Robert Gordon (philanthropist) Robert Gordon (philanthropist) Robert Gordon (1668–1731), a 17th-century merchant and philanthropist, was born in Aberdeen. He was the only son of Arthur Gordon who married Isabella Menzies of Balgownie. When Arthur Gordon, a well-respected advocate in the Edinburgh courts, died in 1680, he left his twelve-year-old son the sum of 20,000 merks (about £1,100 then and considerably more in modern currency). When Gordon reached the age of sixteen he became a Burgess of the City of Aberdeen. Among other benefits, this entitled him to follow a merchant's trade in the town. During the next few years he attended Marischal College,
Maria Gordon Maria Gordon Dame Maria Matilda Gordon (née Ogilvie; 30 April 1864 – 24 June 1939), known as May Ogilvie Gordon, was an eminent Scottish geologist, palaeontologist, and politician. She was the first woman to be awarded a Doctor of Science from University of London and the first woman to be awarded a PhD from the University of Munich. She was also a supporter and campaigner for the rights and equality of children and women. Ogilvie was born in Monymusk, Aberdeenshire in 1864, the eldest daughter of Maria Matilda Nichol and Reverend Alexander Ogilvie, LL.D., headmaster of Robert Gordons College. She