San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1475
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 1/19/2010
ELMER E. GORDON
The pioneer plastering contractor of Stockton, Elmer E. Gordon has built up the same reputation for fine work as his father, who was known throughout this district in the early days for his excellent workmanship in the building up of Stockton and the outlying towns. He was born in Calaveras County, July 8, 1868, his parents being Aaron and Eliza J. (Anderson) Gordon, the former, a native of Ohio, now deceased, while Mrs. Gordon, who was born in Indiana, in November, 1835, is still living.
Aaron Gordon brought his wife and three children to California via the Isthmus in February, 1868. His wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Anderson, resided in Calaveras County, but he soon located in Stockton, where he followed the business of brick and plastering contracting, and he was one of the pioneers in this line. He was a factor in the development of Oakdale and Lodi, building many of the structures there, and in Stockton, among many others, did the brick work at the County Hospital and the plastering of the Franklin, Jefferson and Weber schools and the “What Cheer” House. He was widely known to the earlier residents of San Joaquin County and built up a reputation for fair dealing and honest work that is still well remembered. Many of the buildings which he erected in those early days are still standing. He was a veteran of the Civil War and served in Company A, Eighty-third Illinois Regiment, and was a charter member of Stockton Post, G.A.R. Public-spirited and interested in the upbuilding of the neighborhood's best interests, he served as a school trustee of the Homestead district. Mrs. Gordon's father, Josiah Anderson, came to California in 1849 and mined with success. He returned East with bags of gold, paid off his debts and returned to San Joaquin County with his family, spending his last days in Stockton. Four children are living of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Gordon: Virgil R., Elmer E., Mrs. Emma G. Matteson, and Mrs. D.C. Loos.
Elmer E. Gordon went to school in Stockton and learned the trades of bricklayer, cement worker and plasterer under his father, working with him in different parts of the county until his death. In recent years he has specialized in plastering contracting and his work can be found on many of the finest buildings of Stockton, among them the Stockton Savings & Loan Bank building, the San Joaquin Valley Bank, now the Bank of Italy, the San Joaquin Building, Elks Building, additions to the Smith & Lang Building, St. Agnes Academy, the beautiful home of Frederick K. Rindge, one of the finest mansions in the valley, Oakdale Church, many schoolhouses outside of Stockton and a large number of residences in the city. He is a member of the Builders Exchange.
In Stockton, on July 8, 1905, Mr. Gordon was married to Miss Maude Frodsham, a native daughter, born in San Francisco, and they make their home at 1622 South Sutter street, Stockton, where they own a comfortable bungalow. Mrs. Gordon is the daughter of Edward E. and Mary E. (Frodsham) Frodsham, who were born in England and came to California across the plains. Mr. Frodsham was a miller in San Francisco, coming to Stockton in 1894, and there he died; his wife had preceded him in 1880. The youngest of eight children, three now living, Mrs. Gordon was educated in the schools of San Francisco. Grandfather William A. Frodsham was a watchmaker, as were his ancestors, who were celebrated chronometer manufacturers. After his father's death, Mr. Gordon gave up his contracting work for some time and traveled as a colporteur for the International Bible Students Association, distributing religious literature in Nevada and over a large territory in California, but in 1915 he again engaged in contracting.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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