Biography
Son of William Gordon (d. 1716), 6th Viscount Kenmure and Mary Dalyell (d. 1776). Married (1744) to Frances Mackenzie.
John Gordon's father forfeited his title for his part in the Jacobite Rebellion in 1715, for which he was executed in the following year, so John Gordon was only Viscount Lord Kenmore by courtesy. The honours were restored to John Gordon's son, John Gordon (1750-1841) in 1824.
Boswell described Gordon as "a man of a good heart, a cheerful temper, and uncommon genius".1
- 1In Journal of my Jaunt, September 16, 1762
Life with Boswell
Boswell visited him at Kenmure on the first part of his Harvest Jaunt, on September 16, 1762. He stayed for two days, and thoroughly enjoyed the company of Lord and Lady Kenmure.