James Gordon (New York politician)

James Gordon (October 31, 1739 – January 17, 1810) was an Irish-born American merchant, soldier, and politician.

James Gordon
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 6th congressional district
In office
March 4, 1791 – March 3, 1793
Preceded byJeremiah Van Rensselaer
Succeeded byEzekiel Gilbert
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 9th congressional district
In office
March 4, 1793 – March 3, 1795
Preceded byDistrict created
Succeeded byJohn Williams

He was born in Killead, County Antrim, Ireland, and left in 1758, settling in Schenectady, New York. From that base and from Detroit, Michigan, he traded with various Native American tribes. He owned slaves.[1]

He served as militia lieutenant colonel in the American Revolution. In the 1780 British raid, known as "The Burning of the Valleys", he was captured and taken to Quebec, where he was held until he managed to escape in 1783.[2]

During and after the war, first in 1777, held various legislative offices, serving in both houses of the state legislature, and representing the state in the United States House of Representatives from 1791 until 1795.

Gordon was married to Mary Ball, daughter of Rev. Eliphalet Ball, the founder of Ballston, New York.[3]

Gordon Creek, in the Town of Ballston, is named for him.

References
  1. "Congress slaveowners", The Washington Post, 13 January 2022, retrieved 5 July 2022
  2. Anderson, George Baker (1899). Our County and Its People. The Boston History Company. pp. 65–70. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
  3. Stone, William Leete (1880). REMINISCENCES OF SARATOGA AND BALLSTON. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
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