Gordon Family Records, by J. Montgomery Seaver; Paperback; 52 pp; 1929; Item # SV02

J. Montgomery Seaver, of the American Historical-Genealogical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania compiled about 50 short family histories between 1899 and the 1920s. The books are soft covered, saddle stapled and measure about 5.5 x 8.5 inches. The Gordon volume was published in 1929 and has 51 pages. The following genealogical information can be found in the book:

Photographs of Armistead Churchill Gordon of Staunton, Virginia; The Aberdeenshire Cardle of the Gordons; and General John Brown Gordon;

An introduction that includes a short history of the Gordon surname;

Under the heading of Ancient Gordon Families, two pages are given to charts showing the chief branches of the Gordons in the North of Scotland. Following are Gordons found in "Burke's General Armory," are listed as well as a number of descendancies. Those listed are the Gordons of Huntley; Gordon of Embo; George Gordon, Second Earl of Huntly; the Lord John Gordon family; the Gordans of Wardhouse and Kildrummy; Gordon of Abergeldie; Gordon of Earlston; Gordon of Culvennan; Gordon of Wincombe Park; Gordon of Cairnfield; Gordon of Manor; Gordan of Drimnin; Gordon of Newtimber; Gordan of Threave; Gordan of Pitlurg; and the Judge Thomas Gordan Family.

A listing of 74 prominent British Gordons of past generations is given with the biographical description usually giving year of birth and death, occupation, notable achievements, and lists of any published works by the individual.

A listing of 44 prominent British Gordons who were living in 1929 when the book was compiled is also given. Education, degrees, residence, service, birth year and father's name are usually given.

Under the heading of Gordons in the American Revolution, 15 Gordons who were officers are listed with biographical information. Typically listed is the state from which the officer served, their rank and dates thereof as well as their date of termination with the Army (whether by resignation, death, etc.). Listed by state, first name, and the number of Gordons by that name are 604 Gordons who served in the Revolution.

A chart of "The Lancaster and Middlesex Family of Virginia Gordons - showing 20 fighting men is included.

Thirteen prominent Gordons from past generations who lived in America are listed in biographical format, typically giving occupation, important life events, year and place of birth, and year and place of death. A listing of 26 prominent American Gordons who were living in 1929 at time of publication of the book is given. The biographical information is sometimes as little as a name and occupation to as much as occupation, father's name, birth year and place, important life events, and city of residence.

A listing of 21 American localities in which the name Gordon is listed is given.

A listing of how many households, by state, is given, totaling 5,967. It is stated that the list was made from telephone and city directories.

A short section of the book deals with the religious affiliations of Gordon families.

A bibliography of 45 sources, as to where the information in the book came from is given at the back.

And a descriptive page on the coat of arms of the Gordons of Huntly, Aboyne, etc.;

Two pages are included for recording family data. The book is in good condition and would make an interesting and useful addition to a researcher's Gordon surname oriented materials. The book has no index and there are too many Gordon listed to find any one person, so please don't ask!