan Cameron and interest thereon £8 8s

Total £220 14s 3d signed Charles Gordon, Hugh Barclay

At Perth the twenty ninth day of November eighteen hundred and fifty eight years, in presence of Hugh Barclay Esquire, Commissary Depute of the Commissariot of Perthshire, compeared Charles Gordon, cow-feeder, South Street, Perth, who being solemnly sworn and examined depones that Peter Gordon, tenant at Upper Bohespic died intestate on the third day of March, eighteen hundred and fifty seven. That the deponent has entered on the possession and management of the deceased's personal or moveable estate as his Executor dative quo next of kin. That the deponent knows of no valid settlement or other writing left by the deceased relative to the disposal of his personal or moveable estate or any part thereof. That the management of the said estate was originally assumed by Peter Stewart at Tomintianda under authority of an invalid alleged Testament and arrangements were made for taking the crop of eighteen hundred and fifty seven into the estate. That the deponent cannot now give a perfectly accurate staement of the moveable estate of the deceased at the time of his death. But the foregoing inventory which shows all that the deponent has realized after reaping the crop of eighteen hundred and fifty seven, and which is signed by the deponent and the said Commissary Depute, is the nearest approximation which can now be made to a full and complete inventory of the personal or moveable estate of the deceased wherever situated and belonging or due to him beneficially at the time of his death in so far as the same has come to the deponent's knowledge, and that the said estate is wholly situated in Scotland, is of the value of two hundred pounds and under the value of three hundred pounds, all which is truth as the deponent shall answer to God.

signed Charles Gordon, Hugh Barclay

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James Gordon, son of Christian McDonald

In the 1841 census James Gordon was working for Girsel or Grace McDonald, the step-mother of Peter Gordon in Dalno, and the 1840 Blair Atholl estate census states that James Gordon was a member of Peter Gordon's family. Also, the 1851 census shows that James Gordon was the son of Christian McDonald. Thus it had been assumed that she was the widow of Patrick Gordon (Peter's uncle). However, this cannot be the case as Peter's uncle Patrick was very much alive and married to his second wife, Mary McDonald. So the identity of James Gordon is somewhat of a mystery.

The lack of records at this time does not help. There is no record anywhere in Scotland of a James Gordon being born to a Christian McDonald between 1815 and 1825. There is no death certificate for Christian McDonald, so she seems to have died between 1851 and 1854 which is not suprising as she was in her 70s. Presumably James was born when she was in her 40s, and he is not recorded in the local census for 1861. The suspicion must be that James was an illegitimate son

This may be the same James Gordon who suddenly appears in the 1881 and 1891 census as a boarder with the McLauchlans in Tombane of Pitaldonich. These censuses show that he was born in Blair Atholl parish around 1820 and note him as 'pauper and imbecile'. Unfortunately, his death certificate in 1899 was signed by the Inspector for the Poor, who knew nothing about his parentage.

If his whereabout in 1861 and 1871 were know, this might help.

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(Generation 2) Patrick Gordon and Christian McDonald

Patrick Gordon in Carrick and Christian McDonald in Dalnamine, married 5 Mar 1790 (Blair Atholl OPR).

Carrick is at the top of Glen Fincastle and is an oddity as it is in Blair Atholl parish, whereas the rest of Glen Fincastle is in the parish of Dull. So, when the couple moved to Ardgualich, where all of their children were born, they changed parishes. The Ardgualich ferry crossed the river at the eastern end of Loch Tummel between Ardgualich on the north side and Duntaulich on the south side.

Ardgualich as shown on John Waterston's map of Fincastle, Borenich, Lick and Duntaulich, 1832

Patrick Gordon started to lease Mualich-beg in Glen Fender around 1825. Evidence for this comes from an arguement concerning a cart track.

On 12 Nov 1828 Peter Gordon in Mualich-beg wrote to the Factor, Mr Graham, reminding him that nothing had been done with respect to the cart track between Tirinie and Mualich-beg, which the last tenant, Duncan McIntosh in Tirinie, had rendered impassable a couple of year previously. Duncan McIntosh responded by claiming that there had been no previous road and that the Gordons were trespassing on his land.

Previously Duncan McIntosh had leased both properties and had made a short-cut from Mualich-beg across Tirinie land to join the road to Blair Atholl. The old cart track from Mualich-beg went northwards and was circuitous. However, when he gave up the tenancy of Mualich-beg, he saw no reason for perpetuating the short-cut and had closed off the access.

The disputed cart track crossing the lands of Tirinie and Mualich-beg (on the left) and the old cart track (on the right)

On 28 Nov 1828 Duncan McIntosh was complaining again about the road that Peter and John Gordons alleged that Mr Graham had given them permission to make through his clover (i.e. pasture). The argument went on until 1830 when it was agreed that it would go to arbitration and the two parties would cease troubling the Duke of Atholl and his Factor.

The arbitrators were James McLaren, overseer at Blair Mains, and Robert Murray in Strathgroy. They noted that Peter Gordon had been in possession for 3 years before the trespass dispute and that much of the blame for the dispute rested upon Peter’s young son John. It was agreed that the road should remain, but the Gordons were to pay Duncan McIntosh 7s 6d annually for crossing his land, and that they would erect a paling along the road at their own expense. Alternatively, if the Gordons only used the old cart track, then Duncan McIntosh would pay them 15s annually for the inconvenience. The Gordons refused to erect the paling as they were sub-tenants, but otherwise the matter was resolved.

In 1830, the year of arbitration, Charles Gordon, the son of John Gordon and Helen Stewart was born at Mualich-beg. So this must be the Gordon family from Ardgualich. From 1830 until 1840 Peter Gordon paid an annual rent of £43 15s, 10 hens at 1s, and one and a half carriages (i.e. provided one man and a horse to carry goods, for one and a half days) or 10s 6d.

Despite being 70 years old, Peter Gordon in Mualich-beg married Mary McDonald in Mualich-beg, 15 Jan 1839. She was born at Sleat, Isle of Skye, and probably was working at Mualich-beg as a farm servant. By 1841 the family had moved to Kirkton of Lude, which they shared with three other families.

Although the 1841 census shows Donald Gordon, aged 1 year, the 1851 census shows a Peter Gordon, aged 11 years, when the family were living at Baluaine.

Peter Gordon died at Baluaine, some time before 1855. In the 1861 census his widow and daughter Ann were still living at Baluaine, but his son Peter was living at Balintoul where he was serving as journeyman shoemaker to James McIntosh, shoemaker.

Mary McDonald or Gordon died at Baluaine, 8 Mar 1882.

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(Generation 2) The Children of Patrick (Peter) Gordon and Christian McDonald

(Generation 2) The Children of Patrick (Peter) Gordon and Mary McDonald in Baluaine

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(Generation 3) Charles Gordon and Elisabeth Fraser

Like all of his brothers and sisters, Charles Gordon was born at Ardgualich.

11th January 1791, Dull OPR
Charles, son to Peter Gordon and Christ(ian) MacDonald in Ardgualich, was baptised.

However, nothing further is known about Charles until he appears as an Edinburgh spirit dealer in 1820, and the circumstances cannot be explained. Obviously there was the possibility that this was a conpletely different person. Ideally his parentage would be confirmed from his death certificate, but he appears to have died before the introduction of Civil Registration in 1855, so the following evidence might be considered circumstantial. Firstly the 1841 census return gives an actual age, rather than the usual rounded down figure, which shows him to have been born around 1791. Secondly, his eldest son was christened Peter as would be expected by naming tradition. Thirdly, the daughter Christian born in Edinburgh is the same age as the Christian at Bridge of Fender. Fourthly the Fender Bridge family return to Edinburgh around 1847.

Edinburgh marriages, 3 Jun 1820
Charles Gordon, spirit dealer, Old Kirk parish and Elizabeth Fraser, same place and parish, married.

The births of three children are recorded in the Edinburgh OPRs:

Edinburgh births, 20 Nov 1820
Charles Gordon, spirit dealer, and Elizabeth Fraser H(is) spouse, Old Kirk parish ASB (a son born) 15th inst. Named Peter. Baptised by Rev. John Monro

Edinburgh births, 18 Nov 1822
Charles Gordon, spirit dealer, and Elizabeth Fraser HS (his spouse) NGPh (New Greyfriars parish) ASB (a son born) 11th instant, named Hugh

Edinburgh births, 25 Mar 1830
Charles Gordon, spirit dealer, and Elizabeth Fraser his spouse, New Greyfriars parish, a daughter born, 16th March 1830. Named Christian.

Shortly after 1830 Charles Gordon and his family returned to the parish of Blair Atholl and settled at Fender Bridge where the next five children: Grace (Grizel); Margaret; John; Elizabeth; and Catherine (Hetty) were born. The names of only Grizel and Margaret appear in the Blair Atholl OPRs. Charles Gordon was now working as a mason, rather than as a spirit dealer.

1841 census Bridge of Fender (Blair Atholl, District 9)

Their last child, Charles, may have been born at Fender Bridge as the 1851 census gives Blair Atholl as his place of birth, but his birth is recorded in the Edinburgh OPR.

Edinburgh births (St Cuthberts), 1847
Charles Gordon, mason, residing in No. 23 South, St James Street, and Elizabeth Fraser his spouse had a son born to them on the twenty first day of February last, named Charles.

Charles Gordon must have died at some time between 1847 and 1851, as the census for that year shows his widow and family again in Edinburgh, living at 8, St Vincent Street.

1861 Census: 5 India Street, St Stephens parish, Edinburgh

(Generation 3) The Children of Charles Gordon and Elizabeth Fraser

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(Generation 3) John Gordon and Helen Stewart

The settlement of Lurgchastle (left) and the partially reconstructed dwelling and outhouse (right)

John Gordon and Helen Stewart married 20th Jun 1818 (Dull OPR). Their first child, Christian, was born at Lurgchastle which was just to the west of the Queen's View 'ring-fort' homestead. Lurgchastle was excavated by Dr Margaret Stewart, for the Forestry Commission, and part of it has been reconstructed. A forestry track has been built straight through the middle of the main building. Close by there is the remains of a corn-drying kiln.

Their second child, Gilbert Stewart, was born at Ardgualich which is the flat area of land below Lurgchastle where the ferry used to take people across the end of Loch Tummel. Ardgualich is now a popular caravan and camping site, with commanding views down Loch Tummel to Schiehallion. John's uncle, Donald Gordon, had lived at Ardgualich before he and his family emigrated to Canada in 1803. Normally the eldest son was named after the paternal grandfather (in this case Peter, or Patrick), so the use of the name Gilbert may suggest a link to the Stewarts of Fincastle.

The next two sons, Donald and Peter, were born at Lurgchastle after which the family moved to the south of the river Tummel to Righchastle where Helen was born. There does not appear to be a baptismal entry for Eliza in the Dull OPR, but the 1841 census returns suggests that she was born in 1827, possibly at Righchastle.

The next two children, Charles and Ann, were born at Mualich-beg in Glen Fender, close to Lude House where the remaining five children were born.

John Gordon was an exceptionally talented piper and probably it was for this skill that the Lairds of Lude employed him as a servant and game-keeper. William Alexander MacKay recalls in 'Pioneer Life in Zorra' (1899), that the Rev. Daniel Gordon played the pipes for him, shortly before his death, and told him that the set of pipes had been a gift to his father from the Duke of Gordon.

Among the competitors at the 1819 Highland Society Competition was a John Gordon piper to a Captain Stewart of Allean, but described as 'from Glen of Fincastle' in two earlier competitions where he had been placed 4th (1816) and then 3rd. For the 1819 competition the competitors were required to submit six tunes and among John Gordon's tunes was Piobrachd Cean Dias. It was the only one of the six which did not have a translation or alternative name. In 1821 John Gordon was described as 'Piper to the Atholl Club' and had in his list Piobrachd Iarla Roiss – The Earl of Ross's March, a version of the previously mentioned piece.

At Edinburgh in 1835 there was a special Gold Medal competition to determine the title of 'Champion of Pipers' which was only open to former winners of the annual piping competition. One of the five competitors was John Gordon, piper to McInroy of Lude, who had won the piping competition in 1826. Although he did not win the Gold Medal he was awarded 3 guineas for his skill.

By 1844 it was his son Gilbert who was competing.

There is a memorial stone to the family in the Old Blair churchyard (St. Brides) which reads:

John Gordon, died at Fender Linn, Old Bridge of Tilt, 2 Feb 1869, aged 75 years. His wife Helen Stewart died at Fender Linn, 4 Nov 1882 aged 85 years. Their son John died at Lude, 16 Sep 1856 aged 22 years. Their daughter Margaret died at Fender Linn, 14 Aug 1893 aged 58 years. Their son Gilbert died at Perth, 11 Sep 1873 aged 53 years. Gilbert's son John died at Perth, 15 Dec 1889, his daughter Margaret Donald died at Perth, 19 Mar 1890, and his daughter Elizabeth died in infancy.

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(Generation 3) The Children of John Gordon and Helen (Ellen) Stewart

¹ Studied at the University and New College, Edinburgh. He was ordained at Douglas, Lanarkshire, in 1861, and was Clerk of the Free Church Presbytery of Lanark from 1876 until 1900.

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Neil McGlashan and Christian Gordon in Middlebridge

There is a monument inscription to this family in Kilmaveonaig churchyard, which reads: Neil McGlashan in Balintoul died 19 Jan 1873, aged 54 years. His wife Christine Gordon died at Fonvuick, 9 Jul 1893, aged 74 years. Their son Donald died at Balintoul 29 Oct 1859, aged 4 years. Their son John died there 2 Sep 1865, aged 17 years. Their daughter Helen MacGlashan or MacDonald died at Shelloch Farm 8 Jun 1900, aged 57 years. (Helen is also commemorated on the memorial stone to John McDonald, her husband).

(Generation 4) The Children of Neil McGlashan, the tailor, and Christian Gordon in Middlebridge

(1855 birth certificate) Neil McGlashan, tailor, aged 47, born Strathgroy. Christian Gordon, aged 35, born .... of Fincastle, Dull parish, her 8th child, three boys and four girls living, one girl deceased, Married at Aldgirnaig, parish of Moulin 1842.

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Gilbert Gordon and Margaret Ritchie in Perth

Gilbert Stewart Gordon, gentleman's servant in Brechin, bachelor aged 38 years, and Margaret Ritchie in Whitefields, Cargill, spinster aged 37 years, were married at Whitefields, Cargill, on 13th December 1858. Gilbert's parents are given as John Gordon, gentleman's servant, and Hellen Stewart. Margaret's parents are given as Alexander Ritchie, farmer, deceased and Margaret Mailor, deceased. Witnesses were J.M. Ritchie and Peter Gordon.

By the time of the 1861 census, Gilbert and his wife were back living with his parents.

The 1871 census shows that Gilbert and his wife were living at 20 Atholl Street, Perth, where he was working as a teacher of music. His sister-in-law, Catherine Ritchie, was living with the family. They also had a policeman as a lodger.

Gilbert died in 1873. There is a monument inscription to him and his family in Blair Atholl (St Brides) churchyard

In the 1881 census, Margaret Gordon was still living at 20 Atholl Street, and was working as a grocer. Her son John was an apprentice clerk for the North British Railway, and her daughter Margaret was a scholar. Gilbert's sister Maggie, unmarried and aged 54 year, was living with them. She had formerly been a teacher. They still had a lodger.

(Generation 4) The Children of Gilbert Gordon and Margaret Ritchie

A daughter Elizabeth died in infancy - Monument Inscription in Blair Atholl (St Brides) churchyard.

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Rev. Donald (Daniel) Gordon and Mary Robertson

There is an eighteen-page chapter on the Rev. Daniel Gordon, with portraits of him and his wife, in William Alexander MacKay’s 'Pioneer Life in Zorra' (1899), page 352.

(Generation 4) The Children of Rev. Donald (Daniel) Gordon and Mary Robertson, in Zorra, Oxford Co. Ontario

Mary Robertson, the wife of Rev. Donald (Daniel) Gordon is buried in Mount Pleasant cemetery, Toronto.

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The personal papers of Ralph Connor are held at the University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections.

(Generation 5) The Children of Rev Charles William Gordon (Ralph Connor) and Helen Skinner King, in Winnipeg

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Dr Peter Gordon and Margaret Jessie Bonar

1881 Census: Muirhouse, Colinton, Midlothian

(Generation 4) The Children of Dr Peter Gordon and Margaret Bonar in Juniper Green, Colinton

¹ Student at New College, Edinburgh, 1891-4. Ordained at Borgue, 1899. Buried at Saughton cemetery.

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(Generation 4) The Children of William Reid and Helen Gordon in Bridge of Tilt

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Robert Taylor and Eliza Gordon in Lanark

Eliza probably was born at Righchastle on the south of the river Tummel, but there does not appear to be a baptismal entry for Eliza in the Dull OPR. The 1841 census returns suggests that she was born in 1827, so the family may have been at Mualich-beg by that time.

Her husband, Robert Taylor, was a blacksmith. He was born around 1823, at Kirk Yetholm in Roxburghshire, on the Scottish border, not far from Kelso. It is quite likely that, as a jouneyman blacksmith, he was working for the Lude blacksmith when he met Eliza Gordon.

Robert Taylor and Eliza Stewart McKenzie Gordon married at Lanark, Glasgow, 30 Aug 1851 and the reason for marrying out of parish is made clear by the censure in the Blair Atholl OPR at the baptism of their son John.

John, son to Robert Taylor in Wishaw and Eliza Gordon, born at Lude, begotten in antenuptial fornication, 23 Sep 1851.

Their second child was female but there is no record of her name, nor her baptism, and she died before the birth of the third child in 1855.

Their third child was born at Beltonfoot, Wishaw, on 30th March 1855 and given the name Helen. However her parents has a change of mind and she was renamed as Johnann two weeks later. In various document she is also given as Johnannie and Joan.

1881 Census for 128 Eaglesham Street, Govan

(Generation 4) The Children of Robert Taylor and Eliza Gordon in Lanark

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John Gordon jnr. in Lude

John Gordon jnr., lately residing in Lude, and Ann McIntosh in Tomnacuag had an illegitimate child baptised 1 Jul 1852, named Elizabeth.

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Margaret Gordon

In 1871 Margaret Gordon was housekeeper in Newburgh, Fife, for her brother Dr Henry Gordon, before he married. In the 1881 census she was living at 20 Atholl Street, Perth, with her sister-in-law Margaret Ritchie

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Thomas Young Molison and Jessie Gordon in Lanark

On the nineteenth day of November 1867, at Fender Linn, Old Bridge of Tilt, Thomas Young Molison, batchelor aged 27 years, draper in Biggar and Jessie Gordon, spinster aged 29 years governess in Larbet were married by Charles Gordon, minister of the Free Church (in Larbet). Witnessed by William Brown and James Gordon (her younger brother). His parents are given as Thomas Molison, house steward, and Janet Crichton. Her parents are given as John Gordon, late game-keeper, and Helen Stewart.

(Generation 4) The Children of Thomas Young Molison, draper, and Jessie Gordon

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Dr James Gordon and Charlotte Lockhart Brodie

James Gordon qualified as physician and surgeon from Edinburgh University.

On the twenty seventh day of October 1869 at Polton Vale, Lasswade, James Gordon, batchelor aged 30 years, from East Linton, married Charlotte Lockhart Brodie, spinster, aged 30 years, from Polton Vale, Lasswade. His parents were given as John Gordon, deceased, and Helen Stewart. Her parents were given as Alexander Brodie, deceased, and Louisa Mercer The ceremony was performed by James's brother, Rev Charles Gordon. His brother Henry was one of the witnesses.

Their nephew, Rev John Bonar Athol Gordon was staying at Prestonkirk with them at the time of the 1901 census.

There is a memorial to this family in St. John's Episcopal Graveyard, Edinburgh:

In Memoriam, Charlotte Lockhart Gordon, beloved and devoted wife of James Gordon, M.D. died at Scotscraig, Prestonkirk, 5th January 1916. John, their infant son, died 19th January 1871. The above James Gordon died 23 June 1920.

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Dr Henry Gordon and Isabella Anne Symington

Henry Gordon qualified as physician and surgeon from Edinburgh University. In 1871 he was in practice in Newburgh, Fife, and his sister Margaret probably was acting as his house-keeper.

On the seventh day of June 1871 at Bothwell Park, Henry Gordon, batchelor of medicine and master of surgery, single, aged 29 years, from Newburgh Fife, married Isabella Anne Symington, single, aged 24 years, from Glasgow. His parents were given as John Gordon, gentleman, deceased, and Helen Stewart. Her parents were given as John Symington, machinerman(?), deceased, and Mary Walker.

1881 census for Wemyssfield, by Kirkcaldy, Fife.

1891 census for Wemyssfield, by Kirkcaldy, Fife.

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Walter Symington Athol Gordon

Walter Symington Athol Gordon (architect) was born in 1879, was articled to Robert Rowand Anderson from 1895 to 1901, and studied under Frank Worthington Simon at the Edinburgh School of Applied Art. In 1901 he was living in Newington, Midlothian, with his sister Mary W. and his brother Charles.

He worked for London-based Scot James Glen Sivewright Gibson, reaching the position of senior assistant, until 1909 when he was taken in to full partnership, along with Gibson's other senior assistant, Frank Peyton Skipwith. He did not take the qualifying exam, being admitted LRIBA on 27 February 1911, proposed by Gibson, Horace Farquharson and William Flockhart.

Skipwith enlisted in the armed forces in the First World War and was killed in action in France in September 1915, the practice continuing as Gibson and Gordon thereafter. Gordon was elected FRIBA in late 1916 or early 1917, his proposers being Gibson, Edmund Wimperis and Herbert Hardy Wigglesworth. His travels prior to that date had been limited to England.

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(Generation 3) John 'Bee Jock' Robertson and Margaret Gordon in Upper Baluaine

Margaret Gordon was born at Ardgualich, but the exact date of her birth is unknown. Her death certificate states that it was 1795, but the 1851 census suggests that it was 1797.

John Robertson in Tombuie of Fincastle, Dull parish, and Margaret Gordon in Mualich-beg, married 9 Apr 1837, and by 1841 they were living at Baluaine with a daughter Margaret, aged 1 year.

The 1851 census shows that John Robertson was a wood labourer, aged 45 years, but there is no mention of their daughter Margaret. However, Euphemia Gordon, Margaret's 9-year-old step-sister was living with them. The rest of Euphemia's family were also living at Baluaine.

John Robertson seems to have has a special arrangement with the minister, Dr Irvine, as he paid only £3 a year to rent the Glebe of Baluaine. Perhaps the minister got a good supply of honey, or maybe he was aware that three of Bee Jock's nephew were well respected ministers.

1881 census for Upper Baluaine (Bee Jock's Croft) needs a bit of interpretation.

(Note * Angus McDonald died at Baluaine on 10th June 1882. Death certificate gives his father as John McDonald, labourer, deceased, and Elizabeth, maiden name unknown. The inscription in the Blair Atholl parish churchyard which says "erected by John McDonald, Baluan, in affectionate remembrance of his brother Angus who died 25 Oct 1882 aged 28 years ...." is another Angus McDonald who also lived at Baluaine and died the same year - quite a coincidence)

John Robertson died at the Glebe, Baluaine, on 17th April 1887, aged 82 years. His death certificate gives his parents as Donald Robertson, labourer, and Catherine Robertson (same maiden name). The death certificate was signed by William McIntosh, guardian.

Margaret Gordon died at Upper Baluaine on 1st February 1896, aged 101 years. The death certificate was witnessed by William McIntosh, nephew.

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(Generation 3) Peter Gordon, shoemaker in Bruar and Ann McIntosh

Marriage, 10 Jun 1864 at Weem

Peter Gordon, bachelor, shoemaker aged 24y, normal residence Blair Atholl, and Ann McIntosh, single, housemaid aged 23y, normal residence Dundee. His parents given as Peter Gordon, farmer, deceased, and Mary McDonald. Her parents given as James McIntosh, farmer, deceased, and Margaret Dewar?

Monument Inscription in Blair Parish Church:

In affectionate memory of Ann MacIntosh, beloved wife of Peter Gordon, who died at Port-na-craig 16 Jul 1905 aged 65 years. Also his son John who died in infancy. Peter Gordon died at Port-na-craig, Pitlochry, 12 Mar 1920 aged 81 years.

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William McIntosh and Euphemia Gordon in Baluaine

Although there is no baptismal record for Euphemia her marriage certificate, and the fact that she does not appear in the 1841 census, suggest that she was born in late 1841 or early 1842. She seems to have been brought up by her elder half-sister Margaret Gordon, the wife of John 'Bee Jock' Robertson in Upper Baluaine, as she appears there as a 9-year-old child in the 1851 census.

When she was 27, she married William McIntosh, gardener and bachelor aged 21 years, at the Panmure Arms Inn in Panbride on 30th November 1868. She gave her usual address as Blair Atholl, while William McIntosh gave his usual address as Inch of Aldgirnaig, Tenandry. His parents were William McIntosh, Killiecrankie guide, and Susan McBeath, who were both alive. Aldgirnaig is the old name for the village of Killiecrankie.

William McIntosh in Rinancoillach, Tenandry, and Susan McBeath in Rinancoillach, Tenandry, married 26 May 1839. They had 10 children between 1841 and 1865 who were born at Rinancoillach, Kirkton of Lude, Fonvuick and the Pass of Killiecrankie. William was their fourth child and second son.

William McIntosh and his wife Euphemia returned to Upper Baluaine where William worked as a wood contractor. Euphemia died 1899.

(Generation 3) The Children of William McIntosh and Euphemia Gordon in Baluaine

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James Menzies and Christian Gordon in Blairuachdar

Marriage, 8 Jan 1869 at Blair Atholl

On the eighth day of January at Bruar, James Menzies, ploughman, batchelor aged 22 years, residing at Balinloan and Christian Gordon, farm servant, spinster aged 25 years, residing at Bruar were married. Witnesses: John Fraser and Elizabeth Dow.

His parents given as Alexander Menzies, warder in a penitentiary and Ann Boag. Her parents given as Peter Gordon, late farmer, deceased and Mary McDonald.

By 1881 the fanily were living at Blairuachdar where James Menzies was working as a wood carter.

(Generation 3) The Children of James Menzies and Christian Gordon in Blairuachdar