GORDON, WILLIAM M (1844 - 1913)

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Watsonville Pajaronian (January 7, 1913)
William Gordon
Pioneer Cemetery, Watsonville

William Gordon is In Land of Rest
Well Known Resident of This City Dies after Paralytic Stroke This Morning

William Gordon, the well known and highly respected resident of Brennan street in this city, died this morning about 6:30 o'clock following a paralytic stroke that seized him a short time before he passed away. When he awoke and dressed this morning Mr. Gordon felt in his usual good health and spirits and he was about to leave the house when the attack suddenly came. He was assisted to a chair by his wife and medical aid was immediately summoned. He was pronounced out of danger but shortly afterward he suddenly was again stricken and he fell over dead. The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

The deceased was a native of Illinois and was aged 68 years 2 months and 30 days. In 1849 he came to California and remained here until before the outbreak of the Civil War when he returned to Illinois. In 1863 he enlisted in the 3d Wisconsin infantry and was assigned to Sherman's division of the union army. He served until the end of the war and in 1865 he came to California again. He first engaged in farming in Sacramento County and later followed the business of stock raising in Nevada and Arizona. He then married Louise Peckham, daughter of the late A.C. Peckham and Mary Peckham, and removed to Oregon after the marriage. He returned to California about twenty years ago and came to Watsonville from Oregon. He first lived on the Salsipuedes road near this city and eight years ago he removed to this city, living on Brennan street ever since. He had been the janitor at the grammar and primary schools since he had moved to this city. He was highly regarded and esteemed by all here that knew him and the news of his death will come as a big shock to his many friends in the community. He was a prominent member of R.L. McCook Post G.A.R. of this city.

He is survived by his wife and the following children: Joseph B. Gordon of San Mateo, Henry Gordon, William Gordon, Minnie Gordon of this city and the following sisters: Mrs. Catherine Stanley of Sacramento, Mrs. E. Barnes of Los Angeles and Mrs. Melinda Bullard of Isleton, Sacramento county.

Date of Birth: 1844-10-10

Date of Death: 1913-07-01

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Santa Cruz County

Plot: 19-Dec

Mortuary: BBU

Cause of Death: Strk/Related

Spouse: Peckham_ Louise

Occupation: Rancher

Local Address: Brennan St.

Last City: Watsonville

Native of: IL

Father Native of: Alexander(ST)

Mother Native of: Hinton_ Margarita OH)

Enlisted: 1864/01/04

Discharged: 1865/07/08

Military Unit: WI_ 3 Inf_ Co I

Rank: Cpl

Military Notes: R-Monticllo_ M/O-Madison

GAR#: M26

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: RLM 1908 Roster

Creator: Nelson, Robert L.
Source: Old Soldier: the story of the Grand Army of the Republic in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz, CA: The Museum of Art & History, c2004.
Date: Undated
Coverage: Santa Cruz (County)
Rights: Reproduced by permission of Robert L. Nelson.
Identifier: OS-0377

Citation

Nelson, Robert L. “GORDON, WILLIAM M (1844 - 1913).” Old Soldier: the story of the Grand Army of the Republic in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz, CA: The Museum of Art & History, c2004. SCPL Local History. https://history.santacruzpl.org/omeka/items/show/133353. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.