David Alexander Gordon

David Alexander Gordon(January 18, 1858 – March 9, 1919) was aCanadianpolitician. Born inWallaceburg,Canada West,the son of Aaron Gordon (Scottish heritage), and Jane Steinchoff (German heritage), Gordon educated at the public schools in Wallaceburg.

David Alexander Gordon
Member of theCanadian Parliament
forKent East
In office
1904–1917
Preceded byThe electoral district was created in 1903.
Succeeded byThe electoral district was abolished in 1914.
Personal details
Born(1858-01-18)January 18, 1858
Wallaceburg,Canada West
DiedMarch 9, 1919(1919-03-09)(aged 61)
Political partyLiberal

His sonArthur Saint Clair Gordon(1894–1953) later served as an Ontario cabinet minister. His daughterRuby May Gordon(1885–1952) was an opera singer.

Political career

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A manufacturer, he was a town councillor and mayor of Wallaceburg from 1898 to 1900. He was an unsuccessful candidate for theHouse of Commons of Canadafor the electoral district ofBothwellat thegeneral elections of 1900.He was elected in1904for the electoral district ofKent East.ALiberal,he was re-elected in1908and1911.

Business career

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Although D. A. Gordon had a successful regional and national political career he is known locally as the "Father of Modern Wallaceburg". He was most likely given this title for his work in establishing four of Wallaceburg's most successful industries: Wallaceburg Cooperage Company (1887), Sydenham Glass Company (1894), Canada and Dominion Sugar Company (1901), and the Wallaceburg Brass and Iron Limited Company (1905). He played various leadership roles in starting the aforementioned businesses, however, his ability to raise investment funds was invaluable.[1]

Legacy

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A southside public school was in his honour, the D. A. Gordon Public School, on 430 King Street, from 1922 before its closure in June 2014.[2]It then became the Edward International Academy.

Electoral record

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1900 Canadian federal election:Bothwell
Party Candidate Votes
Conservative James Clancy 2,547
Liberal David A. Gordon 2,430

References

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  1. ^Mann, Alan and Frank.Settlement on The Sydenham: The Story of Wallaceburg.Wallaceburg: Standard Press, 1984, 2-15.
  2. ^GOUGH, David (26 June 2014)."The last day for D.A. Gordon public school".Wallaceburg Courier Press.Retrieved30 December2023.