John Gordon

John Gordon, founder of the wholesale dry-goods commission house of John Gordon & Son, of Montreal, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, December 12, 1833. He was a young man of twenty years when in 1853 he came to Montreal to enter the employ of the old and well known firm of William Stephen & Company. He was afterward a member of the firm of James Roy & Company and from December, 1891, until his death, which occurred on the 12th of October, 1895, he was at the head of the wholesale house of John Gordon & Son. His advancement was continuous, and the steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible. His career was one of constantly broadening activity, and his developing powers contributed to the importance and extent of his achievements. Few men have gained higher esteem and respect, and he left to his family the rich heritage of an untarnished name, won through business integrity and kindly courtesy, constituting an example that others might profitably emulate.

Mr. Gordon was a member of the Board of Trade and was interested in municipal affairs to the extent of giving hearty cooperation to various plans and projects for the public good. His life was actuated in its purposes by his Christian faith, which found expression in his membership in the Erskine Presbyterian church.

Mr. Gordon married Miss Jane Roy, a daughter of James Roy, and they became parents of three sons, Charles B., James R. and William G. R. The second named, who was his father’s partner in the firm of John Gordon & Son and is now head of the business, was born in Montreal, January 7, 1870, and pursued his education in this city. Making his initial step in the business world, he was for four years with the house of George D. Ross & Company, manufacturers’ agents, and in 1891 he joined his father in organizing the firm and instituting the business of John Gordon & Son. The establishment remains today as one of the foremost wholesale dry-goods commission houses of Montreal, with trade connections that lead to all provinces of the Dominion.

James R. Gordon was married to Miss Catherine McIntyre, and they have three children, J. Archibald, J. Kenneth and Bruce McIntyre. Mr. Gordon’s deep interest in the material development of the city is indicated in his membership in the Board of Trade and the Chambre de Commerce. He is also a member of St. James and other clubs.