William Washington Gordon II facts for kids
William Washington Gordon II (1834–1912) was an important military leader from Georgia. He served as a captain for the Confederate side during the American Civil War. Later, he became a brigadier general in the United States Army during the Spanish–American War.
Early Life and Career
William Washington Gordon II was the oldest son of Senator William Washington Gordon. He grew up in Georgia. In 1854, he finished his studies at Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
After college, he moved back to Savannah. There, he started a business in 1856 called Tison & Gordon. His company bought and sold cotton and rice.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Gordon joined the Georgia Hussars. He started as a lieutenant. He fought bravely and was promoted to captain and then to adjutant.
He was wounded only once during the war. This happened at Lovejoy's Station after the Battle of Jonesboro in 1864.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Gordon returned to his family's cotton plantation. He became a very successful businessman. He was the chairman of the Savannah Cotton Exchange. He also served as the vice-president of the Merchants' National Bank.
Gordon was also one of the people who helped start the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company. He was elected to the Georgia Assembly and served there from 1884 to 1889. In 1891, he was appointed a brigadier general in the United States Army.
Family Life
In 1857, William Washington Gordon II married Eleanor Lytle Kinzie. She was the younger daughter of Colonel John Harris Kinzie. William and Eleanor had six children together:
- Major William Washington Gordon III (1866–1932)
- Colonel George Arthur Gordon (1872–1947)
- Eleanor Kinzie Gordon (1858–1933), who married Congressman Richard Wayne Parker
- Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon (1860–1927), who is famous for starting the Girl Scouts of the USA
- Sarah Alice Gordon (1863–1880)
- Mabel McLane Gordon (1870–1951), who married Rowland Leigh (1859–1943). They had two children: Jane Gordon, who became an author, and Rowland Leigh, who became a screenwriter.
