The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1875-10-23 00:00:00

A ROMANCE OF THE PEERAGE.

There has just died, at his residence in Coatbridge,
a well-known townsman, named James Gordon.
Generally believed, says the Glasgow Herald, to be
descended from the stock of the Gordons of Lochinvar
or Kenmure, "Young Jamie," apparently inheriting
'the patriotic, though, perhaps, misguided military
ardour of his fcrefathers, entered into foreign service
at the early age of 17. Although so vet y young, be
was tall, MUSCUiar, and strongly-built. He continued
abroad for several years, and Was "under fire" in
several of the sanguinary conflicts of the Peninsular
war—his first engagement, it is believed, being the
final and successful investment of Badajoz,
which ref3iilted in the taking of the city by storm,
after a 20 days' siege, in which our brave army,
suffered severely ; but the garrison and their '
commander became prisoners of war. Gordon
also served in the Royal Sappers and Miners. He lost
an eye by an accident in mining' operations, and was
discharged at Woolwich on the 30th September, 1820,
with a pension of 9d a day. Throughout his whole ser-
vice he was a zealous and exemplary soldier, and bore
about him the stamp and evidences of a loftier region
than his humble station gave reason to expect. When
Gordon returned to Scotland he took service under
several coalmasters, and was engaged at first princi-
pally in " shanking " operations. While in the em-
ployment of the Dundyvan Company the excitement
about the heirship to the estate of Kennaure and its
belongings cropped up, and so general was the belief
entertained that Gordon was the legitimate heir, that
funds were quickly subscribed to carry the case
into court. After a rather tedious litigation
he was successful, and thus "one of the most singular
events in life occurred, which make contrasts at times
appear almost fabulous." "The soldier turned peer"
had often been the player's jest, but it now became a
veritable reality, when in September, 1848, this James
Gordon, the private soldier, succeele,(l, as heir to his
grandfather, to the titles of Viscount Kenmure and
Lord Lochinvar. When the exciting news reached
Coatbridge, a great demonstration of popular feeling
was made. Bonfires were kindled in the principal
thoroughfares of the then small village, and a brilliant
display of fireworks was made from the windows
of the " Coatbridge " Inn. The lucky heir was
meanwhile most hospitably entertained to supper,
and the health of "Earl Keninure,." "Viscount
Gordon," "Lord Lochinvar," &c.—all titles pertamirt
to the successor of the Gordon family—was most en-
thusiastically proposed, amidst the universal rejoic-
ings of the populace. But the party in posiesaion kept
good their seats, and "Poor Jamie," although served
with the titles, never got possession of the estate. One
friend after another who had helped him in his pro-
longed litigious struggle "dropped off" when another
" ease " was threatened, and when the "supplies"
were no longer forthcoming, "Lord" Gordon had again
to settle down as a humble artisan in the rich mineral
fields surrounding the iron village of Coatbridge. flare
he continued in his humble occupation, serving for
many years under Messrs. Neilson, of Summ,erlee, where
latterly, after old age began to creep upon him, he was
granted a pension, although he had failed to obtain
what he termed his" rights" from the Crown. His
naturally vigorous constitution kept firm to the last,
and the "Earl" could often be observed stalking along
the main street, staff in hand, or enjoying a social
glass. His wife died many years ago, and the only
relative that is left is a daughter. The remains of the
unfortunate "Earl" have been interred in Mount
Zion Churchyard, the funeral procession being wit-
nessed by a large crowd of sympathisers.