Gordon & Durrenberger Family History
MINNESOTA CONNECTION
MINNESOTA CONNECTION
The Gordons in Morrison County, Minnesota
Thomas C. Gordon immigrates to Minnesota in 1887
Thomas Campbell Gordon, my great-grandfather, crossed the Atlantic in 1887 aboard the Servia, departing from Queenstown, Ireland, and arriving in New York before making his way to Minnesota — first to St. Paul, and then to Little Falls, where he would put down roots.
Though Thomas was born in Wales, his roots are firmly Scottish. The Gordon family traces back to the area around Gatehouse of Fleet in southwest Scotland, where his great-grandfather, James Gordon — farmed the land at Claughreid in Kirkmabreck Parish from 1806 to 1848, leasing his fields from the Hannay estate.
Thomas's father, also named James Gordon, followed a different path. As a land agent responsible for managing large estates, James led a roving life that carried the family across Britain. In the early 1860s, he served as land agent for the Right Honourable Lord Greenock in North Yorkshire, England. Around 1864, the family relocated to Wales, where James took on a dual role as railway secretary and land agent — and it was there, in 1866, that Thomas Campbell Gordon was born. The family later moved to Ireland, where his father died in 1892.
By the time Thomas was 21, he was ready to forge his own future in America. Before departing, he secured a Letter of Introduction from his uncle by marriage, Thomas Rowatt, Jr. — a well-regarded London businessman — a testament to the connections and character he carried with him across the ocean.
Morrison County Influentials
Morrison County Historical Society
Thomas C. Gordon (1866-1923) – Businessman.
Born in Wales. Came to the United States when he was 21, arriving in New York City and moving directly to Minnesota.
In 1887, he started working for the Little Falls Water Company in St. Paul, but was transferred to Little Falls within a month. Gordon served as an assistant to the engineer and kept the books for the company. In 1889, he became the Secretary/Treasurer. In 1903, he became the General Manager of the company, which operated the dam in Little Falls.
In 1888, he started the Gordon Lumber Company in Little Falls, running it for 3 years. In 1890, he formed the Peoples Ice Company, and ran it for 12 years. Also in 1890 he organized the Little Falls Building and Loan Association and served as its Secretary and Treasurer. He was Secretary of the Little Falls Milling Company from 1890 to 1894 and also served as Secretary of the Little Falls Electric and Water Company.
He helped form the Morrison County Electric Light, Heat and Power Company and Pike Rapids Hydro Electric Company.
In 1918, he got out of the water power business and started the Gordon Motor Company with his sons Warren and Harker.
Three generations of his descendants
Little Falls is where several generations of his descendants were born and raised. These include Warren McKean ("Blackie") Gordon, Sr, Warren McKean ("Buzz") Gordon, Jr, and myself, Warren McKean Patrick ("Sandy") Gordon, III.
Map of family events in Morrison County, Minnesota
By clicking on the markers, you can view the family events that took place at that location. You can zoom the map in and out and drag it from side to side to see more of Morrison County.