GORDON, Alexander ²

   User ID: B25.

  General Notes:

Old Parish Register
Mortlach Parish Banffshire
Baptisms

"24 October 1776
Gordon
Alexr. son to Jas. Gordon & Isabel Duncan his wife in Reclitich - witnesses Alexr. Sherar in Littach & Jno. Gordon in the Miltown of Laggan"

The First Muster Roll of 1794 of the Gordon Highlanders, as they became known, contains several men by the name of Alexander Gordon. Only one fits exactly what we know about this Alexander Gordon:

"Gordon, Alexander; attested April 19; aged 17; height 5ft 5in; born Mortlach; occupation Labourer"

No information is given of his subsequent life or death. Other Alexander Gordons, who were born in Mortlach, were born at least five years before him or five years after.

In his daughter, Helen's death certificate of 1864, Alexander was recorded as a farmer. ^{2 3}

  Research Notes:

LITTACH

This is Lettach or Lettoch farm in the parish of Mortlach, Banffshire

THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS

This regiment was raised on the 10th February 1794 by the 4th Duke of Gordon. His wife, the Duchess Jean, who rode to the country fairs in highland bonnet and regimental jacket, would place, it is said, a golden guinea between her lips and offer a kiss to any man who would take the king's shilling.

The men were recruited in the large Gordon estates in Badenoch, Lochaber and Strathspey and from the counties of Aberdeen, Banff and Elgin, but many joined whose birthplaces were well beyond those counties. The Regiment was numbered the 100th Regiment of Foot, but the "Gordon Highlanders" name was used along with the number. In 1798 they became the 92nd Regiment of Foot, and it was under this number that they won their first battle honours. In 1881 they were amalgamated with the 75th Regiment.

see: http://www.thegordonhighlanders.co.uk/Raising.htm ³

Alexander married Anne DEY on 22 June 1794 in Mortlach parish, Banffshire, Scotland.¹ (Anne DEY was born about 1776.)

  Marriage Notes:

Old Parish Registers
Mortlach Parish Banffshire
Marriages

"June 20th 1794
Contracted Alexander Gordon and Ann Dey both in Tullich who were married 22nd last"

This was signed "Alexr Thomason session Clerk".

¹