Cornelius Anderton, the father of George R. was a native of Lincolnshire, England, and by trade a saddler and harness maker. He died, at the age of sixty-five years, in his native country. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria Walker, was the only daughter of William Walker, a well-to-do saddler in the city of Lincoln, England.

As has been before stated, Mr. William E. Gordon, married Maria E., a daughter of George R. Anderton. His father, William Gordon, was a native of Ohio, and when a young man came to Illinois, where he engaged in farming, after which he took up the pork-packing business. The parents of William E. are still living, in Scott County, and had five children: William E., John I., of Macon County; Henry L., David O., and James B.; they are all married and farming for themselves. William E. Gordon was born at Lynnville, Morgan County, June 26, 1850. He was reared on a farm, and attended the district schools until 1867, at which time he went to Bloomington and took a course of instruction in the State Normal School, remaining there for one year. At the age of twenty-two he commenced farming on his own account with sixty acres of land, which he owned, until he bought his present place, which consists of a half section, nearly all under cultivation. His farm is well improved, has fine fences and is well watered, the Rocky Branch coursing through it. His house is large containing fifteen rooms, while the barns and other outbuildings are in keeping with the entire place. Mr. Gordon takes special pride in raising graded cattle and Poland-China hogs. He is a feeder of cattle, which he ships to different markets. He is the father of seven children: Lucy C., George H., Sarah E., Edith M., Walter (who died at the age of two years), Allen O., and Gertie. Politically, he belongs to the Union Labor party. As a business man and farmer he ranks high, and as a neighbor is well liked.