L. F. GORDON, one of the leading and influential citizens of central Texas, is at the head of a large general mercantile store at Bluff Dale. He belongs to that class of American citizens progressive and enterprising, who promote the public welfare while advancing individual prosperity, and in this volume, devoted to the best residents of central Texas, he well deserves representation. For almost a quarter of a century he has been a resident of this locality his name synonymous with honorable dealing and with all that is commendable in private life.

Mr. Gordon is native of Georgia, his birth having occurred in Barton county on the 31st of August, 1852. He is the third son and youngest child of William and Emeline (Padon) Gordon, both natives of South Carolina, the former of Scotch and latter of Irish lineage. They lived on a farm and there our subject was reared, making his home with his mother until coming to Texas, when a young man of eighteen. It was in 1871 that he bade adieu to his old home and came to the west, locating in Hood County, where he embarked in the grocery business in connection with his brother, A.P. Gordon. Thus was formed the well-known firm of A.P. & L.F. Gordon, which has since been so prominently identified with commercial interests in this section of the state. They continued in the grocery trade alone for four years and then opened a general mercantile store, which from the beginning has been attended with success, owing to the high reputation which the proprietors bear. Their trade grew and in 1890 justified the establishing of a branch house, which was opened in Bluff Dale in the spring of that year, our subject taking charge of it, while his brother continued in charge of the store in Granbury. In both stores they have a large and well selected stock, and their courteous treatment of their patrons and their straightforward dealing insures them a liberal patronage. Their efforts have not been confined alone to merchandise, but have been extended in other directions. They own and operate a cotton gin both in Granbury and in Bluff Dale, and have large landed interests, including four hundred acres of rich land under cultivation.

On the 13th of November, 1873, was celebrated the marriage of L.F. Gordon and Miss Fanny Love, a native of Kentucky and daughter of William Love. Her father was an invalid, and with the hope of restoring his health he and his daughter traveled extensively, spending some time in thirteen different states of the Union. Three children were born by the marriage of Mr. Gordon and his estimable wife, a son and two daughters, namely:

The parents hold a membership with the Methodist Episcopal church and are deeply interested in all that will promote its welfare. In social circles they occupy an enviable position and their home is noted for its hospitality. Mr. Gordon is a valued member of several civic societies, including the Granbury Lodge, No. 327, I.O.F., and Myrtle Lodge of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In his political views he is a Democrat, having supported that party since attaining his majority.

Mr. Gordon has not circumscribed his enterprise and progressive spirit within selfish and narrow boundaries, but has ever stood ready to lend influence and tangible aid in furthering such interests as will be of benefit to the city and its people, being broad-minded and public-spirited and a business man whose value to the community is not to be lightly estimated.

History of Texas, 1896, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co.