1883 Maggie Gordon CDV Photo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Missionary Family

#302 US Presbyterian Church & Missionary History:

This is a wonderful 1883 hand signed CDV photograph of Maggie Gordon. The reverse has handwritten, in old dip pen ink: "For Libbie Hall, with love from Maggie Gordon, 1883." In ballpoint pen is also boldly handwritten: "Related to Alexander Gordon, missionary to India, Cedar Rapids." This is in Linn County, Iowa. Photo type: Original Antique Victorian CDV carte de visite Photograph. Photographer: Unmarked, Unknown.

Found in Public Genealogy Records:
Margaret Carrie Gordon 1865-1890: She is listed as both born at sea, and born in India. She died in Chicago, Illinois, 3 years after her father, as per her death certificate, age 26.

Her father: Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Andrew Walker Gordon 1828–1887 born in Putnam, Washington County, New York, and died in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. His parents were Alexander Gordon 1788–1845 and Margaret Martin Gordon 1801–1832.
His siblings were:
Elizabeth G Gordon 1823–1915
Margaret Martin Gordon 1826–1904
James W Gordon 1830–1921
David Martin Gordon 1832–1880

Reverend Andrew Gordon was a Presbyterian missionary to Inida for 30 years. In February 1855, he arrived in Calcutta, India with his wife Rebecca Campbell Gordon 1830–1900, and sister Elizabeth Greig Gordon 1824–1915. Together they opened the United Presbyterian Mission of the USA in Lahore, Punjab, expanding to Sialkot, Pakistan; where he was joined by many other missionaries there in the Himalayan region. Christian schools, orphanages and relief, missionary work was undertaken as well as the opening of the Sialkot Church Council in 1859. This groundwork grew and other Presbyterian Churches were established. Andree Gordon is the author of the book, in "Our India Missions: A Thirty Year's History of the India Mission of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, Together with Personal Reminiscences", self published by Andrew Gordon in 1886. It has 516 pages.

Her mother: Rebecca Campbell Smith 1830–1900, born in Pennsylvania.
Their 4 Children:
1. Eldorado Louisa Gordon Donnan 1853–1944 (known as Allie Gordon, married William James Donnan 1845–1919 and had 9 children: Harrison Gordon Donnan 1875–1956, Helen R Donnan 1877–1964, Walter Andrew Donnan 1879–1933, Paul Samuel Donnan 1882–, William Edwin Donnan born 1883, Margaret Sophia Donnan 1890–1979,
2. Silas Gordon born 1855
3. Euphemia Elizabeth Gordon 1858–1909
4. Joseph Gordon born 1861
5. Margaret Carrie Gordon 1865-1890, this photo, died age 26, see above.
6. David Reid Gordon 1866–1959 (married Grace Williamson Gordon who died in 1936)

Maggie Gordon in the 1870 United States Federal Census
Age in 1870: 5
Birth Year: abt 1865
Birthplace: At Sea
Home in 1870: Cedar Rapids Ward 4, Linn, Iowa
Attended School: Y
Inferred Father: Andrew Gordon
Inferred Mother: Rebecca Gordon
Household, Age:
Andrew Gordon 41
Rebecca Gordon 40
Alice Gordon 17
Euphia Gordon 12
Maggie Gordon 5
David Gordon 3

Alexander T. Gordon in the 1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Alexander T. Gordon
Age: 11
Birth Date: Abt 1869
Birthplace: East India
Home in 1880: Clinton, Linn, Iowa, USA
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's name: James Gordon
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's name: Elinor J. Gordon
Mother's Birthplace: New York
Attended School: Yes
Household Members: Name Age
James Gordon 49
Elinor J. Gordon 42
John M. Gordon 18
Ella M. Gordon 16
Lizzy B. Gordon 13
Alexander T. Gordon 11

This beautiful photo of Maggie was found in Sea Ranch, Sonoma County, California. Maggie would be about 18 years of age at the time taken. A beautiful old clearly signed piece and a wonderful piece of Presbyterian history. Maggie is buried with her parents in the West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in the Philadelphia, area. It is the site of many notable burials.

Size: 2.5 by 4 inches
       Note: The original is sold, but you may still purchase large, detailed and intimate 300 dpi high resolution scans of front and back, sent immediately via email. Please check our site carefully, as many may be related to each other that we are unaware of. Click scan to place in your cart. Thank you, enjoy! ~debra (please also join me at Ancestorville Genealogy on facebook. contact info on top bar)