GORDON, JOHN (1829-1909) was born in Edinburgh, emigrated with his parents to Sydney (1838) and to Bay of Islands (1840), where his father had a Government post.

At the end of 1840 they moved to Auckland, purchasing a section in Waterloo Quadrant and a farm at Tamaki. Later they moved to Otahuhu. His father having died in 1853, Gordon farmed for a few years and then let the property and went into business as a commission agent in Otahuhu. He served in the Royal Cavalry Volunteers (1860-71) and was later captain of the Otahuhu Rifles (1871-82). He was chairman of the Auckland hospital board for some years; chairman of the Otahuhu road board; and member of the school committee (1878-82) and he inaugurated the borough council. He was a charter member of lodge St John, Otahuhu (S.C.) in 1866. From 1868-73 he represented Raglan in the Provincial Council. For 46 years (1859-1905) he represented Otahuhu on the diocesan synod. From 1865 he was secretary of the New Zealand Agricultural Association. Gordon moved to Auckland in 1887, and died there on 28 Jan 1909. He married Lucy, daughter of Dr Elmsly (Otahuhu).

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Barclay; Otahuhu Diamond Jubilee (1938); Auckland Star, 28 Jan 1909.

Reference: Volume 1, page 171

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