GORDON, Alexander Operatic Singer and Antiquary, Mr ¹

   Another name for Alexander was GORDON, Sandy.²

   User ID: D55.

  General Notes:

"He (Alexander Gordon) took the degree of master of arts at Aberdeen University, and seems to have become proficient in classical and modern languages and to have developed a talent for both music and fine art. In later years, however, his friend and scholarly patron Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, second baronet and baron of the exchequer in Scotland, regularly excused Gordon's failings in one way or another by saying that he had done well for one of his background and education; and Clerk (though a distinguished composer himself) further appeared to belittle Gordon's early professional career as a singer by observing that he had been 'bred up in the idleness of a musitian, but his head has now taken a more useful, at least a more diverting turn' towards that of a learned antiquary. Yet Clerk was also fair in his assessment of a career remarkable for its breadth and variety: 'Whatever weaknesses you may discover about him he is one of the most friendly grateful men I ever knew in my life & prodigiously sober & laborious' (Brown, Hobby-horsical Antiquary, 27\endash 8)."

from ODNB article




"From the authenticated copy of Gordon's last Will and Testament, communicated by Professor Daniel Wilson, we learn that Gordon died at Charleston, South Carolina, on or after the 22d of August 1754; and besides notices of his family, and his collections for a posthumous work on Egyptian Antiquities, it proves that among his various accomplishments he had practised for some time as a Portrait painter. He is also sometimes styled 'Singing Sandie,' which implies a knowledge or love of music."

from An Account of Alexander Gordon ^{1 2}

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Published: Itinerarium Septentrionale, 1726, London, England. ² "Itinerarium Septentrionale : or, a Journey thro'most of the Counties of Scotland, and those in the North of England. In two Parts, &c. The whole illustrated with sixty-six copperplates. By Alexander Gordon, A.M., London, printed for the Author, and sold by G. Strachan, J. Woodman, W. & J. Innes, and T. Woodward, 1726, folio."

2. Published: The Lives of Pope Alexander VI. and his son Cassar Borgia, 1729, London, England. ² "The Lives of Pope Alexander VI. and his son Cassar Borgia: comprehending the Wars in the Reigns of Charles VIII. and Lewis XII. Kings of France; and the chief Transactions and Eevolutions in Italy, from the year 1492 to the year 1506. With an Appendix of Original Pieces referred to in the Work. By Alexander Gordon, A.M. London, printed in the year 1729, folio."

3. Published: A Complete History of the Antient Amphitheatres, 1730, London, England. ² " A Complete History of the Antient Amphitheatres, more particularly regarding the Architecture of these Buildings, and in particular that of Verona. By the Marquis Scipio Maffei, made English from the Italian original by Alexander Gordon, A.M., Adorned with Sculpture; also some Account of this Learned Work. London : printed for Harmen Noorthquek. 1730. 8vo, pp. xvi. 423, and 25 plates."

4. Published: Lupone, or the Inquisitor. A Comedy, 1731, London, England. ² " Lupone, or the Inquisitor. A Comedy. London, printed for J. Wilford, behind the Chapter-house in St Paul's Church-yard, 1731. 8vo, pp. 84."

5. Acted: Secretary, 1736-1739, Society for the Encouragement of Learning. ² annual salary £50

6. Acted: Secretary, 1736-1741, Society of Antiquaries. ²

7. Published: An Essay towards Explaining the Antient Hieroglyphical Figures, 1737, London, England. ² " An Essay towards Explaining the Antient Hieroglyphical Figures on the Egyptian Mummy, in the Museum of Doctor Mead, Physician in Ordinary to his Majesty. By Alexander Gordon, A.M. London, printed for the Author, 1737. Folio, pp. 10."

8. Published: An Essay towards Explaining the Hieroglyphical Figures, 1737, London, England. ² "An Essay towards Explaining the Hieroglyphical Figures, on the Coffin of the Ancient Mummy belonging to Capt. William Lethieullier. By Alexander Gordon, A.M. London, printed for the Author, 1737. Polio, pp. 16."

9. Acted: Secretary, Before 1741, Edyptian Club. ² Egyptian Club was composed of gentlemen who had
visited Egypt, viz., Lord Sandwich, Dr Shaw, Dr Pococke, &c.

10. Accompanied: Governor Glen, 1741, South Carolina. ²

11. Named as a member: on list of members, 1741-1748, St Andrew's Club of Charleston, South Carolina. ²

12. Probate: will of Alexander Gordon, 1755, South Carolina, USA. ²

Alexander married.