Alexander Gordon (pioneer) facts for kids

Alexander Gordon (born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1635 – died in 1697) was a Scottish man who became famous for winning his freedom in a court case in early America. He fought as a Royalist (someone who supported the King) during the English Civil War. In 1651, he was captured by Oliver Cromwell's army at the Battle of Worcester.

After being captured, Alexander was held in prison near London during the winter of 1651–1652. In 1652, he was sent across the ocean to the New World (America). There, he was forced into a system called indentured servitude. This meant he had to work for someone for a set number of years without pay, almost like a servant, to pay off his travel costs. His later fight for freedom became an important legal example in Massachusetts.

Early Life and Capture

Alexander Gordon was born in 1635 in Aberdeen, Scotland. When he was a young man, he joined the Royalist side in the English Civil War. This war was fought between those who supported King Charles I and those who supported the Parliament, led by Oliver Cromwell.

In September 1651, Alexander was captured by Cromwell's army during the Battle of Worcester. This battle was one of the last major fights of the war. After his capture, he was held as a prisoner.

Journey to the New World

Many Scottish prisoners, including Alexander, were sent to the New World. They sailed on a ship called "Liberty" to Boston, in what is now Massachusetts. Once they arrived, they were held as prisoners of war in Watertown.

Alexander stayed with a man named John Cloyes, who was a ship's mate. They lived in Cambridge.

Forced Labor and the Fight for Freedom

In 1653, Alexander made a six-year agreement with Samuel Stratton of Watertown. The agreement said Alexander would be an "apprentice" and learn about farming. However, this was not a true apprenticeship. After working for a year without pay, John Cloyes sold Alexander to Samuel Stratton. This was like selling property, not a person.

The term "apprentice" was often used to hide the fact that these workers were not paid and had very few rights. Many other Scottish prisoners were also sent to America and forced to work for years for free. They were sold to landowners and mill owners, usually for six years.

Winning His Freedom

Alexander was supposed to be free in 1659, but he was forced to keep working. In November 1663, with help from someone in Cambridge, Alexander took his case to court in Massachusetts. He argued that his contract should have ended years earlier.

Alexander won his case! The court agreed that he should be released from his contract. This was a very important decision because it set an example for others in similar situations.

Life in New Hampshire

After gaining his freedom, Alexander Gordon moved to New Hampshire. There, he joined other Scottish former prisoners and helped to establish the town of Exeter. He found work at a sawmill owned by Nicholas Lisson.

When he was 28 years old, Alexander married Mary Lisson, Nicholas's 19-year-old daughter. Alexander and Mary became the ancestors of a large and important Gordon family in New England.

Notable Descendants

Many famous people in New Hampshire and beyond are descendants of Alexander Gordon. These include:

• William Gordon, who served as a U.S. Representative for New Hampshire.
• Daniel P. Gordon Jr., a State Representative in Rhode Island.
• Adoniram Judson Gordon, who founded Gordon College (Massachusetts).

Alexander Gordon passed away in 1697.

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