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,
Robert Gordon (rower) Robert Gordon (rower) Robert Gordon (30 July 1830 – 11 October 1914) was an English rower who won the Silver Goblets at Henley Royal Regatta, and clergyman. Gordon was born at West Bromwich, Staffordshire, the son of Rev, William Gordon of Lichfield. He was educated at Bridgnorth School and at Christ's College, Cambridge He won the University rowing pairs in 1853 with J. B. Barlee and the Silver Goblets at Henley Royal Regatta in 1854 also with Barlee. He won University pairs again in 1856 with P. H. Wormald Gordon was ordained deacon (Lichfield) in 1854 and priest in 1856.